Growing Hope in West Africa

Because of an ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region where we serve in West Africa, many displaced people have fled to the city. Our team is actively working to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those who have been uprooted. One way we do this is by integrating biblical teaching with practical, community-centered initiatives—such as children’s health clubs, agricultural development, girls’ clubs for middle and high school students, urban gardening, sports programs, and Creation Care.

While Creation Care may be a new concept to some, it plays an essential role in many of our ministries—especially in places most affected by food insecurity and environmental degradation. Issues like soil erosion, deforestation, and water scarcity don’t just impact the landscape; they directly threaten livelihoods and long-term stability. That’s why we view Creation Care as a vital expression of the gospel and a way to love our neighbors and Creator well. Teaching sustainable farming, promoting urban gardening, and helping communities access clean water are tangible steps toward restoration and resilience.

Creation Care is about more than just protecting the planet—it’s about renewing hope. When we train local farmers to “Farm God’s Way,” we’re not just improving crop yields; we’re helping restore dignity, purpose, and long-term sustainability. When local churches model wise stewardship of natural resources, they reflect God’s heart for wholeness in creation. In areas deeply affected by poverty and environmental stress, Creation Care becomes both a testimony of faith and a powerful expression of God’s goodness.

Outside for a demonstration where a local gardener shared insight into benefits of various plants like aloe vera and moringa

We had around 130 students participate in Creation Exploration this spring. Pictured are a few of the classes with their tree sapling and cloth bag that they received at the end of the class.

Recently, our West Africa team shared the Creation Exploration series with two local schools in the community near our garden space. One school had hosted the series last spring and invited us back for a second year, while the other was a new connection. In each school, we worked with the two oldest classes—approximately 4th and 5th graders—and taught around 130 students in total.

Over the course of the series, students explored a different element of God’s creation each week: the sun, atmosphere, earth, oceans, plants, and animals. Alongside these lessons, we shared the Genesis creation story. On the final day, we gave each child a reusable cloth bag to reduce plastic waste and a moringa or papaya tree to plant in the courtyards of their homes.

Since the program ended, we’ve been encouraged by the school directors who helped us follow up with families interested in learning more. So far, we’ve had the opportunity to visit six students and their homes, meet their families, and see their courtyard gardens—including the trees they planted during the series!

Would you join us in praying for these growing relationships, for the seeds planted—both physical and spiritual—and for the small but meaningful impact Creation Care is having in this community?