Io vivo in Dakar, the westernmost city of Africa, where the ocean meets the edge of the continent. For centuries, our land has been called the “Gateway to Africa,” a crossroads where traders, travelers, and cultures have converged. The people of Senegal are as diverse as its landscapes, yet nearly two-fifths of us are Volof — a proud people known for our deep traditions, social order, and storytelling through our griots, the keepers of history.

Dakar is alive — full of rhythm, art, and movement. Ships come and go through one of the busiest harbors in West Africa, carrying goods and people from distant lands. The call to prayer rings daily across the city, as Islam shapes nearly every aspect of life. Yet even here, among mosques and markets, I see hearts longing for peace and meaning. Many have never heard the name of Jesus spoken with love, but I believe the Gospel is coming to shore in this harbor city.

Though the Church in Senegal is small, its faith is strong. Believers gather quietly, praying for their neighbors and serving their communities with humility. I believe Dakar will one day live up to its name — not just as a gateway for trade, but as a gateway for the Gospel, sending the light of Christ throughout West Africa and beyond.

• Prega per the people of Senegal, especially the Volof, to encounter the truth and love of Jesus. (Giovanni 14:6)

• Prega per believers in Dakar to walk in unity and boldness, serving their communities with compassion and grace. (Efesini 4:3)

• Prega per open doors among Muslim families and unreached tribes to receive the Good News. (Colossians 4:3)

• Prega per the Spirit of God to move powerfully through Dakar, transforming it into a harbor of hope. (Isaia 60:1)

• Prega per Senegal to fulfill its destiny as the Gateway to Africa — sending the Gospel to every nation beyond its shores. (Abacuc 2:14)