Update from Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone Scenarios Part 14

Story written by Paul and Sharon Martin

Sierra Leone Scenarios – Part 14

Graduation Celebration!

After four years of faithful study and ministry, the anticipated celebration finally arrived for our first four graduating students from Nazarene Theological Institute with their Diploma of Theology on Sunday afternoon, November 1. It was a grand occasion with 168 present, complete with the TV station and a Christian radio station covering the event, giving exposure for the Church of the Nazarene in Freetown. We were blessed to have Rev. Tim Eby present from Dakar, Senegal to represent Nazarene

Theological Institute on the Africa West Field.

The graduates shared their appreciation for the influence of their theological training on their lives and ministry. Pastor Vidal Cole says, “The message of holiness, the “radical optimism of grace” has changed my life forever! I entered this training as a depressed man, but today my life is whole again, with an inner peace and harmony that I have never experienced before.”

Pastor Joseph Jalloh expressed, “The TE program has changed my life in a wonderful way, especially since I came from a Muslim home. My concept about God and Christ was totally negative, but I thank God for this glad message of holiness. God changed my heart of stone, and gave me a heart of flesh, and His love fills the whole capacity of my soul.”

Pastor Paul Kallon said, “I entered empty, unable to know who I am, why I am here, and what I am searching for. But as I kept attending the TE classes with an open mind, I saw the transforming grace leading me on the transforming journey. And now I have a deep heart passion for the work of God.”

Pastor David Mannah thanked God for the TE training, and said, “It has really helped me to know God and His gracious love he has shown to us.”

We are proud of their disciplined dedication. And we are grateful for their developing leadership in the work. Two of the graduates, Vidal and Joseph, have now begun the distance learning Bachelor of Theology from Nazarene Theological College of South Africa with scholarships provided by a gracious donor – we are incredibly grateful! Vidal and Joseph are gifted teachers and committed to becoming future scholars

and teachers for the Church of the Nazarene in Sierra

Leone.

Phase I District

azarenes from across the district enjoyed the ministry of Rev. Tim Eby as he led District Assembly as a bona fide Phase I District. Complete with elections of our first District Advisory Board, this was an historical occasion that turns another corner for the work here. National leadership with the two Zone Coordinators, Vidal Cole and Joseph Jalloh, as well as with this new DAB, anticipate an exciting new church year advancing toward their goal of 120 churches by 2013.

Working Together

than 50 people gathered last Saturday to work as a Nazarene family to help clear the property for the District Center development. By noon the bush on the half acre of land was cleared. The ladies prepared food for the workers, and after lunch,

special “ground breaking” ceremony with the district licensed ministers expressed gratefulness and anticipation of the development ahead of educational and worship facilities. An exciting day for the Nazarene family

in Sierra Leone!

Praises . . .

♣The purchase of property for the District Center! – and beginning next phase of construction on the site.

♣First four graduates of Nazarene Theological Institute in Sierra Leone

♣Five new church plants upcountry in the pioneer area of Segbwema

♣Converts from another world religion now in TE pastoral training – to become minister in the Church of the Nazarene.

Prayer Requests . . .

♣God will continue to raise up new leaders as the church reaches out into new areas of the country.

♣Work & Witness teams to help with building the District Center

♣Churches will more and more catch the vision of leading lost people to the transforming Savior.

Our hearts are filled with praise for the new lease on life that our grandson, Liam, is enjoying as he discovers the world around him! His lab numbers are all normal. The family has celebrated being HOME four weeks now! You have been a part of this unfolding miracle. Thank you again so much for your prayers!

Paul and Sharon Martin

Ministries Coordinator

Church of the Nazarene

Sierra Leone, West Africa

P. O. Box 784

Freetown

Sierra Leone

West Africa

PhONE:

+232-76-739-641

E-Mail:

PMartin@awfcon.org