Responsibilities:

• Work alongside a farm project and their team in teaching and discipling people
• Help local farmers come out from under the yoke of spiritual oppression by using agriculture to build relationships, share the gospel, and imitate principles we see in God’s creation
• Assist finding solutions to problems farmers face so they can increase yields and find sustainable profitability
• Manage demonstration fields, taking care of “God’s garden” by doing things on time to a high standard, stewarding the resources God has given us well, and exemplifying the fruits of the Holy Spirit
• Assist with agricultural trainings in local villages

Required Qualifications:

• A recognized bachelor’s degree
• Completion of the World Perspectives Mission Course (minimum of certificate level) or equivalent
• Completion of Alliance Polity course
• A minimum Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT) score of 40

Biblical Characteristics Desired:

• Ability to articulate personal conversion and call to gospel ministry
• Demonstrated heart for the poor and marginalized (Micah 6:8)
• Theological alignment with The Alliance
• Demonstrated flexibility and grace in all aspects of life
• Vibrant spiritual life with consistent practice of spiritual disciplines
• Ability to learn and recover from failure

Timeline for Deployment:

Summer/fall of 2024. Following appointment, and once fundraising goals and other qualifications are met, the appointee is required to attend a cross-cultural and language-acquisition program and pre-field orientation prior to deploying.

General Information:

Along the beach in this tourist area, there are modern supermarkets, leisure activities, and decent restaurants. Dress is casual, and there is a decent presence of expats living in the area. The focus of our ministry takes place 45 minutes outside of this area. The culture is more conservative and simple. The level of poverty has also increased. Eating out of a communal bowl and not having electricity or running water are the norm. Many find that “change” is hard for these local people. The team will support the successful applicant(s) as they learn the culture and facilitate new relationships and ministry encounters.

World Factbook—Senegal
Joshua Project—Senegal

Language Expectations:

Language is an essential part of ministry. The successful applicant(s) will receive one year of intensive language study in France at a formal language school. Upon arrival in the country of ministry, the successful applicant(s) will study the language and culture of the target people group for a year before taking on full ministry responsibilities. The team will guide and help them to develop a participant-driven local language program with local language partners. The goal will be to speak, read, and write the language at a functional level in order to mentor, teach, and train others.

Health Considerations:

Basic health services and medications are available, but the country lacks quality, comprehensive health care. Advanced diagnosis and treatment would need to be obtained outside the country. For this reason, medical conditions that require constant monitoring and control will be difficult to maintain here. The coast has a milder climate than interior regions, which can be extremely hot from May through October yearly. All typical health care specialties are well served in the capital, though people have often chosen to seek specialized care elsewhere.

Expectations for Spouse:

Spousal roles vary based on the spouse’s gifts, training, and abilities as well as the needs of the team. The spouse can join the team at Beersheba or have the freedom to develop their own ministry to reach the lost. It is expected that both spouses will be meaningfully involved in meeting ministry objectives depending on the nature of family roles, children, etc.

Children’s Educational Plan and Options:

Most parents have used a variety of educational options for their children, including homeschooling and online learning. While some on this team choose to home school, others send their children to a private international Christian school about 30 minutes away. This school is taught in English and follows an American education system. There is a bilingual school in the area as well.