Here are free resources about the Benin Cotonou Mission:
- Mission address and phone number
- Mission map
- Missionary blogs
- Facebook groups
- LDS Mission t-shirts and gifts
- List of past mission presidents
- Cultural articles written by returned missionaries
- Survey with RMs
Benin Cotonou Mission Address
Here’s a recent address for the Cotonou Mission. We try to keep this information up to date, but it’s a good idea to check the mission address with several sources, including your mission packet or the mission office.
BENIN COTONOU MISSION
Cadjehoun Lot #1158 Bloc F
01BP 3323
Cotonou, Benin AFRICA
West Africa
Phone Number: 229-21-308-423
Mission President: President Martin Goury
Benin Cotonou Mission Map
Here’s a link to the mission map for the Benin Cotonou Mission (LDS). To access the official, up-to-date LDS.org map for the Cotonou Mission, simply
Benin Cotonou Missionary Blogs
Here’s a list of LDS missionary blogs for the Cotonou Mission. This blog list includes the missionary’s name, URL and when their mission blog was updated.
Benin Cotonou Mission Groups
Here are Benin Cotonou Mission Groups- for LDS missionary moms, returned missionaries, mission presidents and other alumni of the Cotonou Mission.
- Benin Cotonou Mission 2011-2014 Facebook Group (105 members)
- Cotonou, Benin LDS Mission (Togo/Benin) Group (76 members)
- Nigeria/Benin/Congo/Kenya Mission Moms (LDS) Group (23 members)
Benin Cotonou Mission T-Shirts
Here are T-shirts for the Benin Cotonou Mission!
Shirt designs include Benin Cotonou Mission logo/emblem shirts and Called to Serve shirts. The shirts make great gifts for pre-missionaries, returned missionaries and missionaries currently serving. LDS Mission shirts come in all sizes: Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, up to 4XL. The mission designs are printed on white shirts and are shipped to you.
*Simply click on a shirt design to view the details and submit an order. The designs on mission t-shirts may also be printed on other LDS mission gifts, including: Benin Cotonou missionary aprons, Christmas stockings, ties, pillow cases, teddy bears and Christmas ornaments.
*Click here to browse Benin Mission gifts
Benin Cotonou Mission Presidents
Here’s a list of current and past Mission Presidents of the Cotonou LDS Mission.
- 2017-2020, Martin Goury
- 2014-2017, Pierre-Paul Morin
- 2011-2014, Robert F. Weed
Benin LDS Statistics (2015)
- Church Membership: 1,898 (Benin), 2,801 (Togo)
- Missions: 1 (Benin)
- Temples: 0
- Congregations: 14 (Benin), 14 (Togo)
- Family History Centers: 1 (Benin), 1 (Togo)
Helpful Articles about the Cotonou Mission
Benin Cotonou Missionary Survey
Here are survey responses from Benin Cotonou RMs, to give you a snapshot into what it’s like to live in the mission.
*Click here to take a survey to help pre-missionaries going to your mission.
When did you serve?
- 2015-1017 (Kevin)
- 2015-2017 (Roger)
- 2014-2016 (Alex)
- 2013-2015 (Trevor)
- 2012-2014 (Robert)
- 2012-2014 (Hunter)
What areas did you serve in?
- Avotrou, Tokoin, Apedoke, Doumassesse, Fidjrosse. (Kevin)
- Cotonou-Lome. (Roger)
- Togo: Kodjoviakope, Wuiti, Kelegougan, Doumassesse Benin: Akpakpa, Zogbo, Menontin. (Alex)
- Gbegamey, Kegue, Cadjehou, Calavi, Anfame, Be Kpota. (Trevor)
What were some favorite foods?
- Red Pate. Atcheke. (Kevin)
- In the mission, my favorite food was sauce ademain , djinkoumé ,atiéké . (Roger)
- Fufu with sauce graine, Poisson fumer. (Alex)
- Pate, Igname Pile, Mango. (Trevor)
- Atcheke, Fufu with banana sauce. (Robert)
- Atieke (Hunter)
What was a funny experience?
