Transforming Sierra Leone: Faith, Vision, and Partnership
Summary
The journey in Sierra Leone, West Africa, is a testament to the power of faith, vision, and partnership. Fourteen years ago, a vision was cast to bring transformation to this nation, and through the unwavering support of churches and individuals, that vision has blossomed into a vibrant ministry. Starting with just two churches, the mission has expanded to 18 churches, all led by pastors trained at the Bible Institute established in 2009. This growth is not just in numbers but in impact, as these churches are now beacons of hope and centers of education, with six elementary schools and a secondary school launching soon.
The mission's reach extends beyond the church walls, impacting the military, police, and correctional officers through leadership training. This initiative has seen many come to Christ, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel. The annual leadership conference is a highlight, drawing many to a deeper understanding of leadership in Christ.
The work in Sierra Leone is not just about numbers but about changing lives. Recently, 15 pastors ventured into villages that had never heard the gospel, resulting in over 1,000 people accepting Christ. This is a nation-changing movement, as described by a fellow pastor. The vision is to capture Sierra Leone for Christ and impact West Africa, a vision that is being realized through the dedication and sacrifice of many.
The journey has been marked by personal stories of transformation, like my own, where the gospel changed my life as a high school senior. This personal transformation fuels the passion to see others experience the same life-changing encounter with Christ. The mission in Sierra Leone is a reminder of the power of partnership, vision, and the gospel to transform lives and nations.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Power of Vision and Partnership: The journey in Sierra Leone began with a vision and the partnership of churches and individuals who believed in that vision. This collaboration has resulted in significant growth and impact, demonstrating the power of unity in fulfilling God's mission. [37:36]
2. Transformative Leadership: Leadership training for military and police forces in Sierra Leone has been a pivotal part of the mission, showing that leadership rooted in Christ can transform not just individuals but entire institutions. This initiative highlights the importance of equipping leaders with a Christ-centered approach. [43:17]
3. Reaching the Unreached: The recent outreach to villages that had never heard the gospel underscores the mission's commitment to reaching the unreached. This effort resulted in over 1,000 people accepting Christ, illustrating the profound impact of taking the gospel to new frontiers. [49:56]
4. Personal Transformation Fuels Mission: Personal stories of transformation, like my own, serve as a powerful reminder of the gospel's impact. This personal encounter with Christ fuels the passion and commitment to see others experience the same life-changing transformation. [55:14]
5. A Vision for the Future: The mission in Sierra Leone is part of a larger vision to impact West Africa. This vision includes establishing a college to train future leaders and missionaries, ensuring that the gospel continues to spread throughout the region. [59:14]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:37] - Vision for Sierra Leone
- [03:17] - Growth of Churches and Schools
- [05:14] - Leadership Training Impact
- [07:06] - Personal Transformation Story
- [09:44] - Outreach to Unreached Villages
- [12:46] - Future Vision for West Africa
- [15:14] - Combined Services and Community Impact
- [17:06] - The Role of Partnership
- [19:14] - Establishing a College for Training
- [21:44] - Call to Action and Personal Commitment
- [23:44] - Closing Remarks and Gratitude
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 28:18-20 - "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'"
2. 1 Corinthians 16:9 - "For a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me."
3. Acts 1:8 - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the initial vision for the mission in Sierra Leone, and how has it expanded over the years? [37:36]
2. How has leadership training impacted the military and police forces in Sierra Leone? [43:17]
3. What was the outcome of the recent outreach to villages that had never heard the gospel? [49:56]
4. How did the pastor describe his personal transformation and its impact on his mission work? [55:14]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 relate to the mission work being done in Sierra Leone?
2. In what ways does the concept of an "effectual door" from 1 Corinthians 16:9 apply to the opportunities and challenges faced in Sierra Leone? [49:56]
3. How does the pastor's personal story of transformation illustrate the power of the gospel to change lives? [55:14]
4. What does Acts 1:8 suggest about the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers to be witnesses in places like Sierra Leone?
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the power of vision and partnership. How can you contribute to a mission or vision in your community or church? [37:36]
2. Consider the impact of leadership training in Sierra Leone. How can you apply Christ-centered leadership principles in your workplace or community? [43:17]
3. The outreach to unreached villages resulted in many accepting Christ. How can you engage with those in your life who have not heard the gospel? [49:56]
4. The pastor's personal transformation fuels his mission work. How has your personal faith journey influenced your actions and commitments? [55:14]
5. The mission in Sierra Leone is part of a larger vision for West Africa. What is your vision for the future of your faith community, and how can you work towards it? [59:14]
6. How can you support missions, either locally or globally, through prayer, financial support, or personal involvement?
7. Reflect on the idea of being a witness in your own "Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria." What steps can you take to be a more effective witness in your immediate surroundings?
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Vision and Partnership
The journey in Sierra Leone is a powerful example of how vision and partnership can lead to transformative change. Fourteen years ago, a vision was cast to bring transformation to this nation, and through the unwavering support of churches and individuals, that vision has blossomed into a vibrant ministry. Starting with just two churches, the mission has expanded to 18 churches, all led by pastors trained at the Bible Institute established in 2009. This growth is not just in numbers but in impact, as these churches are now beacons of hope and centers of education, with six elementary schools and a secondary school launching soon. The collaboration of churches and individuals has demonstrated the power of unity in fulfilling God's mission. [37:36]
"For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." (Matthew 18:20, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life can you partner with to pursue a vision that aligns with God's mission? How can you take a step towards that partnership today?
