Senegal
Senegal is located at the westernmost point of the African continent. Dakar is its capital. Senegal is one of the very few Muslim countries that enjoy freedom of religion and has the freedom to evangelize. However, of its 15.85 million population (2017), approximately 90% are Muslim, 5% are animistic, and about 5% are Roman Catholic. Although the Paris Mission Agency sent its first Protestant missionary to Senegal in 1863, the number of evangelicals remains extremely small, comprising only about 0.15% of the population, or approximately 24,300 people. There are fewer than 50 evangelical churches, and over 15 million lost souls still await salvation.
Since gaining independence from France in 1960, Senegal has remained a young, developing nation characterized by significant income inequality. Many urban poor and rural residents lack income, and there are still significant needs in education, healthcare and necessities.
In late 2011, AGS began sending international member to Senegal to pioneer new frontiers. Currently, the international member is dedicated to serving the local people and the Chinese community through medical and rural evangelism, supporting education, and working with the Chinese community, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Education Ministry
Children under the age of 15 make up 41.7% of the total population. Although Senegal has long implemented universal education, the overall education level is low. The problems of street children and child laborers without schooling are very serious, and many school-age children in rural areas do not receive formal education, leading to a continued problem of illiteracy. The unemployment rate remains high, and the population living below the poverty line is as high as 47%. In addition to supporting a rural Christian primary school in Lake Retba, the association is currently building a school in a village in M’Bour with partners, hoping that children will have the opportunity to receive a quality Christian education.
Rural Evangelism
AGS’s international members collaborates with local churches and organizations to carry out rural evangelism work, through home visits, Bible teaching and discipleship training. AGS’s international members also assist in improving people’s livelihoods, giving villagers the opportunity to hear the Gospel and build up disciples of the Lord.