James Stileman recently returned from a vital visit to Guinea and The Gambia, two dioceses within the Internal Province of West Africa (IpWA). The journey, which spanned the end of October and the beginning of November 2025, was packed with moments of celebration, strategic conversations, and first-hand insights into church life and training needs across both nations.
In Guinea, James represented Relay Trust at the 125th anniversary of Toussaint Cathedral in Conakry. The event, marked by a joyful procession through the city, cultural performances, and a service led by Bishop Martyn Snow, celebrated the long-standing Anglican witness in a country where Christians remain a small but resilient minority.
James also travelled with Desmond to Fallanghia, the site of Guinea’s first Anglican church and a location steeped in missionary history. There he met Canon Francois Tounkara, who is revitalising the local parish while living apart from his family due to his placement. The diocese owns over 100 acres of land there, including the historic church, a struggling school, and buildings ripe for development. A proposal is on the table for Relay Trust to help fund a small shop, which would serve the community and support outreach. There are also hopes to build a French-speaking training and retreat centre on the site.
In The Gambia, James met with Bishop Kojo and diocesan leaders to discuss their emerging theological training strategy. The diocese is already seeing fruit. A first cohort has completed both the TLT and Explore programmes, and +Kojo now hopes to see 10 priests and three lay leaders continue with Explore over the next two years. Training would be delivered locally with the support of Rev Moses Lincoln.
Gambian church life is diverse and quietly expanding. In the capital, Banjul, James visited Christ Church and St Mary’s Cathedral, both vibrant congregations. Outside the city, in Brikama, the diocese has recently opened St Andrew’s Church on a spacious new site. Plans are underway for a STEM school for girls, and efforts are being made to restore an existing primary school.
Please pray for the Diocese of Guinea and the Diocese of The Gambia. Pray for wisdom in planning, provision for infrastructure, and courage to grow the church in contexts where Christians are few. May God bless the seeds planted long ago with lasting Gospel fruit.
