#providencesenegal

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A TESTIMONY FROM SENEGAL by Mackenzie Foster

3/10/17

Day one: A moment that struck me just moments into our arrival in Dakar was when Mike was praying for the team before we loaded the bus to Thies. At exactly the same time that Mike started praying, the call to prayer could be heard in the background. Some might see this as an opposing part of spiritual warfare. I chose to be encouraged in knowing that we are entering a country with people of faith. I trust that God will continue to move here and pray that these brothers and sisters in prayer will someday know the love of Jesus Christ.

3/11/17  (Sunday @ Church)

Coming back to N’Gonine is always an exciting time, but this year was very special. It was my first time back in 2 years and the last time I was here was when the church was dedicated. Since that time Pastor Timothy Ousman N’Dor has completed his training and is now the official Pastor of the church. This service was special because, although the church planters including Antoine Dion and Antoine Diouf stood beside him and helped him relay the word, Timothy delivered the final sermon. This once shy, young-looking man, stood humble, yet proud and confident in the Word. It was one of the first times I ever heard so much praise not only for God, but Jesus Christ! I cannot tell you what a blessing it has been to see how God has moved since my first trip to Senegal 5 years ago. All the praise to our Lord, Jesus Christ!

Look for more posts from Senegal team members each day this week.

The Senegal team will give an update on April 9th @ Providence! 

For more photos and 31 days of prayer, go to Providence Senegal FB 

[provchurchwc]

The table is set with a collection of perfectly curated dishes and glasses, the lavender candles are lit under the bounty of flower arrangements around the room and the cheese plate sits on the bar anxiously awaiting the arrival of my close friends. According to my latest Martha Stewart Living magazine, I had nailed hospitality. Or so I thought…

Stepping into the Senegalese village of Ngonine, I can’t say I knew what to expect, but it certainly wasn’t a gracious lesson on true hospitality. The first time we walked into one of the compounds, we were greeted with hugs, smiles and the seat of honor. These people have never met me before. I was completely overwhelmed. Despite my clumsy attempts to communicate, we shared our lives through sincere and focused conversation until one of the women said, “We are so overjoyed that you are here, we would like to dance for you!” With a granola bar in my pocket, I looked around the dusty compound at the hard-working women cooking our food for the evening over a hot open flame, who were assumingly hungry themselves, so overjoyed by our presence that it prompted a physical demonstration of their joy. An image of the glossy magazine spread demonstrating how to be the “hostess with the mostess” flashed through my head. As a host back home, I had lost focus on my guests. These women are Marys who invited in a Martha like me, a complete stranger, and bathed me in true, unconditional and grace-filled hospitality.  

“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so, some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:2

                                            AMANDA BACKENSTOSE: SENEGAL TEAM 2016