“Our day in Dakar, full of unexpected delays and detours, reminded us to trust God’s plan even when things go wrong. From the busy ferry lines to the unsettling moments with our taxi driver, it was clear that flexibility and faith are key in ministry. Even with all the surprises, God’s purpose shines through, showing us the importance of compassion for those who doubt and trusting in His plan.”
Our host family planned a trip to Gorée Island, and we were set to take a ferry boat from Dakar. Early in the morning we got ready and caught a train to the city.
Upon arriving in Dakar we walked to the port and saw long lines and lots of activity with military police. The ferry service was unusually busy due to vacation season and only one of the two ferries was operating. We anticipated the 10am ferry but the line was longer than expected and had to wait for the 11:30am one. The line was a mess and we got stuck behind the rows of chairs placed in the waiting line that blocked our way. Despite trying to navigate around them the military police directed us back and people behind us moved ahead on the other side that was not controlled. This meant we’d have to wait for the 12:30pm ferry. So we decided to explore Dakar instead.
We wandered through Dakar’s streets visiting Central Park, walking past the President’s home, the Catholic cathedral, and the International School of Dakar (ISD). We then took a taxi to the Monument de la Renaissance Africaine—a statue symbolizing Africa’s rebirth and freedom.
While in the taxi our driver gave one of my team members an unsettling stare down. When he turned his focus back to drive he switched the radio from upbeat music to what sounded like an Islamic prayer station which added an extra sense of unease. My team member responded to him with a warm smile and I turned to prayer.
At the Monument we climbed ten flights of stairs to the top, where we enjoyed a stunning view of Dakar and the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. On the way back we got caught in a heavy rainstorm in the taxi and we were relieved not to have been on the ferry during the downpour.
Maybe the ferry trouble might have been part of a bigger plan. The Wolof word “nufi” means to relax or be free from stress and today I experienced that feeling.
Our host family shared their challenges in ministry over lunch, revealing the often unseen results of their dedication. Despite challenges and changes, they remain steadfast in their mission and calling. As we witnessed their resilience it reminds me of the importance of trusting in God’s plan even when things don’t go as expected. Today’s unexpected events really show that in Christian ministry flexibility and faith are essential. The WAWA experience, with its twists and turns highlights that even amidst unpredictability God’s purpose can unfold in profound ways.
As Christians, we are called to show compassion to those who doubt, I see how important it is in my own experiences. During the trip, moments like the taxi driver’s unsettling behavior and the witnessing the Islamic practices opens my eyes to those who do not know. Some people doubt based on their experiences, not because they reject the truth. Responds and interactions with patience and love produces fruit. I’ve seen and heard positive results in Senegal, where seekers’ powerful testimonies show the impact of compassion.
Verse of the day: “Be merciful to those who doubt.” Jude 1:22