Senegal 2023

The extended Wolof or Peul family usually works together to ensure everyone in the family is fed, clothed, and provided necessities like medication or school fees. One family member with a good job often supports ten or more people. The vast majority have little financial security so leaving Islam to follow the “white man’s religion” often means losing the support of a large network of family and friends.

In this shame-honor culture, one who dares step away from the family’s generational faith of Islam brings social shame on the whole family and village. In most cases, someone coming to faith in Jesus will have the emotional and financial support of family and friends withdrawn. They will often be shunned and barred from family gatherings, may be kicked out of their homes, and sometimes left to fend for themselves. Few people are strong enough to endure this isolation and rejection, and many fear coming openly to Jesus for this very reason.

PRAISE

“Sing praises to the Lord, who sits enthroned in Zion!
Tell among the peoples his deeds!” (Psalm 9:11)

KINGDOM COME

“Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3)

Father, please continue to teach and reveal Your upside-down and inside-out Kingdom priorities to every Christian in Senegal. We pray that child-like faith would be used by You to bring many Senegalese into your presence.

PRAY THE BOOK OF ACTS

“After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. And when they heard it, they glorified God.” (Acts 21:19-20)

May the retelling of the stories of grace in the lives of Senegalese Christians result in great glory to God and spur on gospel laborers to diligence in planting good gospel seed in hopes of a future harvest! When we hear their testimonies of patient perseverance in the face of difficulties, may we all praise God together for the great work of deep redemption in their lives.

PRAY THE HALL OF FAITH

“By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible.” (Hebrews 11:27)

Fear is a powerful weapon of the enemy in Senegal. As You draw men and women to Yourself, Lord, help them fix their eyes on you instead of on their fears. Give them courage to stand firm, give them love and grace for those who persecute them. Give them a strong vision of the hope, joy, and future they have in Jesus Christ.

PRAYER

God, we pray for whole families to come to faith in Christ so they need not fear loss of close family love and support. For those, though, who are alone in following you, provide them deep and encouraging fellowship and family among other believers. May they see that you have blessed them a large, new family that will last throughout eternity!

To learn more about disciple making movements, go to https://zume.training/training-cycle-for-maturing-disciples/