VISION
Working together with fellow Christian educators in West Africa and North America, our vision is to bring transformation within the education system in West Africa: one opportunity at a time.

MISSION
Education in West Africa can be a very discouraging picture. Yet despite this, many teachers and schools are opening their doors for meaningful dialogue and discussions. As more opportunities arise for these exchanges, Christians are envisioning how the biblical world and life view can make an impact on the lives and communities in Africa.

For six years, I have worked in international and missionary school settings within Nigeria. God has given me a passion for the people and culture of this country.

Through my own experiences, I have seen God giving His people a hunger and thirst for what it means to serve Him with excellence. Now God is calling me to work with the people in addressing the opportunities arising within the national school systems. I am especially passionate about:

- Working alongside teachers, exploring what it means to live and teach from a biblical world and life view.

- The opportunity to reach beyond one classroom by having West African teachers to work alongside who are hungry to learn and to make a change within their schools and systems.

This new area of ministry includes the following opportunities:
- Teacher continuing education
- Curriculum development
- Dialoguing with Christian schools throughout West Africa
- Mentoring and encouraging key leaders/administrators
- Participating in African and worldwide discussions of Christian education
- Connecting with churches and schools in North America to be involved in this movement

As I look towards what lies ahead, I’m excited and terrified. For me, it’s the best place to be, having no choice but to rely on the One who has placed me here to be used by Him. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” As I enter this new phase of ministry, I invite you to join me in prayer, fellowship, service and/or financial support. May God bless you as you consider this opportunity!

MISSION FIELD
The West Africa region consists of 15 countries from Senegal to Nigeria that formed a regional community in 1975. Prior to 1960, nearly all the countries were either British or French colonies. Influence from the colonial period is still clear in areas from national languages to educational approaches. The region’s 260 million people are also shaped by Christian, Muslim and African Traditional Religions. Most people identify themselves as either Christian or Muslim but many continue to be influenced by traditional beliefs. Religious freedom has been growing in many West African nations. This has opened up opportunities for Christian ministry and may be a factor behind the recent rapid growth of the church in West Africa. Still, with some of the world’s lowest levels of income, literacy and life expectancy, the region faces challenges. To meet these challenges, people in the region are increasingly putting their hope in education.

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
1 Peter 3:15


CONTACT INFORMATION
Sheila Dykstra
Email: sdykstra@crcna.org
Blog: http://www.sheiladykstra.blogspot.com