Fr Martin, a missionary from Burkina Faso, shares his vocational journey, a path guided by Providence across various countries and situations. His story is an inspiring example of how God calls and accompanies those who choose to follow Him, even in the face of great challenges

I am Martin de Porres Ouedraogo from Burkina Faso. My story is one of a deep call to mission, guided by Providence through diverse experiences and places. From Burkina Faso to Peru, via Côte d’Ivoire, I have followed God’s call. Today, I am back in Ouagadougou, with a dream in my heart to one day serve in Asia.

I was born into a modest family. My parents were traders, but after a financial setback, they turned to farming to provide for us. Those difficult years left a deep impression on me. We often lacked basic necessities, but we never lacked faith or family love.

“Hardship never stole the joy of our simple family life, grounded in trust in God and communal prayer.”

In that simplicity, I learned to rely on divine Providence — a lesson that still guides me today.

God’s Call and My First Decisions

At 14, I first heard God’s call to dedicate my life to Him. However, I had to prioritise supporting my family. I left school to work and help my parents. Later, they encouraged me to return to education, so I enrolled in a Catholic vocational school to train as a bricklayer.

During those years, God’s call grew stronger.

“I felt the voice of God inviting me to dedicate my life to serving others.”

Encountering the Missionary Community in Côte d’Ivoire

After my training, I moved to Yopougon in Côte d’Ivoire. There, a life-changing event occurred. While passing a church, I saw missionaries working. I decided to help them, and one of them invited me to meet their Community. Their warm welcome and joy in serving touched me deeply.

“This moment was a turning point for me. The hospitality and joy of those missionaries moved me profoundly. Over time, I began to feel that God was calling me to join them.”

Embracing My Vocation

Despite feeling a growing desire to follow Christ, fear still held me back. One night, during prayer before the Eucharist, I finally understood that my life was meant to be given in service to God and others.

“In front of the Lord, I realised that my life was not my own but a gift to be shared with others in response to God’s call.”

Surprisingly, my family welcomed my decision with joy. My father told me, “If the Lord is calling you, there is nothing more to say.” With that peace, I embraced my vocation wholeheartedly.

My Missionary Journey: Peru, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ouagadougou

After joining the Missionary Community, I was sent to Peru, where I served for several years. There, I shared God’s love with local communities, living among people experiencing deep poverty but also profound faith.

Later, I was sent back to Yopougon in Côte d’Ivoire to continue my mission. Each step has enriched me spiritually and personally, teaching me what it truly means to live the mission daily.

Today, I serve as a missionary in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. My heart is filled with gratitude for the journey so far, and I continue to serve with joy. But I also carry a dream for the future—to one day serve in the Philippines and share God’s love in Asia.

“My life is a missionary journey shaped by Providence. Today, I am in Ouagadougou, but my heart already dreams of Asia, to bring the Gospel to the people of the Philippines.”