Local believers are enjoying greater respect in their communities as a result of the food distributions. (SIM International/Corey Garret)
Senegal (MNN) ― The people of the rural area around Kaffrine, Senegal will receive two food distributions from SIM International.
Each family will receive 100 kilograms of millet, seed for about one hectare of millet, and seed for half a hectare of beans. Rice is currently expensive and nearly impossible to find in Senegal, so SIM is distributing millet instead.
The project has been fully funded, despite rising grain prices and an unfavorable exchange rate.
A bad rainy season destroyed area crops, causing a food shortage that will last until the next crops are harvested in September. SIM is partnering with World Vision to provide food for the area. Every village receiving food has hosted one of SIM's chronological Bible storying groups.
The food distributions are strengthening the local church, said missionary Corey Garret.
"The believers have been involved in the distributions, helping and working in selfless ways," he said. "They have reported that they have started sensing greater respect and acceptance."
A church member from a village being served by World Vision helped SIM with the food distribution. His wife follows the majority religion, but she is now attending worship services with him.
A community religious leader approached another believer, asking to know more about Jesus. Others have also become interested in studying what the Q'uran says about Jesus.
The Wolof people in this area follow the religion of Islam. 85 percent belong to brotherhoods sworn to follow leaders called marabouts, who are believed to have supernatural powers. Nevertheless, the people are often very open to discussing Christianity.
