God’s perfect timing and provision was the theme from our six weeks in Gambia. At the start of outreach, I felt nervous about leading a team into a country I had never been to before. I did not know how we would meet Deaf people, navigate cultural and religious differences, and work out day-to-day logistics. But, I am here to say God showed up every single day. Leading a group of Deaf students in a Muslim country was stretching in so many ways; an experience that allowed me to grow immensely.
Bible Translation Conference
GAMBIA OUTREACH RECAP
We ended our time in Gambia going to the first ever Bible Translation Conference for three days. We were able to share the gospel, testimonies, and Bible stories with a group of about 100 Deaf people, mostly Muslims! We could have never planned that if we tried. I saw God provide in abundance in the area I was most apprehensive - meeting and finding Deaf people.
Deaf Gambian Teacher & his Wife
Another example of God’s perfect timing and provision was when we went to our first Deaf school. There, we met a Christian teacher fluent in ASL and Gambian sign language. The fact that he was a Christian surprised our whole team. In Gambia, Christians are a VERY rare find, let alone one who is Deaf and knows ASL. We were able to spend the last week with him and his wife, training them in a simple Bible study method. I will never forget the day I showed him an app on his phone with the Bible in American Sign Language. Shocked, he immediately jumped up and gave me a hug. He acted like he had just won the lottery! It was such a beautiful reminder that the word of God is truly alive and active. We pray that he continues to get involved with a church that provides sign language interpreting and will continue to teach what he has learned.
