Serve with ABWE
Africa: The Gambia
Completely surrounded by Senegal, except for its western seacoast, The Gambia is a tiny West African nation only four-fifths the size of Connecticut. It measures just 300 miles long and, on average, 18 miles wide. The maximum altitude is 239 feet above sea level, and the climate is subtropical.
Sixty-three percent of The Gambia's population lives in rural areas, of which 80% make their living by farming peanuts, rice, millet, and sorghum. In addition to agriculture and fishing, nearly 19% of the people are employed in industry, commerce, and services. Tourism is a large market in The Gambia. Life expectancy stands at just over 59 years, while the nation's infant mortality rate is 8.4%.
Historically, this area became Britain's first colony in 1599. Independence came in 1965, and republic status within the Commonwealth was achieved in 1970.
Following a survey by ABWE, one couple was assigned to The Gambia in 1978. They initially resided in the capital city of Banjul, but moved to the interior town of Ndungu Kebbeh after a short time to open a nursing station and begin medical evangelism.
In 1982 the Ndungu Kebbeh Health Centre opened. The original nursing station was replaced with a full-sized outpatient clinic that was officially opened in 1989. Since then a literacy center, nursery school, MK school, and 20-bed hospital have been added.
Although the official language of The Gambia is English, in the interior, local languages predominate. To be effective, evangelism must be done in the local language. At Ndungu Kebbeh, this is the Wolof language.
A great deal of aggressive biblical evangelism and church planting must be done. The Lord of the harvest has raised up a strong team of dedicated laborers who are committed to reaching metropolitan Banjul and the tribal villages along the western north bank of the Gambia River. As God provides new workers, the team will mobilize into farther removed villages.
Support Outreach Efforts in The Gambia
Donations to this ministry will further advance the church-planting efforts among the Wolof people through healthcare, community development, children’s ministries, and literacy training.
This video provides an overview of ABWE's ministries in The Gambia. The Gambia is the smallest nation in Africa. Several tribes make up its population which is almost exclusively muslim. ABWE ministers to the Wolof tribe in a variety of ways. Medicine, literacy and community development are some of the significant methods used to reach the hearts of the people for Christ.
Order this inspiring video featuring ABWE's ministry in The Gambia.
The Gambia Information
Date Entered: 1978
Major Ministries: Church planting, medical evangelism, literature evangelism.
Country Statistics: For up-to-date country statistics please visit the website(s) listed below.
World Factbook - The Gambia