March 6, 2014
By a worker serving in Senegal
“One of our biggest challenges . . . [will be] building a new vocational training center for boys and young men here,” wrote the author in January 2011. The following article describing that center’s purpose and recent opening is adapted from several of his reports.
Updated: February 23, 2018
It is such a joy when the prayers and sacrifices of so many of God’s people are realized!
We experienced that joy Saturday, January 25, while celebrating the opening of our new vocational training school for disadvantaged male youth in this city. Opportunities are now available for hundreds to learn a trade, hear God’s Word, receive needed health services, and witness His power above all other gods.
Dire Conditions
As we’ve reported previously, thousands of boys fill the streets of this city. The majority are sons of impoverished Senegalese families who have sent them to the local teachers of West Africa’s predominant faith to receive a religious education. Most of these boys are required to beg for food and/or money. When they reach young adulthood, they have no job or life skills and face a future of near certain physical and spiritual destitution.
Our desire to build the school stemmed from the vision of local believers at the YN Center. We are privileged to partner with the members of this church, who demonstrate Jesus’ incarnate love through providing health clinics and educational opportunities for our impoverished community. They will continue to provide these services at the new center.
Fellowship Recognized
The crowds who attended the inauguration ceremony showed appreciation for the new work. Confirming the solid reputation the YN Center has built, guests included a number of local officials who now welcome the truth of Jesus we offer. The superintendent of schools said he regularly listens to the ministry’s radio broadcasts and believes it promotes principles he can apply to his life.
Ceremony guests also included Alliance global team members and leaders, a representative from a sending church in New Jersey, students from our girls’ training school, and friends and supporters from across Senegal.
200 Pairs of Shoes
During the week leading up to the inauguration, we sponsored activities to promote the school’s opening and its affiliation with the local fellowship. One day was set aside for games and music as well as to provide lunch and new shoes to 200 street boys.
A team of 12 arrived from the United States to help us prepare for the opening by setting up the computer lab with donated computers and spreading word about the new center through hosting:
- English conversational classes in a local middle school
- Medical consultations, including hypertension and diabetes screenings
- A continuing education seminar at the district hospital
- A distribution of reading glasses
- Christian literature distribution and a worship music seminar
It was a delight to build friendships, put smiles on old ladies’ and little boys’ faces, hear peoples’ stories, worship together, intercede for others, and receive prayer throughout the week.
Our joy culminated in celebratory dancing at the inauguration ceremony’s conclusion.
What You Can Do
Pray
Join the Alliance family in praying for our teams in Senegal and worldwide, who serve in often challenging circumstances that require perseverance, wisdom, and God’s tranforming love. Use the weekly Alliance Prayer Requests to assist you.
Give
- Give to the Great Commission Fund (GCF) and support Alliance international workers who are pushing back the darkness as they introduce lost people to the light of Jesus and remind believers of His saving grace.
- Give now
Learn More
Read an article about soccer ministry among Senegalese boys.