Pastor Dr Ron Philips from Abba's House, Hixson Tennessee USA has arrived in the country with a four-man delegation for a nine-day visit, at the invitation of Pastor Bidwell Mendy of the Calvary Church in Kanifing.

They were received at the Banjul International Airport by a Gambian by the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Abdoulie Bojang, the National Assembly member for Kombo Central, Abdou Jarju and Ansumana Jammeh, a Gambian pastor as well as some members of the Calvary Church.

Speaking to the Daily Observer at the VIP lounge, Pastor Dr Phillips said his main purpose of visiting The Gambia is to encourage churches and to give medical help to the needy people of Marakissa. He said Jesus in his three-year ministry, had brought both spiritual aid and healing to the people he had encountered.

The US-born Pastor said while in the country, he will take the opportunity to repent for what had happened between The Gambia and his country during the slavery period. For his part, the hosting pastor, Pastor Bidwell Mendy, said he  was delighted to have such a great man like Pastor Dr Phillips in the country. He said when he first met him in the US, he explained to him that The Gambia is a nation that is open to all peace-loving people no matter where one may come from.

Pastor Dr. Phillips will be holding revivals at the Calvary Church from the 6-11 January every day at 6 PM. The delegation will also be visiting Marakisa Health Centre where they will listen to the views of the villagers and see the possibilities of helping them.