No Time for Comfort

“Vive,” the French word for “live,” is a constant reminder to IMB representatives in Senegal of the importance of sharing the Gospel with others who need to live for Christ.

Hands On personnel Charli Braxton* (above) and Catherine Bishop* are experiencing firsthand the hardships of living in Senegal. *Name changed

The heat in Senegal is so intense throughout the year that fans in the living space are almost a necessity to make life bearable.

However, the girls find that other cultural norms, like venturing through the market to buy groceries, are not as difficult as initially perceived. (Here they shop with their roommate, an IMB worker.)

The girls’ prayer life has grown through their drastic change in lifestyle and their isolation from all but a few other believers. They say that much of their day is spent in prayer.

The Hands On girls have been ministering to the community by tutoring students in English through teaching Bible stories chronologically.

The girls spend a majority of their time working with students at the local high school.

They have been given the opportunity to assist with the English Club at the high school and play games like Hangman with students to teach both the Bible and vocabulary.

Through these games the students have an opportunity to both learn English and be taught the Bible.

Much of the remainder of their time is spent visiting students they’ve met and building relationships with them and their families.

Braxton* and Bishop* spend large amounts of time reading Scripture and preparing lessons for both the English Club and for a Kids Club they help lead. *Name changed

During the Kids Club, the girls help run the games and other activities they have helped plan.

The relationships the girls build with children and young adults in the community greatly assist long-term IMB personnel with their ministries.

Despite the harsh climate, different lifestyle and long days, Braxton* says: “All that matters is the Gospel.” *Name changed