“We can be proud of the development in Gambia; the impulse comes from within,” Apostle Jens Lindemann from Germany says. He has been responsible for the New Apostolic Church in this African country since 2007. At the beginning of December, the Gambian youth gathered for their Day of the Youth.
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Photo: NAC Gambia
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Photo: NAC Gambia
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Photo: NAC Gambia
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Photo: NAC Gambia
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Photo: NAC Gambia
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Photo: NAC Gambia
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Photo: NAC Gambia
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Photo: NAC Gambia
Gambia is situated in West Africa and is surrounded by the neighbouring country of Senegal. Only its westernmost tip juts into the Atlantic Ocean. Its population of 1.7 million makes it Africa’s smallest country. About 90 per cent of the population is Muslim. Only about nine per cent of the people are Christian, of these two per cent are New Apostolic. There are also some adherents of traditional beliefs. There is a peaceful co-existence of the different religions in the country.
English is the official language
A national youth gathering took place in Soma, in the country’s interior, on 5 and 6 December. Some 350 people participated. The Apostles Jens Lindemann and Francisco Dione Gomis celebrated a divine service. Afterwards the youth put on a colourful afternoon programme that made the youth laugh, but also put them in a reflective mood. Apostle Lindemann is so thankful for this development and says, “Most ministers already conduct services in English.” Language is an important factor for mutual understanding. English remained the official language even after the country declared its independence from Great Britain in 1965. Otherwise there are a number of frequently spoken languages. In all, there are about 20 languages, nine of which are major languages.
To begin with, the leading ministers have now received the Catechism of the New Apostolic Church in Questions and Answers to help the ministers in the country penetrate the New Apostolic doctrine. Starting next year, seminars will be held for all ministers.
A young and impressive history
The history of the New Apostolic Church in the country is impressive. In the late 1970s ministers from the New Apostolic Church in the state of Hesse in Germany began to establish the Church in north-western Africa, particularly in Senegal and Gambia. Interestingly, a Priest from Germany moved to West Africa. He worked in Senegal and also in Gambia for many years and later became a District Elder there. In 1985 the first congregation on Gambian soil was established. Today there are over 70 congregations. The New Apostolic Church is officially recognized by the State and is a member of the Gambian Christian Council, a fellowship of churches and Christian organizations. In the year 2007 Chief Apostle Wilhelm visited the country and conducted a divine service in Banjul, the national capital.