Grégoire Ahongbonon. They Are Living in Chains: My Quest to Liberate Africa’s “Untouchables.” Manchester, NH: Sophia Institute Press, 2022. Paperback $18.95. eBook $9.99. 192 pages. Available from the publisher.
“As long as there is one man in chains, it is humanity that is chained,” explained Grégoire Ahongbonon in They Are Living in Chains: My Quest to Liberate Africa’s “Untouchables.” “When I see a man tied to wood or in chains, I see my own image. And it’s the image of each and every one of us.”
Through this stirring memoir, Ahongbonon shares his faith journey and experience growing up in Benin, Voodoo’s birthplace, where witches, “healers,” and charms are common. As you travel with him, you will encounter high-speed driving, war zones, stoning, and near-death experiences.
Ahongbonon moved to the Ivory Coast to achieve success when he was in his late teens. Although he believed in God and practiced his faith when he was young, as an adult he veered away and became consumed with his work as a mechanic business owner. When tragedy struck and Ahongbonon was at the point of desperation, he let God take the wheel. God’s Divine Mercy guided him on an amazing journey of healing—both for himself and thousands of others.
Following a trip to the Holy Land, Ahongbonon began a prayer group at this home. Soon, they went to pray over others and provide meals to the sick. In 1994, Ahongbonon founded the St. Camillus Association. They helped collect money for the impoverished who were suffering and faced certain death–whether in hospitals, on the streets or in prisons–if the funds for food and medical care weren’t provided.
Ahongbonon and his wife have routinely taken the “impure” (those with leprosy) into their home. “Even if there are a hundred other sick people, I can’t leave one out,” he related. “Often, people I’m told are “incurable” wake up and leave in good health!”
Ahongbonon discovered the mentally ill in Africa, who were treated like they were cursed, abandoned, abused, and chained up like slaves. He was inspired to begin an organization to care for those with mental illness. They have 79 institutions in Africa and have helped over 100,000 people. Their houses are staffed largely by former patients who have recovered and is supported by people worldwide.
In these fascinating pages, you will read about miracles of God’s love in seemingly hopeless situations. Ahongbonon’s story of indomitable faith in following God’s will inspires readers to be generous with God and joyfully witness the wonders of His love.
Members of the media may send an email to Sophia Institute Press’ Director of Publicity, Sarah Lemieux at slemieux@SophiaInstitute.com to receive a physical or digital copy of They Are Living in Chains, and/or to schedule an interview.
