Introduction by Paul D. Bramsen:
Malick was the first Muslim we saw come to Christ in Senegal (1988). In 1992 Malick became the editor and voice for our Wolof Way of Righteousness radio series. In 1994, he joined me in baptizing our three children in the Senegal River. A few years later he was recognized as an elder in the local church. Here is his own testimony, written in 2004, and slightly revised in 2022 (translated from French to English).
A Terrifying Question
My name is Malick. When I was a Muslim, I often asked myself this question: Where will I go after I die? I really tried to be a good Muslim, faithful to fulfill the requirements of Islam. But despite all my efforts, I never had rest in my heart. I continued to ask myself the same question: Where will I go when I die? Neither my father, nor those who knew Islam better than me could give me a reassuring answer. They would just tell me that “you need to try harder to practice what is good and avoid what is bad. No one can know in this life where they will go after they die. Only God knows.” Such a response did not in any way satisfy my heart.
After high school, while studying horticulture, I lived for three years among the Layenes, which is a Muslim brotherhood that believes that Jesus has already come back to earth in the person of one of their spiritual guides. People credit him with accomplishing a number of miracles. I was somewhat impressed. I thought to myself: if this returned “Jesus” did so many miracles, the first Jesus (repeatedly mentioned in the Koran) must have done so many more. Thus, I committed myself to searching out the matter. I wanted to get a book which spoke of the life and works of the first Jesus. It was in 1986-87 that I met some Evangelical Christians for the first time in my life.
A Sure Salvation
The question continued to haunt my spirit, “Where will I go after I die?” After many months of research, of reading the Bible and discussing the Scriptures with Christians, on April 28, 1988, I surrendered to the evidence. In Jesus Christ I found what I was looking for. Thus, I placed my faith in Him. Only the Lord Jesus was able to provide me with a sure and satisfying answer to that question which would not leave me alone. I learned that Christ had died in my place, endured the punishment for my sin and conquered the grave, so that I could be made right with God and live forever with Him. Jesus had said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me…I tell you the truth; whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life…Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (John 14:6; 5:24; Matt. 11:28-30)
Among others, these Bible verses helped me to accept who Jesus really is. Once I believed, I had assurance. I knew where I would go after I died!!! I know now that I am saved and that I will go to Heaven. And it is not because I am good! Rather, it is by the grace of God which has been manifested by Jesus Christ and by His death on the cross for sin.
My faith in Jesus has changed my outlook on life. I no longer am afraid. Of course, I am conscious of the power of the devil and demons, but Jesus has already proven to me, in His Word and through many personal experiences, that He is by far the most powerful. Today it is Christ who is the Sovereign Lord of my life. It is He who has my life in His hands in accordance with His will and for His glory!
Because of my faith in Christ, I have encountered many difficulties. And I am sure that I will go through many more in a country that is more than 90% Muslim, however, the Lord is ever faithful. He has told us in advance, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33b). Thus, all these trials have contributed to strengthening my faith. I thank God that He has counted me worthy to share in the sufferings of Christ, even as the Scriptures say, “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ…without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him.” (Phil. 1:27-29)
A Call to Service
After my conversion from Islam to Christ in 1988, I continued to work as a horticulturist in a variety of agricultural projects in northern Senegal. On January 5, 1991, as I was meditating on Job 22:24-26, the Lord challenged my heart to leave, for His sake, the security of my work. “Lay your gold in the dust…Yes, the Almighty will be your gold and your precious silver; for then you will have your delight in the Almighty, and lift up your face to God.”
Five days later, as if to encourage me not to worry, the Lord confirmed this call with Deuteronomy 31:8, “The Lord, He is the one who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”
I heard the Lord’s call, but it was not until the following year that things begin to happen. Our faithful God provided me with work for a Christian mission. My job was to translate Christian literature into Wolof. Months later, the Lord allowed me to become involved in the production of the Wolof “Yoonu Njub” (Way of Righteousness) radio broadcasts. These chronological programs, for which I became the voice, clearly explain God’s plan of salvation according to the Bible (See www.twor.com).
Today I am in my 30th year of radio ministry. And in the last seven years, my wife and I recognized the need for itinerant ministry among the Wolofs and Wolof speakers throughout Senegal. With the Lord’s help, we have launched out into this new ministry which God has put into our hearts to do (Neh. 2:12). This ministry has us going from place to place following the example our Lord Jesus (Luke 8:1). We organize seminars and conferences to teach the Scriptures: encouraging, exhorting, and counselling Wolof believers seeking to contribute to their spiritual growth.
My wife Feluine and I have been married for 28 years and have three boys, who all love the Lord. Our eldest son and his wife have two children. My wife accompanies me in my travels and provides an indispensable support in this ministry. Thank you for your prayers and part with us.
Please pray too, for the Christians in Senegal, and in particular the Wolof believers. It is not an easy thing to live as a Christian in a Muslim land. Often new believers are afraid to express their convictions and their faith in Jesus because of fear of what might happen to them. In our country, the local community and society have such a powerful grip to the point that folks don’t do anything before considering what others might think. This is a special area of need to pray over regarding new converts.