In 1979 we realized that our daughter, Jemima, was on the way, making it necessary for us to leave the traveling work. Julienne’s younger sister, whom we called Pépé, came from Benin to live with us. Our family continued to grow. Two boys were born: Caleb in 1983 and Silas in 1987. So we had become a family of eight. Julienne and I wanted to be good parents, but we wanted to remain in the full-time ministry if at all possible. How could we do it? We leased a field and raised manioc, maize, and cocoyam. Then we built a modest house in the village of Ilogbo-Eremi.

After sending the children off to school, Julienne and I did our preaching in the morning. We were always home in time for the family to eat together. Then, after siesta, we worked in the field. Julienne and Pépé also sold produce at the market. We all worked very hard. Thankfully, we were seldom sick during those years.

In 1994 our family moved back to Benin, but Pépé, Bola, and their families stayed in Nigeria.

I was able to find part-time work. With the modest rent from our house in Nigeria and Bola’s generous assistance, we were able to construct a house for the five of us not far from the branch office. Jemima served as a pioneer for over six years, supporting herself by working as a seamstress. Then she married Kokou Ahoumenou, and they now work at the nearby branch. Caleb and Silas are finishing their schooling. With God’s help and the cooperation of our family, Julienne and I have remained in the full-time service for over 40 years.