Farmers in the African nation of Senegal are being equipped to provide for their families and being discipled in their faith through a Samaritan’s Purse agricultural training program.
Nicolas has very poor eyesight-a disability that makes farming much more difficult. But thanks to an agricultural project supported by Samaritan’s Purse, the young farmer was given the resources and training he needed to succeed.
Nicolas was referred by the local church to participate in our ministry partner’s 12-month program, which Canadian donors help fund. With 15 other young people, he learned agricultural techniques and management practices that would help him improve his crop yields and livelihood.
An intern with our agricultural training program in Senegal holds chickens—one of the many animals the interns learn how to raise.
After a year of training, Nicolas began farming-only to discover that the water underneath his field was too deep to drill a well. Unable to irrigate his crops, Nicolas couldn’t grow enough food to support himself.
Thankfully, the training we provided empowered Nicolas to make a wise decision. He purchased a flock of chickens to raise and sell, and planted fruit trees as well.
“The teaching said that hard times would come,” Nicolas told us. “A successful farmer does not give up, but keeps trying until he finds what works for him.”
Today, Nicolas’ chicken business is lucrative and growing-just like his relationship with Jesus Christ.
“The spiritual training has strengthened my faith,” Nicolas said. That’s why, when he met a woman who was deathly ill and without hope, Nicolas shared the power of Jesus Christ with her.
Interns gain practical, hands-on farming experience, as well as learn more about the Bible.
“I talked to her about Jesus’ power to heal and then we prayed for her,” Nicolas said. “She’s been alive and well ever since!”
Through our project, Senegalese farmers are not only being trained to farm and provide for their families, but are also experiencing spiritual transformation as they study the Bible and are equipped to share the Gospel.
“I want to thank the Lord for bringing me here to be transformed,” said Tomas Sarr, another farmer who participated in the program.
“I have really noticed a change in my life. The Lord has given me a new view on farming, raising animals, and gardening. I am ready to serve Him.”
Across the developing world, Samaritan’s Purse agricultural projects are empowering farmers with the knowledge and resources they need to succeed. And the kingdom of God is growing, too, as communities are introduced to Christ and discipled in their faith.
