MEET 2026 - THE GAMBIA
METHODIST - EXPERIENCE - EXCHANGE - TELL
Experience the vibrant life and ministry of the Methodist Church in The Gambia, witnessing first-hand how God’s people are growing His church and reaching out to their Muslim neighbours. You’ll visit schools, clinics, and an agricultural project - all vital parts of Methodist ministry in the region. Just as important, you’ll share in worship, Bible study, and outreach with your Gambian brothers and sisters. This visit offers a unique opportunity to learn from and be inspired by God’s work in another place, while building lasting relationships with our world church family.
Where: The Gambia
When: Provisionally 24th October – 1st November, 2026 (Final dates to be confirmed)
Who: 8-10 people, led by Rev Dr Laurence Graham (WMP General Secretary) and Ruth Wilson (former Mission Partner in The Gambia). Initially, applications are limited to those living in the Fermanagh-South Tyrone area, and the Dublin area.
Cost: Personal contribution of £1,000 (€1,1,50), plus further fundraising as a group. (Bursaries may be available for those on low incomes)
Age: 18+
Our planned itinerary includes:
Visits to Methodist schools, health clinics, and development projects (e.g. Methodist Mission Agricultural Programme)
Visit to a Mosque
Visit to historic sites linked to slave trade
A joint Bible study, exploring the same passage from different viewpoints
Prayer and worship with our Gambian church family
Sharing testimonies, and stories of how God has worked in our lives
Time to enjoy Gambia’s tourist sites
MEET YOUR LEADERS:
Rev Dr Laurence Graham
Laurence is the General Secretary of World Mission Partnership, and a minister on the Dublin Central Northwest circuit. He previously served as a Mission Partner in Haiti and Antigua, and visited The Gambia in 2024.
Ruth Wilson - Former Mission Partner in The Gambia
Ruth Wilson is a retired teacher, and member of Fivemiletown Methodist Church. Ruth served as a Mission Partner in The Gambia, working in two schools between 2009-2012.
Conditions of participation:
To take part in this visit, you must:
Be aged 18+
Be an active member of an MCI congregation
Be available to travel between 24th October and 2nd November, 2026
Complete an application form, and disclose any relevant medical information
Be available to attend three team meetings, two before travelling and one afterwards.
Meeting Dates:
Pre-Visit Meeting #1 (Online) Tuesday 28th April (evening)
Pre-Visit Meeting #2 (In-person) Saturday 12th September (10am-4pm)
Visit to The Gambia Saturday 24th October - Sunday 1st November (TBC once flights are released)
Post-Visit Meeting (In-person) Saturday 21st November (10am-4pm)
Be willing to tell others and share your experience in The Gambia. This may include speaking at events, either individually or as part of a group
Consent to appearing in photos and videos related to the visit
Obtain a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate prior to travel. It is recommended that you also seek appropriate medical advice and receive other vaccines as recommended by a Travel Clinic
Make a personal contribution of £1,000 (€1,150) toward the cost of your participation (Bursaries may be available for those on low incomes)
Along with other group members, take part in fundraising initiatives to cover the remaining costs associated with the visit
Fully participate in all aspects of the visit, and adhere to the group code of conduct
The Gambia:
The Gambia is a small country in West Africa, almost entirely surrounded by Senegal, and centred on the River Gambia which was a major route in the transatlantic slave trade. The Gambia was a British colony until independence in 1965, and its history is closely linked to British trade and administration along the river. English remains the official language, though many others are spoken.
Today, The Gambia has a population of around 2.7 million people. Islam is the faith of the vast majority of Gambians (more than 90%), but Christianity forms a small but well-established minority. Relations between faith communities are generally peaceful, with a strong emphasis on tolerance and mutual respect.
The Gambia has a tropical savannah climate. The short rainy season normally lasts from June until September, with lower temperature and less rainfall from September to May.
The average temperature in October is 28-31 Celsius. Although the rainy season has generally ended by late October, short showers are common.
Other useful information:
No visa is required for British passport holders (up to 28 days), nor Irish passport holders (up to 90 days). Full passport for Irish needed, not passport card.
Same-sex relationships are illegal in The Gambia. It is also illegal for men to dress as women.
This visit is open to all within MCI. If you have any concerns about either of these points, and would like to discuss it further, please get in touch.
To apply for MEET 2026 - The Gambia, download the word document, fill in each section and email your completed form to worldmission@irishmethodist.org
The Deadline for completed applications is friday 27th february, 2026.
