Senegal

Senegal   Republic of Senegal 

 While I'm unsure as to the reason why, I've been feeling the need to pray for Senegal recently. Located on the West Coast of Africa, Senegal is the country I grew up in.

cia.gov

cia.gov

It's shape looks like a lion's head with Gambia in it's mouth. The shape is rather ironic since Senegalese lions are supposedly the largest lions in all of Africa (or so I've always been told), and therefore the largest in the world.





Senegal is an Islam-dominated country (94%), but most Senegalese are still very open to discussing religion, and thankfully, there is still religious freedom. However, "few Muslims have been converted to Christianity because of the allegiance they feel for their religious leaders."  - http://www.worldventure.com

Another constant prayer request would be for the talibes: children who have been sent from villages etc. to study Islam under a religious teacher (marabout), yet usually end up begging on the streets (still under the command of the marabout). If they don't bring back enough money to the marabout they may be beaten or unfed. For a brief look check out http://www.hrw.org/features/talib-s-senegal

On a more personal level, I have just heard news of some major problems a couple of our missionaries are going through right now. I'm not sure how detailed I should get, but God knows what's going on. Please pray that His hand will be evident throughout this situation and that the truth will be brought to light.

As always, if you have any other news, prayer requests, or comments, please comment =)

P.S. Friendliness and family are huge parts of Senegalese culture, and I found it to be a wonderful place to grow up in. Like every country, there are a lot of serious problems, but also a lot of good things.

image resources:
baobab tree 
mosquee 
other resources:
http://www.worldventure.com 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senegal 
https://www.cia.gov