Haggai leader Kambire Souleymane is devotedly bringing hope to his home in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, a nation in Southern West Africa. Determined and consistent, he works as both general administrator and pastor of the Center of Ministries of the Evangelical Church of Assemblies of God in Ivory Coast.

“What I am passionately interested in is the spiritual awakening of the church in my country, which will bring a massive salvation of souls.”

Côte d’Ivoire is a primarily Islamic country, with only 12% of the citizenry identifying as Christians. The country’s population is somewhat divided from North to South, as Muslims concentrate primarily in the Northern regions, and non-Muslim religions including Christianity, animism, and other teachings inhabit Southern areas. Kambire himself was formerly a Muslim, until at 18 years old when he met Jesus and was “transformed.” Fortunately, the people of Côte d’Ivoire are currently able to share the Gospel freely, but there is no guarantee that this will always be the case.

“This is why I have no time to waste,” Kambire says. “The time is now.”

Kambire was equipped through the Haggai Leader Experience in 2018. He has since planted four churches and shared the Gospel with over 5,000 people. In addition, he plans to establish six more churches in the Béré Region. He also desires to reach his tribe, the Lobi. Farmers and hunters, the Lobi people grow staples millet and sorghum. They practice polygyny and their religious beliefs were animistic before Islamic influence entered their area.

“My tribe is not sufficiently reached with the Gospel. I want them to be saved, too. After Haggai, I decided to be a ‘trend-bender’ as a committed servant of God.”

A Ph.D. student, Kambire also hosts ministry training via campaigns and seminars, has successfully equipped about 456 leaders to effectively advance the Gospel.

“By the grace of God, my work will be fruitful for the Kingdom of God here in Côte d’Ivoire and all over the world.”

The Souleymane family shares a spiritual fervor; Kambire’s wife and children familiarize others with the Gospel everywhere they go. A tight-knit group of disciples, they can be found at home worshiping, praying, and having meals together, cultivating the power of the Spirit to continue their ministries.

Written by Gwendolyn Reed