Leaders: Josiah and Elizabeth Smith​

​

Ministry: The Gambia Deaf Church (*This is not a YWAM ministry)

​

Summary: The Smiths founded The Gambia Deaf Church. This is the only Deaf church in The Gambia. Many Deaf Christians have never been taught the Bible so they aim to have a church; to teach, disciple and train in God's Word. Josiah and Elizabeth's goal is to see Deaf Gambians take over leadership of the church when able. They believe they are called to empower Gambians to reach Gambians.

​

They do local and nationwide outreaches, disciple one-on-one, Bible studies and prayer meetings. They also offer pastoral help to those who need it.  There are 350,000 deaf people in all of The Gambia. The majority are Muslim and only a very small number are Christian. They are open and willing to disciple Muslims if they express interest in the Gospel. They also welcome other West African nationalities which often sign in ASL. The Gambia uses Gambian Sign Language (mostly related to the Netherlands Sign Language). 

​

Target People: They primarily reach local Deaf Christian Gambians; mostly adults, but they would like to work with children as well. 

​

YWAM training available for the Deaf: None. This is not a YWAM Ministry. However they plan to work on developing a training program once a more permanent church location is found. They do host workshops/classes in addition to the church services. In the future, they hope to also have a kids' club. 

​

Current number of other Staff/Volunteers: 2

​

Special Prayer Requests: Pray for more Deaf Gambians motivated to be trained as leaders.

​

Contact: mrslizsmith86@gmail.com or thegambiadeafchurch@gmail.com