Baptist Missionaries Trade Gospel Pins at Africa's First Olympic Event in Senegal
The Youth Olympic Games run through Nov. 13 in a country the IMB describes as about 95% Muslim and 0.2% evangelical. Missionaries and Senegal's small Baptist churches are using pin trading to start conversations about Christ.
Learn more ›DAKAR, Senegal —
Southern Baptist missionaries and members of Senegal's Baptist churches are using commemorative pins to share the gospel at the Youth Olympic Games, which opened Oct. 31 and run through Nov. 13 in Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly, Senegal, the International Mission Board reported. The Alabama Baptist republished the IMB story Nov. 5.
“This is the first Olympic event ever held on the continent of Africa,” said Carson West, the IMB's team leader in Senegal. The IMB noted that names in its story were changed for security.
See where this is ›Nearly 2,700 athletes ages 14 to 17 are competing in 35 sports, with more than 200 delegations taking part. Organizers expect a million spectators and more than 6,000 event volunteers, according to the report.
Each pin the missionaries hand out comes with a card carrying a QR code that links to a digital engagement platform. Experienced volunteers in the United States help follow up with people who respond online. One volunteer team from the U.S. is serving at the Games, and the IMB team in Diamniadio includes three global missionary partners.
Senegal has four Baptist churches in the greater Dakar area, and the missionaries are encouraging those congregations to take part in the outreach. The IMB describes Senegal as about 95% Muslim and 0.2% evangelical, and says 269 people there die each day without Christ.
The IMB's work in Senegal focuses on gospel engagement, church advancement and community development. It is funded by Southern Baptists' Cooperative Program and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. The Games close Nov. 13.
