Formerly known as the Ivory Coast, Côte d’Ivoire is the world’s largest exporter of cocoa beans, while also exporting coffee and palm oil. Home to beautiful beaches, wildlife preserves, and rainforests, it is among the fastest-growing countries in the world. According to a U.S. nonprofit that studies poverty issues around the globe, of the 26 million people living in this West African country, 46% live below the poverty line. Though there have been marked improvements with growth and development, poverty still exists. It is noted that one reason for this might be the lack of education among women. While 55.5% percent of males finish secondary school, only 42% of women do. In 2016, the country’s government changed its constitution to make it against the law to perform any act of violence against women and to promote their presence through those holding government offices.

With these reforms in place, it is not surprising to note that one woman, in particular, is taking her city in Côte d’Ivoire by storm. Wife to Patrick; mother of four; pastor; evangelist; marketing mastermind; Haggai leader; lover of Jesus; dreamer; visionary; teacher; helper of orphans. These are just a few words that describe Reverend Marie-Paule Koupoh Epse Glokonhi. In 1997, she surrendered her life to Christ after attending a church service at her aunt and uncle’s. In 2003, she and Patrick married. After attending a Bible institute, in 2011, she opened her first church. And today, she has 200 congregants at her church in San Pédro, where she also oversees three other churches in the area. Her city of 260,000 lies in the Southwestern Forests region and is home to the second-largest seaport in the country.

She and her husband feel called to help the orphans and other school-aged children in their area, and they try to make sure each child has the funds to attend school to receive a proper education.

She shares, “In the San Pédro area, my church has sent out young pastors to start churches in various villages. I want these pastors to take care of Jesus-followers. Right now, my dream is to fund a center where we can equip married couples on what the Bible says about marriage, instead of them relying on what society says. So many marriages end up in divorce in my town. I think that families really need Jesus.”

Marie has been writing books on marriage and her goals are to equip people in discipleship and to help build stronger families. She and her husband desire to equip the next generation, starting with their children.

Written by Valerie Dyke