Postcard from Africa: Benin

Postcard from Africa: Benin

“My name is Gandonou Dossou, and I’m a mechanic in my village. For two years now, I’ve been struggling with a very serious case of depression that has made me completely ill. All my friends have abandoned me, and I’ve become a disgrace to my family, who claim I’ve dishonoured them by bringing shame on their name.

“Indeed, it has been three years since my friend Cyriaque made a long trip to Nigeria to work. He left without his wife and their two children. Cyriaque and I grew up together, and after school, each learned the trade of our choice: I, a mechanic, and him, a mason. He travelled for two years, entrusting his family to me. I played this role well, but one day, my heart weakened, and the irreparable happened: his wife became pregnant with me. There was an uproar in the village. Upon returning, my friend and I became enemies, despite regretting my actions. I felt so guilty that I never found myself again until the day I attended the Jesus Film at the Church of the Nazarene where Jesus forgave Zacchaeus and also the oppressor whose ear was cut off. I now know that Jesus has also forgiven me, and I have decided to follow him.”