As many of you know, I and a group of six other Browncrofters returned this past Sunday evening from nine days with the Wolof people in Senegal, West Africa. It was a time of growth in many ways, with our team expanding in knowledge, relationship, cross-cultural experience, and in sincere love for this unique people group and for our missionary partners who live and work among them full-time. We visited Senegalese and expat mission partners in three cities and gave and received much encouragement.
Browncroft has been uniquely partnered in mission to the Wolof people since 1999, when God placed it on former pastor Steve Harling’s heart to identify and reach an unreached people. My personal connection to the Wolof began in 2002 when my dad, former Browncroft elder, Rich Christman Jr., traveled on one of the first Browncroft medical missions to Senegal. The stories he brought home 23 years ago seemed to me out of another world — stories of beautiful people, but also of oppressive darkness, harsh conditions, disease, and corruption seemingly beyond repair. I am pleased to say after my own visit that (due in many ways to the ongoing mission), much has changed. Unfortunately, other things have not.
In darkness, though, there has been a great light (Isaiah 9:2)!
The Wolof are a people largely adherent to West African Sunni Islam, a mystic mixture of traditional animistic beliefs and formal Muslim faith. Their way of life is very much defined by their religious system, and fear of many spiritual forces permeates their daily lives. Similar to our secular American culture, Senegal is also full of facades, attention to appearances, and the desire to out-do the Joneses (or in this case maybe the Diops). They are a people who need the freedom and new life offered by Jesus Christ alone as much as any people. In darkness, though, there has been a great light (Isaiah 9:2)! Blessed are the feet of those who bring Good News (Romans 10:15)! Due to families like the Falls, the Garretts, the Finstads, and a handful of others we support (through prayer, friendship, and finances), felt needs are being met, the Word of God is being shared, and baby churches are popping up all over Senegal in the past few years!
In a closing conversation before we left the capital of Dakar on Saturday, it was shared that “the ball is finally moving, we just can’t fumble it now!” Browncrofter, that’s where you come in. Don’t just take my word for it… please enjoy these takeaways from some of the others on the team:
Kelly Fasoldt, Browncroft Outreach Director: “The steadfastness of our partners in a predominantly Muslim country is beautiful. The humility, joy, and mutuality I witnessed seemed a gift. The ministry workers, both Senegalese and expat (American, Korean, South African) have incredible vision. Let us strengthen our arms for the next phase of this partnership. These visible qualities are especially remarkable given that the setting in Senegal is so incredibly challenging. Watching a young Muslim man sob after we prayed for him made the hardships of this land real in a new way for me. He was a Talibe boy (a child given over to Muslim leaders for teaching and street begging) himself, but has grown, received education in English and Wolof, and now is helping to develop a new accessible urban translation of Wolof Scriptures for his people. He spoke about how difficult it is to be a young Christian Wolof man in ways that make our local challenges seem to pale in comparison.“
Linda Jackson, Browncrofter: “Through each experience and interaction with our dear Brothers and Sisters-in-Christ in Senegal, I couldn’t help but to rejoice with the overwhelming love of Our Father and His faithfulness with the various ministries. This Vision Trip opened the eyes of my heart to the steadfastness and patience of our partners as they are instruments of Christ’s light and love in a country accustomed to darkness. Their devotion to expanding the Kingdom and their Christian witness to unbelievers over significant amounts of time reminds me of Galatians 6:9… “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Each plays such a critical role in the Body of Christ and seems content in all: preparing soil, sowing seeds, or reaping a harvest. A common theme was to strategize various means of getting The Word of God into the hearts of the Senegalese people. God is paving the way. I am believing for millions of transformed hearts through the power of the Holy Spirit. My prayer is for an out-pouring of the Holy Spirit and for a radical and widespread awakening in Senegal and among the various people groups there. To God be the glory for His unfailing love and patience.“
Thank you, Kelly and Linda, for those reflections. In summary for now, we are pleased to proclaim that we believe God has called us at Browncroft not only to our local neighbors, but specifically to the Wolof as well. Please join us in making heaven crowded — with every tribe, tongue, and nation.
To find out ways you can support this mission and get involved, contact communications@browncroft.org.
