Earlier this summer, one of our young adults had the opportunity to travel to Senegal on a short-term mission trip with Ambassadors Football. What began as a simple invitation from a university friend turned into a life-changing experience of service, faith, and cross-cultural connection. In this week’s blog, he shares his reflections from the trip.
A Calling That Came Through Friendship
“I met a guy at uni and we had been going to Bible clubs and serving together. He invited me to join this mission trip and the timing just felt right. I’d been looking for a chance to be part of a team, so when I heard what Ambassadors Football was doing in Senegal, it just really fit me.”
He admits that preparing for this trip required a lot of prayer. “It was like going into the unknown—completely different from anything I’d experienced before. It felt like being a baby coming out of the womb,” he laughs. “There were a lot of prayers—prayers for myself, the team, and for what God was going to do through us.” Mentally, he says, “I just packed a suitcase and went for it.”
First Impressions: A Different World
Landing in Senegal was a sensory shock. “The smell and the heat hit me straight away. The air felt different. At the airport, the missionaries who picked us up had brought some local friends with them for safety—it was all new and unfamiliar, but exciting too. One of the missionaries greeted us in English, then immediately switched into the local language. That blend of cultures was really cool to see.”
One thing that stood out immediately? “The cars. Many of them were old and patched together, different colours and banged up—but they kept going. The driving was wild too—motorbikes weaving through traffic everywhere!”
Football, Faith, and Friendship
The core of the ministry was simple but powerful: using football to connect with local children. “We ran football camps, played matches, and used the time to share the joy of the Lord. We couldn’t preach to the younger kids directly, but we could show them something different—kindness, patience and love. We explained that the reason we were there was Jesus.”
Each day started early, with travel to a new village and several hours of running football activities. “We’d travel one to two hours each way, do a camp in the morning, and often play a match in the afternoon. Every day also brought something different—visiting churches, building relationships, and even meeting with local Muslim leaders.”
One memory stood out: “A leader from the mosque came to us asking for prayer. That was a really special moment.”
Encouragement in Small Numbers
One of the most inspiring encounters was with a Brazilian pastor who had served in Senegal for over eight years. “His church had only three Senegalese believers, but he was so passionate and so energetic. That really impacted me—his faithfulness, even when the numbers were small, was amazing.”
A Culture of Welcome
When asked about the people, he lights up. “The community feeling was incredible. They shared food, shared life—it was beautiful. The way they welcomed us at churches, the joy they showed just because we were there—it really struck me. I wish we had more of that back home in Northern Ireland.”
He formed strong connections with many of the kids. “There were always two or three who would stick with me the whole day. We’d play and talk. I wish I could’ve brought a few of them home! I also connected with a Brazilian missionary who really encouraged me while I was there.”
Faith Stretched and Strengthened
The trip didn’t just change his view of the world—it changed his heart.
“It made me grateful. Seeing people who had never even heard of Jesus—it gave me a real sense of urgency. We have to share the Gospel. God really showed me that He is in control, and that we’re just vessels. It’s not about our power—it’s about letting Him use us.”
One Bible story that came alive for him was Daniel in the lions’ den. “The missionaries were like modern-day Daniels—surrounded by challenges but protected and used by God. Seeing that made the story real in a new way.”
Facing Challenges, Finding Strength
It wasn’t always easy. “The language barrier made it hard to explain things to the kids. Eating from the same bowl using our hands—that was different. And the heat! It was rough.”
But God was present in the hard moments too. “Even when we were tired, we’d show up and see 200 kids waiting for us. God gave us strength to keep going, and joy to share.”
A Changed Life, A Renewed Purpose
Returning home he feels more committed than ever. “I’m stepping out more in faith and saying yes to opportunities to serve. I want to be bold.”
His message to anyone considering a mission trip? “Just do it. It will change your life. It’ll bring you closer to God and grow your faith in ways you can’t imagine.”
A Few Last Memories
Daily devotionals made a lasting impact. “Hearing each other’s testimonies—it strengthened all of us.”
One quote he heard in Senegal still rings in his ears:
“If you were on trial for being a Christian, would you walk out free?”
That question—and the example of the missionaries who live out their faith with boldness—remains a powerful challenge.
How We Can Pray
Please pray for the missionaries in Senegal—for safety, health, and provision. Equipment often gets stolen, and the work is not easy. Let’s stand with them in prayer as they continue to share God’s love in the communities they serve.
Reflection
As we reflect on this powerful testimony, we’re reminded of Jesus’ words in Matthew 28:19-20:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Whether in Senegal or in Northern Ireland, we are all called to go—sometimes across the world, often across the street, but we never go alone. God goes with us, strengthening us in the heat, guiding us through cultural boundaries and opening hearts to His love.
May this story encourage us to say yes when God calls, to step out boldly in faith and to trust Him with the results.
Let’s pray that we would be willing vessels, ready to be used wherever He leads.
