Senegal (MNN) ― Inter-Senegal Mission, a partner of Partners International, is working in a 95% Muslim context. However, it is unique since it is not an Islamic state, and there is openness to church planting.
Director of ISM, Jose Oliveira, says they are working in the rural areas using a holistic approach. In six years this approach "has led us to see the birth of 24 communities of believers in the villages in which we work."
In the past, evangelism in Senegal was more traditional but not effective. Oliveira says, "I'm sure that you have heard the quote, ‘People don't care how much we know until they know we care,' and in the past, the approach was mainly to give words, or our theology, and that doesn't really attract them. But when they see that we care, little by little they open up."
The success of a holistic approach is that, "bottom line, people eventually see that you're not there to change their religion from Islam to Christianity," Oliveira explained.
As ISM seeks to gain credibility and trust in villages, the probability of building a believing community is more likely. "When they start asking questions on their own, the person who eventually makes a decision is better accepted by the rest of the community to see that the church who has caused all the transformation in the community is actually a great benefit and actually becomes a vital part of the community," Oliveira said.
For the future, ISM has already targeted two ethnic groups. "The goal is to create a movement and our need basically is more workers in these villages." They especially need trained local workers who can be supported until the church can support them itself.
ISM has a long list of programs including women's ministry, food and medical aid, micro-loans, and work with children.
