Merci from Senegal: Your $6,000 Gift Put Books in 180 Students’ Hands
Our synod’s $6,000 gift—raised by congregations and the Global Engagement Team—funded school books for all 180 students at Martin Luther School in Fatick, Senegal, with remaining funds directed to teacher guides, classroom supplies, and needed repairs. This week we received a heartfelt message of thanks from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Senegal (ELS).
A word of thanks from Senegal
We received this note from Pastor Latyr Diouf, President of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Senegal, addressed to our bishop:
Original (French)
Bonjour mon Évêque.
Je vous remercie du soutien que vous avez donné pour l’école Martin Luther.
Nous avons bien reçu les fonds et nous avons même acheté les livres qui sont disponibles et des fournitures scolaires pour les enfants.
Par ma voie l’Eglise Luthérienne du Sénégal vous remercie et prie que Dieu vous donne la sagesse pour le ministère auquel vous êtes appelée.
Dieu vous bénisse
Pasteur Latyr DIOUF, président de l’Eglise Luthérienne du Sénégal
English translation
Hello, my Bishop.
I thank you for the support you have given for the Martin Luther School.
We have received the funds and have already purchased the books that are available as well as school supplies for the children.
On behalf of the Lutheran Church of Senegal, thank you—and we pray that God will grant you wisdom for the ministry to which you are called.
God bless you.
Pastor Latyr DIOUF, President of the Lutheran Church of Senegal
What your gift made possible
At the start of the school year in Fatick, Senegal, 177 students were expected, with a few more likely to arrive late. Because students must purchase their own workbooks and textbooks—which are used directly and updated yearly—these costs can be a heavy burden.
Total sent: $6,000
Books funded: 180 students (at ~$30 per student, allowing for currency fluctuations)
Balance uses: Teacher handbooks, classroom supplies, and needed repairs/expansion
Why this matters for us as Lutherans
Our call in Christ spans geography and culture. In the spirit of Matthew 25:35, this gift is a concrete sign of companionship with our siblings in the ELS—walking together so that children can learn, families can breathe easier, and communities can flourish. This is what it looks like to be the church’s global body: one student, one book, one relationship at a time.
Keep the partnership going
The Global Engagement Team (GET) welcomes your continued prayers and support as we nurture long-term relationship with the ELS and the Martin Luther School. To learn more or connect with our GET, contact Cheryl Jones at 480-620-8126.
