Dear Praying Friends,

How’s your summer going? You’re probably saying it’s almost over! Here, Dakar Academy is already back in session like schools in the US. In Senegal, our summer isn’t June to August, but rather July to September. The elementary students are normally finished with classes by the end of June and the last of the 2022-2023 school year ends with the final exam of those students going into high school. The library remains open with a special summertime schedule.

I‘m happy for the five kids who have decided to make the library part of their summer activities, but that is only for one hour a day. According to the number of students this time last year this is rather typical. When schools close, the kids often travel to visit family or have other things to do. Sitting around reading books isn’t generally on their list.  Last year we had several university students who came to use the library during the summer months, but that doesn’t seem to be the case this year.

One of the things I enjoy most is the “before work” devotions I have with my library workers five days a week and with my maid two days a week. By September 30, our last day in the library, we will have covered from Genesis 1:1 through the book of Nehemiah. My maid and I started in November 2022 in Genesis 1:1 and I’m hoping to be able to finish the stories of Moses and at least introduce Joshua. RESULTS: My maid, Juliette, is a Catholic and is being introduced to the Old Testament for the first time. The other day I unexpectedly came home while she was working, and she was listening to praise music on her telephone. A little later that same morning I walked over to the bank where her husband, François, works; he was sitting in front of the bank with a large – well used – Bible reading something in the book of Psalms. I am praying daily for the salvation of my maid and her husband. They are showing that they have a great desire to know the Lord. Please pray that they will realize how much the Lord wants a relationship with them. RESULTS: This morning my devotional plan was put aside because one of my library workers was delayed in getting to work. The Lord provided a Bible story video in Wolof and an illustration that has been going over in my mind since last weekend. I was pleased to see a different attitude and acceptance from my worker, Boubacar. He is at a crossroads in his life. I think he’s finally understanding what I’ve been sharing with him about Jesus and the salvation that is available for everyone who believes and chooses to accept. Please pray for these three individuals who seem to be interested, but who still have not accepted the gift of salvation.

In six weeks, I will be leaving Senegal for probably the last time. I have an apartment to clean out, doctor’s appointments, and will continue to work in the library until September 30. Please pray that I will continue to be a faithful representative and witness in my neighborhood. My contacts here are intentional – I go to the same tailor to get clothes made, buy fruit from the same fruit stand as much as possible, shop in the same small boutique on the corner, exchange money for phone credit with the same man and greet by name the lady who roasts peanuts by my house on the way home from the library (across the street from where I live.) My “job” here includes being salt and light in my neighborhood as well as the hours I’m “at work”. Evangelism is a 24/7 responsibility. Please pray that I will be faithful to do what I’ve been called to do and be watchful for the moments when God is doing His job of drawing people to Himself.

Thank you for your faithful prayer support. I look forward to seeing many of you in the next few months. My itinerary is nearly finished; I am still waiting to hear back from a couple of churches before it will be completed.

In Christ, Jane Powley