The Gambia, Africa

The Gambia, is a place like none other I've ever visited. The people have an uncommon friendliness and hospitality that I'm not even sure the South can match. As you walk along the dirt roads you see countless lives being lived for what purpose. My team's heart was to give these people a hope and a joy that goes beyond their vast poverty.We spent 9 days upcountry serving in the villages. Each village was just as curious as the next to know why we came so far to spend time with them. The days began with a small breakfast followed by worship and time in the Word. In the afternoon, we walked into town or to a nearby viallge to visit with people. I enjoyed this time of building relationsips with the people. At 5:30 p.m. evening we loaded up our 3 vehicles for follow up and film showing. We showed the film twice each night for 6 nights in different villages. One group visited the villages from the night before to visit with the people and answer any questions they might have. The ground proved to be very fertile adn ready for harvest on this trip. I have never been in a ministry environment quite like this. People were ready to hear and wanted to be taught. In all we saw almost 75 people come to know Christ personally in these two weeks. We saw people hearts for their viallge and those nearby. One man in particular touched my heart. He had been a Catholic since a very young age. I shared my story of coming to know Christ during one of hte film showings and afterwards he came up to me and the people gathered in close to hear what this man had to say. It was very dark so I couldn't see his face but he held my hand and said thank you os much for bringing this to our village. Thank you for sharing this with us. People want to know but no one comes here to teach them. This is your village and you are welcome to come here anytime. He stressed the need of a church in these villages to teach new believers. My heart broke as I listened to this man's words adn the agreements of those around us. I saw firsthand how few the laborers are. I saw how few are willing to go out to the hard places. Pray that these new believers can become rooted and grounded in their faith despite the lack of teaching. Pray they can band together as a fellowship of believers. Pray for Pastor Paul as he being one man goes out to these villages to follow up with people.