“The Lord has given us a vision to build a church in order to welcome Christians from every nation. It will be
a place of repentance, salvation, healing, and restoration for everyone to discover the life of the Spirit. I believe that, when they hear what is happening here in Mauritius, people will be drawn to what we preach: Jesus Christ and Him crucified!” – Miki Hardy, January 2007
When Pastor Miki Hardy spoke these words almost 3 years ago an unspoken challenge was laid down to all the churches and members of the CTMI Network. Could they raise the amount required; and, was it realistic to try and save 25% of the project cost by using volunteers to build this complex by themselves?On Tuesday 27th October 2009, as 2500 people gathered for the inauguration ceremony at Trianon, it was evident to all present that the challenge had been met… The final piece of audio and video equipment was delivered and tested by Niklas Fairclough from South Africa, less than 72 hours before the ceremony.
In her welcoming remarks, Sister Audrey Hardy declared that, “Mauritius and this church will be used as a strategic platform by God to reach out to many nations!” And, however proud everyone present can be of this truly magnificent edifice, “We are humbled to have been entrusted with such a great vision by the Lord!”
Over the past 2 years, more than 1200 brothers and sisters of every age, every social background, every colour, have sacrificed their time - evenings, weekends, public holidays, and holidays for the project. Building costs have been covered by large donations, as well as by small monthly contributions from local and overseas churches working with CTMI; only R2.5 million of the total project cost still needs to be raised. Hundreds who could not be physically present in Mauritius have also supported through their giving and their prayers.Peter McKenzie, CTMI Elder from the UK who came to help supervise the works, described it as, “The best 5 months of his life!”
On any given day, at least a dozen nationalities were represented on the site.
Church Team Ministries International is the overseas missionary wing of Eglise Chrétienne, which was started by a group of newly born-again Christians in 1978, and now has 10 local churches across the island. From such small and humble beginnings, CTMI has grown as into a network of relationships with more than 1000 pastors and churches in 25 countries. The massive auditorium complex, with a seating capacity of 3200, will also house the offices of both Eglise Chrétienne and CTMI, including its expanding publishing, radio and TV studios.
Everyone involved gives glory to God for His help, His grace in time of need, His provision when funds ran low, and His mercy in protecting their lives.
INAUGURATION
A number of local pastors, friends and family of church members, as well dignitaries from government, parliament, and municipal councils were present at the ceremony. In his brief address, Miki Hardy told how over the past 25 years, he has received prophecies, from men of God, most of whom did not know him or of his church, or even where Mauritius was... All of these prophecies have had a common theme: “From this tiny island, a message and testimony of transformed lives would go out to the whole world; God would build something here in the spirit that would draw men and women to come and live something very unique and real with the Lord!”Songs, sketches, and a brief video story of the building works completed the evening’s programme, before the Vice Prime Minister, Mr. Xavier Luc Duval, unveiled the ceremonial plaque and declared CTMI’s auditorium at Trianon open.
MAURITIUS FACT FILE
• Population: 1,275,000
• Breakdown by cultural/religious groupings:
- 50% Hindu
- 17% Muslim
- 30% Christian
- 3% Chinese
• Born-again believers: less than 5%
• Evangelical/Pentecostal Churches: ±350
• Christian Media:
- 1 Internet Radio
- 1 Monthly Magazine
