Building Hope, One LEGO Brick at a Time

Building Young Minds: How an Engineering Team Inspired the Next Generation in Senegal

"Train up a child in the way he should go..." — Proverbs 22:6

At Africa 1040 Global Ministries, we believe education is one of the most powerful ways to invest in the future of a community. This year, we had the privilege of seeing that vision come to life in a special way through a short-term engineering team from Oklahoma Baptist University.

One of the team's favorite moments was spending time with local children—including a group of talibés, boys who spend their days begging on the streets to survive leaving them with very little opportunity simply to be children. The students brought LEGO® building sets to donate encouraging creativity through play. For many of these children, it is a rare opportunity to imagine, design, and create.

The engineering team also visited a local elementary school, where they introduced students to basic engineering concepts through fun, interactive activities. Instead of simply talking about science and problem-solving, the children were able to experience it firsthand. Watching their excitement as they experimented, built, and discovered was a reminder that curiosity is a gift from God—and one that should be nurtured.

These experiences reflect an important part of Africa 1040's mission. While we are passionate about sharing the Gospel, we also believe in investing in the whole person. Education opens doors, builds confidence, creates opportunities, and demonstrates Christ's love in practical ways.

That commitment to education extends well beyond this visit. We currently help provide school tuition assistance for students from elementary school through college, are working toward a goal of sponsoring 150 children in their education, and are partnering with local schools to help construct additional classrooms so that more students can receive a quality education.

For the OBU engineering students, this trip was also a reminder that engineering is much more than a profession—it can be a ministry. Their knowledge became a tool for serving others, encouraging children, and pointing people toward the God who created each of us with unique gifts and abilities.

As we look toward the future, we pray that this partnership is only the beginning. We hope to welcome many more students who desire to use their education, skills, and vocation to serve Christ among the nations.

Thank you for praying, giving, and partnering with Africa 1040 Global Ministries. Together, we are helping build more than classrooms and projects—we are investing in lives, inspiring the next generation, and sharing the hope of Jesus in Senegal.