LGPC has had a relationship with a group of villages in Senegal, West Africa since 1994.   Calling themselves "Lake Grove Land", these villages are home to the Wolof - a Muslim people group numbering approximately 4 million.   Working with World Vision, Senegal Ministries has provided funding to help with various projects involving education, health care, and agriculture.   This partnership has brought fresh water, education, adult literacy training, health programs, and micro-enterpirse to the 16 villages of Lake Grove Land.   In addition, we are partners with pastor Adam Diouf and his congregation at the Eglise Evangelique (Evangelical Church) in Thies, Senegal in seeking to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Wolof and to establish an indigenous church among them.   March 2006 marked the 11th visit by groups from our church to what is now a deeply rooted partnership with our brothers and sisters in Senegal.  

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?

As we watch God's plan unfold for us and for Lake Grove Land, we feel both privileged to participate, and curious about the future.  Members of our congregation often ask "are we finished in Senegal yet?".  In fact, although the initial water projects are largely complete, we sense that God is leading us in new and exciting directions in our relationships there, and that he is far from through with us.  For a report on the latest, and some additional thoughts on this, click here.  For a description of the basic mission of the Christian Witness ministries at Lake Grove Presbyterian Church, click here.

Senegal Team RETURNS!

On March 12th the LGPC medical mission team returned.  After 24 hours of travel and long layovers, the team was a bit dusty, very tired, and ready to be home.  But what a great experience!  In 5 long days, the team, with the support of medical staff from Barthimee Clinic, cared for almost 550 children, women and men from Lake Grove Land and surrounding villages.  We'll post more information and stories in the coming days, but for now, here are a few photos to help illustrate the experience.

pRAISE THE LORD!

Lake Grove Presbyterian and our members responded last year to the locust disaster that struck much of Senegal and destroyed the 2004 harvest.  In an outpouring of generosity, individuals provided over $73,000 for emergency food relief, to provide high quality seed for the 2005 crop, and to support reforestation and other projects to combat future outbreaks.  All reports from Lake Grove Land are that not only was hunger alleviated, but the past rainy season and the good seed resulted in a bumper crop.  No doubt this year's visit will include celebrations of God's generosity. 

LAKE GROVE LAND STUDENTS ACHIEVE REGIONAL SUCCESS

Lamine Gueye, the headmaster of the schools in Lake Grove Land, has informed us of the continuing academic success of the students there.  He reports that "of the 85 schools in the region, the school at Keur Makhaly was ranked 5th in testing for entry to High School. These brilliant results we owe to the unwavering support which you have provided to our community of scholars".

Mr. Gueye, shown here with one of his students who has gone on to High School, has been instrumental in campaigning for education among the 17 villages our church supports.   His advocacy as Headmaster of the Lake Grove Land schools, coupled with the school supplies provided by the offerings of our Sunday School children, have boosted school enrollment to over 77% of eligible children.   School enrollment reached an all-time high this fall, with 350 children enrolled in the elementary schools in Lake Grove Land and 50 attending secondary school in outlying cities.