Day 2: Transformative Leadership
Leadership training for military and police forces in Sierra Leone has been a pivotal part of the mission, showing that leadership rooted in Christ can transform not just individuals but entire institutions. This initiative highlights the importance of equipping leaders with a Christ-centered approach. The annual leadership conference is a highlight, drawing many to a deeper understanding of leadership in Christ. This effort has seen many come to Christ, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel. [43:17]
"Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance." (Proverbs 1:5, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you incorporate Christ-centered leadership principles in your daily interactions, whether at work, home, or in your community?
Day 3: Reaching the Unreached
The recent outreach to villages that had never heard the gospel underscores the mission's commitment to reaching the unreached. This effort resulted in over 1,000 people accepting Christ, illustrating the profound impact of taking the gospel to new frontiers. The mission's reach extends beyond the church walls, impacting the military, police, and correctional officers through leadership training. This initiative has seen many come to Christ, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel. [49:56]
"And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!'" (Romans 10:15, ESV)
Reflection: Is there a person or group in your life who has not heard the gospel? How can you take a step to share the good news with them today?
Day 4: Personal Transformation Fuels Mission
Personal stories of transformation serve as a powerful reminder of the gospel's impact. The journey in Sierra Leone has been marked by personal stories of transformation, like the speaker's own, where the gospel changed their life as a high school senior. This personal transformation fuels the passion to see others experience the same life-changing encounter with Christ. The mission in Sierra Leone is a reminder of the power of partnership, vision, and the gospel to transform lives and nations. [55:14]
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your own story of transformation. How can you use your personal testimony to inspire and encourage someone else in their faith journey today?
Day 5: A Vision for the Future
The mission in Sierra Leone is part of a larger vision to impact West Africa. This vision includes establishing a college to train future leaders and missionaries, ensuring that the gospel continues to spread throughout the region. The dedication and sacrifice of many are making this vision a reality, capturing Sierra Leone for Christ and impacting West Africa. This is a nation-changing movement, as described by a fellow pastor. [59:14]
"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." (Proverbs 16:3, ESV)
Reflection: What is a long-term vision or goal you feel God is calling you to pursue? What steps can you take today to commit this vision to the Lord and begin working towards it?
Quotes
The brief story that I want to share with you is really what you folks and others like you have helped make happen for the people of Sierra Leone, West Africa. Fourteen years ago, pastors and church members listened as we shared our vision for this country and took a leap of faith and personally invested in that vision through their finances and their prayers. [00:33:50] (24 seconds)
Upon arrival, we started two churches and from that early beginning, we now have a total of 18 churches. All of these churches are now pastored by men who have been trained in our Bible Institute, which was established in 2009 and continues to train men and women for ministry. Along with the churches, we have six elementary schools, all staffed with qualified teachers from our churches. [00:34:26] (32 seconds)
Eight years ago, I was invited by the Armed Forces Chief Chaplain to provide leadership training for the military, the Fire Force, the Police Force, the Metropolitan Police Force, and the Correctional Officers. Each year, we conduct a five-day leadership conference of which we have seen many of them come to a three-day leadership in Christ. [00:35:15] (36 seconds)
Recently, 15 of our pastors went to a sector of villages that had never before heard the message of the gospel. In those 15 villages, there was a total of 1,042 people that accepted Christ as their Savior. We now have one of our pastors who has moved on site to establish four churches and begin discipleship. Until this time, they've had no church, no mosque, and no school. [00:36:47] (38 seconds)
Recently, a pastor in reviewing what was taking place in Sierra Leone made this statement. This is nation changing. Diane and I have never been more encouraged than we are now. Together we can capture Sierra Leone for Christ and impact West Africa. [00:38:46] (27 seconds)
We have such an opportunity in Sierra Leone. It's a great opportunity. Doors are open. We have a strategy that we put together. I say we, there were five other pastors that came from all of the states. We went to Houston. We met in Houston and we put together a strategy for reaching, capturing Sierra Leone and impacting West Africa. [00:48:49] (24 seconds)
And we have, there are 16 districts in Sierra Leone. And in those districts are sections. And you have a paramount chief who's over the district, and then you have a section chief, and then you have village chiefs, and, you know, they operate very well. Now, we had, we started the district of West Freetown. That's one district. [00:49:14] (32 seconds)
And three years ago, we went there. And you saw on the video the open door that God gave us there. And now we brought in one of our men who's been with me for about 10 years. And Alfred went to that move from McKinney to that district. And by the way, he is, his wife stayed in McKinney and is in charge of one of our schools there. [00:50:52] (30 seconds)
And we have—we've been partnering with Louisiana Baptist University and seminary, and they offer the degree. We use their curriculum, and they offer the four-year degree to get a bachelor's degree. And we send them back to their country now with bachelor's. But more than that, we send them back with a vision. [00:59:00] (21 seconds)
Over a billion people in Africa. And now you send the gospel northward through all those regions. And the camps become a part. The Bible colleges become a part. The vision becomes a part. And you can impact. That's not going to happen in my generation. But I'm praying that we can have a strategy and a vision that is acceptable in West Africa. [01:00:08] (28 seconds)
Jesus told his church before he left to go back to heaven, he said, All authority is mine in heaven and earth. And then he said, I want you to go. And Mark, he said, I want you to go into all the world. You know, I traveled with your pastor here for the last two days. [01:00:24] (25 seconds)
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