- I remember going up to the north of Togo to a town called Kpalime to go see waterfalls. It wasn’t necessarily the funniest moment, but it was just a fun experience being with all of my mission friends in such a beautiful. One time I went and we saw chimpanzees in the trees. (Alex)
- All the times when I was trying to learn French, and understand the culture. (Trevor)
- Fell into an open sewer on Christmas Day. (Robert)
- Everyday. (Hunter)
What was a crazy experience?
- I was in the mission office and was allowed a car. I think almost being arrested multiple times from dirty police officers was actually scary. Not to mention, just driving in west Africa alone. Another time I had malaria and we were being evacuated because of a terrorist attack and elections all at the same time. Not fun. (Alex)
- Driving. Every time I drove was a terrifying experience, and also any run-ins with the corrupt police force as well. (Trevor)
- Once a taxi driver thought they could jack up the price after we had already agreed on terms and was threatening my companion and me. (Robert)
- Riots. (Hunter)
What was a spiritual experience?
- The Benin Cotonou mission is full of them. One of the biggest ones for me was bringing a man who was blind to church. He began to cry as soon as he walked into the chapel because he could feel the Spirit, God’s love, and the peace he felt in the church building. (Alex)
- Every day we had spiritual experiences, and learned from the most humble of people. (Trevor)
- We were proselyting and we came to a door we always passed…never realized it was there. We finally were prompted to do so and found Maman Awaté who was beyond golden. (Robert)
What are some interesting facts about the Cotonou Mission?
- Benin is the birthplace of voodoo, and the birthplace of the slave trade. Togo believes a lot less in voodoo. (Alex)
- Birthplace of Voodoo. Many people in the country do not speak French, therefore translation from members is required. Part of the Africa West Area, which is the highest baptizing area in the world. (Trevor)
- Birthplace of voodoo. (Robert)
What was the weather like?
- Hot and humid. (Kevin)
- Hot climate, cold and chilly if your apartment is located by the beach. (Roger)
- Hot and humid. And during the rainy season is rainy and humid. (Alex)
- Very hot and humid. (Trevor)
- Hot, humid, with beautiful rain. (Robert)
- Hot. (Hunter)
Any things you really like about the area/people?
- Not too much traffic. Food was very cheap. (Roger)
- The people are so humble and will do anything for the missionaries. I also love their joking and fun loving, and laid back attitude on life. No matter where you are, you can always find someone to teach. (Alex)
- The people are incredibly humble and very outgoing. It is easy to talk to people and they are all very non-judgmental and loving. You will be blown away by their kindness after coming from a western country. (Trevor)
- They were wonderful. (Robert)
- The people. (Hunter)
Any packing/clothing advice?
- Don’t wear heavy clothes as the weather is hot. (Roger)
- Sandals are the best. Highly recommended! (Alex)
- Pack light clothing, that absorbs sweat well! Also bring a sturdy pair of shoes that are breathable as well. You will most likely get wet a lot and things will wear out, so I would suggest bringing extra shirts. You wash all clothes by hand so it can be difficult to always keep them looking totally clean for the couple of years. Almost everything you can find there. Remember a converter as well, as they do not use the same plugs as we do in America. (Trevor)
- Light clothing. Shoes that breath. A nice hat. Sweat rag. (Robert)
- Disregard everything the book says to bring. (Hunter)
What blessings did you receive from serving a mission?
- French. (Kevin)
- My testimony of God’s love, and of his Son, Jesus Christ has grown so much. The blessing of knowing that God will always help me, is one of the greatest blessings. Plus telling people you served in Africa is a good way of getting a date. (Alex)
- Every good thing that has happened to me since I have been home I can almost directly attribute back to my mission. I have since gotten married in the Salt Lake Temple and am experiencing great success with my studies. I also feel that I have an incredible appreciation for other cultures, and am much less high maintenance. This mission certainly makes you tough and prepares you for all facets of life. (Trevor)
- An open mind to the world. The ability to speak French. Patience. Willingness to try new experiences. (Robert)
- My wife. (Hunter)
What are some skills you gained?
