Fishing Village in Senegal Receives Donation of Food from the Church of Jesus Christ

In Dakar, Senegal, District President Niambe Essan Jacques and local members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints presented a gift of life to the fishing community of the Penc Bada Lo District, in the community of Dalifort (a suburb of Dakar). The Church provided rice, oil, sugar, and other consumer products to local villagers.  The donation was made in conjunction with the Africa West Area’s celebration of the ‘Light the World’ initiative.

“We are disciples of Jesus Christ and every year during December we are encouraged to show our love for our brothers and sisters and the communities where we live,” said President Niambe. “We have gathered food for you to demonstrate our solidarity.  We chose fisherman because we love them and what they do.”

President Niambe noted that the Church had also made similar donations recently to the Senegalese people of Saint-Louis and Mbour. “We follow our Savior Jesus Christ and show our love for Him by loving our neighbors.  I hope that you feel our love for you by accepting this donation, and that you also feel the love of our Savior.”

“We are fishermen, it is all we know and today we face many problems because of the scarcity of fish,” said Mamadou Niang, head of the Penc Bada Lo district. “Our seas no longer have enough resource, and we face competitions from foreigners.  Our lives are not easy.  Today, people of goodwill come to support us with food, and it goes straight to our hearts. You have given us the gift of life.”

 In 2016 the first branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Dakar was organized, and missionaries arrived in the country. Less than two years later, a second branch was organized, and members continue to enthusiastically share the gospel.  Currently there are 283 members of the Church in Senegal, meeting in four branches.