A New Decade, a New Lead Evangelist Heralding a New Era for the Church in Francophone Africa

Paule and Francis Dassé

Abidjan – December 27, 2009, the atmosphere was jubilant as the entire Church of Christ in Abidjan met for its end of year service in the church property in the area of Angré. Not only because of the holiday season, not only because of the high expectations of this special contribution service, but mainly because for the first time in over a year, the Church in Francophone Africa would finally be able to unite under the leadership of a new lead evangelist.

Since the end of 2007 the Church here has undergone difficult times as the entire ecclesiastical corps went through an overhaul with the departure of our former lead evangelist and a few members of staff. This shook the fellowship to its core and we lost members during this very painful time.

This experience made the leadership to re-examine the organizational structure of the church and the roles the leaders played at every level. The church was left with three remaining evangelists and many experienced ministry leaders; each one examining his motivations and convictions.

By mid 2008, the staff decided to put the French-speaking African churches under the leadership of an interim
Evangelist, Eric Le Berre and then under a collaborative leadership of the three evangelists, Eric Le Berre, Daniel Déroux and Francis Dassé.

After many months of prayer, deliberations and fasting, the ecclesiastical body came to the conviction that in order to be a truly united church, it would be necessary to name one man as the leade with the others uniting faithfully behind him. The entire church was unified in this decision and through prayer and fasting, we were able to help our leadership come to a clear vision of which man among this very talented and zealous group would be the one to lead the church powerfully into the next decade.

It was very moving to see the whole staff come on stage as one man to announce to the congregation that the choice has fallen on Francis Dassé as new lead Evangelist. It was clear to see the humility and unity as each of the other two evangelists Eric Le Berre and Daniel Deroux spoke of and prayed for Francis in his new role.

With great modesty and emotion, Francis thanked his wife, Paule, his fellow leaders and the congregation for our support and asked for our continued prayers for him to accomplish the task before him.

To complete the charge of maturing the leadership, two other men of faith and experience were ordained evangelists on this day also: Fulbert Senemeho, Central Region leader and Emmanuel Kinimo Koffi, West Region leader.

The structure of the leadership of French West Africa is now organized in the following:


Lead Evangelist Francis DASSE (Abidjan South Region & French-speaking Africa)

Eangelist Daniel DEROUX (Abidjan North Region)

Evangelist Eric LE BERRE (Abidjan Est Region)

Evangelist Fulbert SINEMEHO (Abidjan Central Region)

Evangelist Emmanuel KOFFI (Abidjan West Region)

Désiré KOUASSI (Campus Region)

For more information or to contact us, visit our website: www.ecabidjan.net

The staff and members of the Abidjan Church of Christ express their sincere gratitude to all of you who have
supported us during these two years. Your prayers, counsel and financial assistance have been invaluable in ensuring our very survival.

May the Lord’s grace be with you in 2010 and forever!!!!!

Please, we would love to hear your comments on this story:

What a spirit led decision they have taken. I appreciate the conviction and understand of the entire church over the past years of this crisis. I pray God to strengthen the new crew of leaders and use them to re-build his church to the shame of those who had thought it was going to fall. Great job Evangelist Francis Dasse and God who choose you will be with you always and lead you through the right path..Congratulations! - Harrison Matey, Calabar