My Reflection And Insights Into The Western Africa Conference
August 2024
This year’s Western Africa regional conference was held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, from Tuesday, June 25th to Friday, June 28th. The conference program largely mirrored last year’s event in Thailand, as only a few leaders from Western Africa were able to attend our international conference due to the high cost of airfares and the challenges in obtaining the necessary Thai visa. This regional conference served as a crucial extension of our international gathering.
Around 100 SM leaders from West Africa participated in the conference, representing Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Gambia, and Togo. Most of the leaders were French-speaking, so all sessions were conducted in both French and English. This bilingual aspect enriched the experience for all attendees and highlighted the linguistic diversity of Western Africa, where only a few countries are English-speaking. SM is truly becoming an international movement.
During one session, we discussed the different SM products, noting that only a few are currently available in French. There is a strong desire to see more products translated into French to aid in mobilizing churches. We are praying for God to raise up new translation teams to make this a reality.
In previous conferences, SMI has been able to assist SM West Africa with funds, particularly to provide transport subsidies. However, after losing one of our biggest donors a few years ago, our finances have been very limited. Despite our desire to help financially, it was not possible this year. The cost of airfares to Burkina Faso was an issue for many delegates, but a significant number made long, arduous journeys by bus, taking a full day or more to reach the conference.
Despite these financial challenges, the conference plans proceeded. This, from my perspective, shows remarkable maturity in the Western African region. Financially, the conference was truly Western African—they made the entire event a reality. We recognize that God provided through various SM West African leaders.
A key figure in making this conference possible was Burkina Faso’s National Coordinator, Dr. Jacques Compaore. His church hosted the conference, providing the worship team, necessary multimedia, conference logistics, security, and transportation for delegates. They also provided three meals a day plus food for our breaks. Many church members were involved in preparations, such as readying the grounds after a recent storm. They painstakingly organized cement and stones to ensure that the conference went ahead without mud and drainage problems. My wife Marion and I stayed at a nearby hotel at no cost, thanks to the generosity of a businesswoman from that church. I estimate that over 100 church members contributed in some way. This church is a beautiful example of a mobilized community joining God’s mission and serving the SM movement through whatever means they can.
My favorite session was the plenary on “Overcoming Challenges.” Similar to Thailand, we had a panel discussion featuring Daniel and Edmund from Ghana, and John and Favor from Nigeria. Daniel shared about the challenge of having too many graduates wanting to become Facilitators and how completing Mobi101 before Facilitator Training helps potential Facilitators understand that running courses is just one aspect of being mobilizers. Edmund spoke about the opportunity to assist many countries, but the high cost of travel led him to spend extended periods in the countries he visited. John discussed the challenge of mobilization being accepted as a valid ministry. Favor shared her struggle with the realization that many Nigerians want to take our courses but are hindered by the course fee. Her story, filled with prayer and determination, has led to sponsorships for 100 students, two of whom are now serving as missionaries to a nearby Unreached People Group. To hear a humble African woman sharing this was incredibly moving and challenged us all.
We praise God for such a wonderful Western African regional conference and for what He is doing to mobilize churches throughout this part of Africa—a region with many near-neighbor Unreached People Groups.