The Gambia

"Don't ever be discouraged. Ministry is not easy but it takes persistance, determination and strong courage that even if I die of hunger, I will be in His perfect will. Many forces come to pull us away. Many thoughts come in — what shall we eat, what shall wear, drink etc. That doesn't make our lives. God made us for a purpose so if death results in the process of obeying Him, we are fine. If hunger comes we are fine, insult and mockery — no problem. All this must surely come. People that are afraid of these things think like mere men and will not enter into God's perfect will for there life."

Pastor Edmond Martins was born in Nigeria, West Africa. He was called to the ministry at the age of 16. Since then he has been diligently reaching out to the world for Christ. The Lord called him to go to The Gambia in 1995. As a graduate of the first class of The Banjul Bible Training Center, Martins began his ministry there. Now he is continuing his mission to The Gambia where he has founded New Life Fellowship International Church.

New Life Fellowship has grown considerably for that region. There are few Christian churches in The Gambia. The Catholic Church, Methodist and Anglican are represented in the urban area and close to the tourist districts.

Because 90% of Gambians are Muslim, Christianity is not very strong in The Gambia. Slowly but surely the gospel is spreading throughout the land. In June 1999, New Life Fellowship had around 100 members. By the beginning of 2001, membership was close to 300 members. This is not including the many outreach ministry efforts.

When asked why they are Muslim, the response is almost always the same. "Because my parents are Muslim." Most didn't choose Islam. They became Muslim by default. Martins believes that it is up to us to go and present the Gospel to the Gambians. The Holy Spirit is the one who draws them to Christ. Christ commissioned us to be obedient and "Go." (Matthew 28).

Pastor Martins with Bullock leaders Although the ground seems to be fertile in The Gambia for the gospel, progress for this ministry did not come about without struggles. Martins has evangelized in places where he was literally stoned. Confirmed in his belief that they need Jesus, combined with the compassion he has for the people, Martins continues in the Lord's work.

While spreading the gospel in The Gambia is still a very challenging effort, the country's president claims to not hold any significant foreign ties, and the U.S. government has lifted all sanctions and is open to sending aid to help in development.

Currently, Martins is in the process of building a new facility in which they are now meeting and worshiping. He has a big job to do in The Gambia. But God is a big God. There are lives being changed every day.

Though this country is very poor in resources, God loves them just as much as he does us. It is my hope that you will see the need and join the work in The Gambia. Maybe this will help you make the decision to help.