Challenges for Prayer

1 Islam is dominant, yet the land remains open for the gospel

2 Islam is gradually gaining ground with the last few pockets of uncommitted animist peoples now becoming Muslim

3 There was much nominalism in the mainline denominations and evangelical believers were few

4 Missionary work in the Gambia was pioneered by the Anglicans and Methodists

5 Ministries specifically concentrating on the non-Christian majority are few

6 Young people have flocked to Banjul's suburban areas seeking work

7 Specialized Christian ministries:

a) Prison evangelism has been particularly fruitful

b) The JESUS film has been shown all over the country in several languages

c) Christian radio

d) Christian television programmes

e) GRN has provided the gospel message on tape in 16 languages of the Gambia

Geography

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Area 10,689 sq.km. A narrow 400 km-long riverine enclave that virtually divides Senegal's Casamance from the rest of the country.

Population (2000) 1,305,363 +3.28%AGR

Capital Banjul 270,540.

Peoples

Mande 44%; West African 54%; Other 2%.

Literacy 38%. Official language English. Trade languages Mandinka, Wolof. All languages 20. Languages with Scriptures 3Bi 3NT 3por 6w.i.p.

Economy

Subsistence agriculture and dependent on groundnut cultivation, tourism, foreign aid and extensive smuggling over the porous border with Senegal. HDI 0.391; 163^rd/174. Public debt 106% of GNP. Income/person $320 (1.1% of USA).

Politics

Independent from Britain in 1965.

Religion

Relative religious freedom with easy-going tolerance between communities despite the large Muslim majority.

Churches in The Gambia

Missionaries from The Gambia

5 in 2 agencies.

Missionaries to The Gambia

134 in 20 agencies from 16 countries

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