December 1, 2025 • Tayo Confidence Ogunmola

The Gambia is Welcomed to the Church

After more than three years of ongoing communication between Bishop Ogunmola and Brother Ebrima, the Lord finally opened the way for this long-anticipated mission to The Gambia. From the first day that Brother Ebrima reached out expressing his desire to join The Church of God and see a branch established in his country, we continued praying, teaching, and waiting on the Lord’s timing. This year, after communication resumed and the World Mission Coordinator gave approval, both Bishop Ogunmola and Tayo set out to meet him in person and see what the Lord had prepared in The Gambia.

Arrival and First Meetings

We arrived in Banjul with great expectation. Meeting Brother Ebrima face-to-face felt like meeting someone the Lord had already been preparing for a long time. He spoke again about how he had studied the doctrine of the Church for over three years and how the Lord had placed a burden in his heart to see the Church established in his community.

Our first meeting with him and his family in Sukuta was small but full of warmth. We prayed together, shared testimonies, and discussed the vision for the Church in The Gambia. Even from that early moment, it was clear that the Lord was already moving among the people.

Evangelism and Outreach

Over the next two days, we met with the brethren who had been fellowshipping with Brother Ebrima. Bishop Ogunmola taught the Word of God with emphasis on the prominent teachings, while Brother Tayo taught the Advice to Members. These teachings laid the foundation for the establishment of the Church, and the brethren received the Word with eagerness and humility.

One of the brethren, Mamadon Kanteh, testified, saying: “I have been hearing the Word of God for a while now, even though I am not educated. I am thankful for the teachings of The Church of God, which have made clear many things I did not understand about the gospel.” Hearing such a testimony strengthened our conviction that the Lord had truly prepared hearts in Sukuta.

Planning the New Branch

During the middle part of the trip, we worked closely with Brother Ebrima on the practical steps needed to begin a branch in Sukuta. This included identifying meeting locations, one of the brethren offered his home as a temporary meeting place until the Lord provides a permanent place of worship establishing, discipleship plans, and laying the structure for leadership.

Final Days and Commitments

The Church of God was organized, by the leading of the Lord and with unity among the brethren, Brother Ebrima was declared the pastor, and his wife was appointed the clerk. Six persons, including Brother Ebrima, were added to the Church by covenant. The joy among the brethren, the readiness of Brother Ebrima, and the spiritual hunger we witnessed were all undeniable signs that the Lord had truly opened a door in The Gambia.

We left Sukuta with full hearts, grateful for everything the Lord allowed us to see and experience. This mission trip was a powerful reminder that God works in His perfect timing. What began as a simple correspondence years ago has now become the foundation of a new Church of God work in The Gambia.

We give God all the glory for allowing us to witness the beginning of what we believe will grow into a strong and flourishing work in Sukuta.