GAP MISSIONS - Philosophy

Over 200 years ago a British cobbler named William Carey responded to a spiritual need and began pioneering the modern missionary movement which radically changed the course of history. Carey was ridiculed and labeled as a dreamer and fool. But Carey would not be dissuaded, reminding them also of man's responsibility to the Great Commission: "Make disciples of all nations . . . " (Matt. 28:19). On June 13, 1793, William Carey, his wife and four children sailed for India.

Instead of merely "sending" missionaries to foreign lands to "convert the heathen," Carey believed the missionary's primary job was to train nationals to evangelize and disciple their own people. This concept underlies GAP Missions’ approach to ministry. The aim of GAP MISSIONS from the onset has been to reach the people of Ivory Coast by “training nationals who in turn train other nationals.” The Bible Training Center now numbers more than seventy students who are being personally taught and trained by National Ivorian Pastors. After eleven years of ministry, by the grace of God, we are experiencing exponential growth. Ivorian pastors are now expressing their desire to spread the GOSPEL to other African Nations.

James & LaNelle were called to go to Ivory Coast in 1989.  The Lord impressed on their hearts a great desire to share the Gospel with those living in remote villages of the Western Region…areas where no other missionaries were working.  They moved to Bangolo (Bahn-go-low) a small town situated in the “bush” area of the West.  They were the first white people to have ever lived in this region.  

The ministry began in a small village called Guiri (gear-ee), situated about 25 miles deep in the jungle from where they lived.  The people of Guiri (gear-ee) follow witchdoctors and believe that spirits live in animals and nature, a religion called ANIMISM.  James & LaNelle wondered why the Lord had led them to begin the ministry in such a small village.  Later they were told that ALL witchdoctors living in the Western Region of Ivory Coast claimed their power came from this small village called GUIRI.  The Lord had led them right to the heart of Satan’s stronghold.