... As one body we speaking the truth and living in love, we grow up into Christ in every way. Under His guidance each part does its work and the whole body grows building itself up to the benefit of all…

Home to almost 2 million people spread over 5 major people groups who live in relative peace, The Gambia is known as West Africa’s “smiling coast”. Yet the undercurrents of social scars from imperial slave trading and an increasing religious oppression the navigation of the current economical, environmental and health challenges, continue to present overwhelming obstacles and strife to the Gambian people.

With nothing to his name, a Fulani Pastor felt God’s calling to build a community to empower those outcasted by West African society and ultimately to reach out to heal the oppressors. By God’s faithful hand a decade later the vision has become a reality. With a belief that the rejected will become the leaders in transformation the community is founded on principles of appropriate education, intentional mentorship and a communal contribution.

In all my travels in West Africa, I have met few who understand the local needs and care so deeply for the lives of those persecuted by faith in the region. In 2007, I was inspired in spirit to begin a journey to enter into this community living as part of them. From January to April of 2009, I shared burdens, joy and laughter with those who have been rejected and found myself accepted.

It soon became apparent that I had been called to these people to share in their journey to transform the landscape of West Africa one life at a time. I began to partner in their vision of the community’s sustainable independence and growth. Hiring a few workers a garden initiative began to take shape in the land that once had been a garbage pile portraying an image that may best describes what is the place is all about.

This March I will be returning to my friends in West Africa to continue to develop this garden, explore new develop ideas and continue with many friendships I have made. Ultimately I desire to grow in faith that our broken world is worth saving, to grow in knowledge that God is alive and redeeming and to grow in love for love never fails.

Thanks for taking interest and visiting this page. I invite you to join in my adventure through reading the blog, praying for the people of Gambia and donating from your resources; ultimately in hopes that you are living yours. Peace.