Benjamin and Christelle have completed a first placement in Mayotte for six months and have now returned for the long term, where they are supporting the AIM team in their efforts to make disciples among the unreached of Mayotte.

Benjamin is a teacher by profession and Christelle is a nurse. They studied at the Geneva Bible Institute and their service in Mayotte formed part of their studies. 

There are very few Christians in Mayotte. It is estimated that less than 2% of the population is Christian. AIM has been sending workers to Mayotte since the 1970s and has witnessed the changes on the island throughout its recent history. In 1976 the people of Mayotte voted to remain under French sovereignty and in 2011 the island became a Department of France. Since then there has been an increasing influx of immigrants to the island because of free healthcare, schooling, employment opportunities, and as an access point to Europe. The local people are known as the Maoré and are proud of their French nationality and African cultural and religious roots.

The AIM team seek to share Jesus through building relationships with local people and seeking opportunities to tell them the gospel. Benjamin and Christelle will continue to support them in their current ministries while learning about the local language and culture and building relationships themselves. Benjamin is reaching out to youth through teaching and sports ministry, and Christelle is using her profession as a nurse to build relationships.

Could you partner with Benjamin and Christelle in this work?