“Today was truly special as we connected with the Alliance World Fellowship South American Team in Senegal. With each doorbell ring, we welcomed new faces and their incredible stories. It was a vivid reminder of how faith unites us across languages and cultures. One day in heaven, we’ll all speak the same language and experience perfect harmony and understanding.”
Today was nothing short of extraordinary. We had the privilege of meeting with the Alliance World Fellowship South American Team here in Senegal, and what a day it was! Senegalese culture is known for its warm hospitality, and this morning was a perfect example. The doorbell rang not once, not twice, but three times, each time bringing a new guest with a unique story and perspective.
In Senegalese culture, there’s a wise saying: “Fences Make Good Neighbors.” This African proverb speaks of the importance of building some sort of privacy wall around one’s home. In Senegal constructing a fence is often one of the first steps when establishing a home. These walls help keep animals contained preventing them from wandering into neighboring homes and eating any produce or crops produced in their yards. With “teranga,” (good hospitality) these walls aren’t intended to keep people out—in fact Senegalese take great pleasure in hosting others for meals and offering coffee or tea.
The first visitor was a younger Senegalese gentleman who serves as a translator at the church attended by the AFW South American Team. This young man speaks at least five languages and shared his touching testimony of coming to faith as a teenager. He spoke of his longing prayers for his family’s salvation —especially his mother. He even shared a powerful moment when he witnessed his mother’s physical healing, which he knows was the work of the Lord.
The second ring introduced us to a gentleman deeply involved in a soccer ministry, reaching out to children of all ages. His passion for using soccer as a tool for ministry was inspiring and highlighted the diverse ways in which the gospel is being shared.
The third ring brought yet another believer and ministry leader, as funny as it was for us to experience all the different company coming in— it truly further enriched our time together with their insights and stories. As we sat together surrounded by such a diverse group, the room was filled with a beautiful mix of languages and cultures. We talked about the mission of reaching all nations for Christ and envisioned a time when —in heaven —we will all speak the same language and have perfect unification and communication.
After our time with AWF South African team, we headed to the ocean at La Pierre de Lisse. We met up with the rest of the Senegal team, enjoyed a delicious meal, and basked in the beauty of the beach. Karissa and I took the opportunity to share our testimonies and reflecting on our journeys to faith in Christ.
Today was a beautiful reminder of the power of faith, the importance of fellowship and the joy of connecting with others across cultures. We may speak different languages and come from various backgrounds but our shared belief in Christ unites us in a profound and unbreakable way.
Verse of the day: Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” – John 20:29