- French. (Kevin)
- Getting to speak the local languages little by little was very funny. (Roger)
- I learned so much. I learned what hard work truly means. I learned to value obedience, and how to fend for myself. I learned to get mentally tough and self disciplined. (Alex)
- French language. Teaching the gospel/English. Learned how to communicate and get along with those coming from all different cultures and countries. Organizational skills. Leadership skills. (Trevor)
- French. (Robert)
- How to be tolerant. (Hunter)
What do you wish you knew/did at the beginning of your mission?
- How hard a mission actually is. (Kevin)
- Just let it happen. (Alex)
- I felt like I was well prepared for the most part. I would have told myself to be more patient though. Success and the language often do not come right away, so it is easy to be hard on yourself which you should never do. This mission really pushes you, so it is important to be tough, and know that trials will come but they are all part of the experience. I also wish that I would have tried to understand others cultures earlier on rather than later, as that really helps as well. (Trevor)
- How short the time would be. How wonderful the people would be. How to love my companions more fully. (Robert)
Any advice/testimony for pre-missionaries going to Cotonou?
- Work hard, and be obedient. If you’re going to the Benin Cotonou mission you need to value those two things. (Alex)
- All I can say is this is the greatest mission. I know that many other missions may say that, but this one can truly change your life, and provide you with an amazing foundation that will help you succeed and face future challenges. It is a whole other experience dealing with a culture so far from our own, but still seeing how the gospel can influence the West African people just as it has done for myself and many people I know. The gospel is the same in Africa as it is here in the US, so it is incredible to see The Church being built there. This mission is still very new, so the missionaries are really laying a foundation and the building blocks for The Church in Benin and Togo. (Trevor)
- Don’t worry about the obedience of other missionaries and companions. Love them with all of your heart, and strive to be obedient yourself. (Robert)
- Get humble. (Hunter)
What was a funny language mistake?
- There are too many to think about. (Trevor)
Ethan (Benin Cotonou Mission)
–Paraphrased from Ethan’s mission interview–
Humble Beginnings
The LDS church has had a presence in Benin for about 15 years, and in Togo it’s been an extra 2-3 years on top of than.
For a long time that didn’t mean much- there was a senior couple over both countries, and about 4 missionaries in each countries The two countries bounced quite a bit from the Ivory Coast to the Ghana mission and back. But, the Church slowly grew, and so did the number of missionaries. From 4, there were soon 8 missionaries, then 12, and so on.
When the crisis hit the ivory coast back in 2010, they had to evacuate a lot of missionaries from the Ivory Coast, so the mission count in Benin and Togo exploded. Then they decided that Benin and Togo would become their own mission. The work has been progressing rapidly since then.
Growth of the LDS Church in Benin and Togo today
When I arrived in Benin, there were 4 branches and 2 groups -and those groups became branches almost as soon as I got there. By the time I left, there were 10 branches. Togo, similarly, had 8 branches, but now there’s a stake there with 7 or 8 wards! All of this happened in a 2 year period. The growth has been extremely rapid. All of this growth has only been in the two capital cities of Cotonou (Benin) and Lome (Togo). There’s a lot of cities farther in the country that we’re not even close to touching. It was so disappointing when those people were the ones referring themselves on Mormon.org. It was so hard to not be able to help them, but the Church will reach them one day. It’s a great time of growth in both of those countries.
I got to see a lot of missionaries leaving those countries to go and serve in other places. In Benin, I met the first five missionaries ever to serve from Benin, and they have been able to incredibly strengthen the church when they came back. They, and other members are really active and are helping to be the anchors in their branches or wards, wherever they may be.