Quranic school

In the Islamic West African country of Senegal, children are the prey of Muslim radicals, intent on propagating their false beliefs. Orphaned or abandoned children are found in every street—hands outstretched in hopes of a few francs from compassionate passersby.

Marabouts (Islamic witchdoctors) have claimed large numbers of these children, forcing them to beg for money during the day and to study the Quran in the evenings.

Risking the wrath of the entire Islamic community, native believer, *Hassan, began to use what little he had to rescue these children—one by one—from the streets. He sheltered them in his own house, feeding, clothing and training them in God’s Word.

Children from L'Abri Center go from village to village presenting music and drama, drawing crowds to hear the gospel.

In 1999 Christian Aid sent offerings for a children’s center that now houses 140 abandoned children and 40 persecuted adults. These are discipled and taught how to share Christ’s love with others. Every summer Hassan takes these children for evangelistic outreach, meeting the needs of the destitute people in surrounding villages.

With donations from Christian Aid, a primary school is being built next to the center so the children can be educated in a Christian environment and context.

To meet the enormous task of feeding all who live at the center, Hassan is pursuing an agricultural project on five acres of the center’s land. Fruit, vegetables, poultry and livestock would allow the center to become self-sufficient.

A concrete wall, costing $25,000, is especially needed in this Islamic region to protect the animals and crops from looters, and the children from Muslim extremists.

*Name changed to protect safety