DAI Visits TECT in Sierra Leone

President and CEO of DAI has concluded a visit to Sierra Leone from 1 - 4th June 2009. While in Sierra Leone Jane and Dyonah visited TECT, the National Pentecostal Mission and the Evangelical Fellowship of Sierra Leone to discuss the issue of leadership development. In one of these sessions, staff from TECT and the National Pentecostal Mission were introduced to the First series of course materials on "Servant Leadership."

The acute need for biblically trained leaders for the church who are serving in the interior of Sierra Leone was the mainthrust of our meetings. If the church of Christ is to grow in Sierra Leone, leaders need to be trained in ways that are sensitive not just to the demands of biblical holism, but also to the demands of culture in the contexts in which they minister.

A total of 21 participants attended the briefing seminar. we were very delighted that DAI's leadership could come to meet with our Principal and Bishop. We could sense a genuine desire for the development of leaders in Sierra Leone.

9th Biennial Delegates Conference

The 9th Biennial Delegates Conference of the National Pentecostal Mission in Sierra Leone will commence on Tuesday 26th May 2009 at the National Pentecostal Church Congo Cross in Freetown. The conference, which is expected to bring together 200 delegates from our 27 churches and 10 primary schools in Sierra Leone will center its discussions on the theme "The Role of The Church in Promoting Behavioral and Attitudinal change"

We shall also review progress made so far in evangelising and disciplining Sierra Leone. We shall also elect mission officers who will serve for the next two years of work. The conference is expected to end with the ordination and reception into full time ministry of five pastors.

Please spend time to pray with us as we gather to thank the Lord and ask his favor in the lives of the mission.

Accreditation of New Programs of Study at TECT

The Evangelical College of Theology in Sierra Leone continues to make a mark in education across Sierra Leone. On Tuesday 17th March 2009, the National council for Technical, Vocational and Other Academic Awards [NCTVA] in Sierra Leone has offered accreditation for programs of study leading to the award of National Diploma and Higher National Diplomas in Peace & Conflict Studies, Community Development Studies, Human Resource Management, Banking & Finance and Computer & Secretarial Studies. This means that the curriculum at TECT has been expanded to include non theological programs that are intended to contribute to national development and social and economic cohesion.

The accreditation itself was graced by the presence of the Executive Director of NCTVA Mr M A Jalloh who administered the oath to TECT Rev Abu M Conteh. The Chairman of the Board of Governors and other members of the Board were present to celebrate this momentuous occasion.

The program was moderated by the Academic Dean of TECT - Rev J Bosco Bangura and other members of staff like Vice Principal Rev Davies also offered their remarks. Students from all our campuses were in attendance.

Educational Support for School Pupils in Church

The National Pentecostal Church in Wellington, east of Freetown, where I serve as assistant Pastor has a heart to see children of destitute parents receive basic education. Committed to sharing the love of Christ with our less fortunate children whose parents are caught in the circles of poverty, my church has committed to provided these children with a subsidized scholarship scheme that will see them through their education. On sunday 7th december 2008 we distributed scholarship assistance to 76 students enrolled at various levels of education from Junior Secondary to University.

On a seperate note, the faculty of The Evangelical College of Theology where I serve converged in our home for the monthly staff fellowhsip. While praying together and fellowshiping we reflected on the christmas theme of "The Fullness of Time" Galatians 4:4.

Sierra Leone Vision Conference 2008

Sierra Leone Vission Conference 2008 has recently ended at my church, National Pentecostal Mission Sierra Leone. The conference which brought together pastors, church leaders, women and youth leaders discussed key issues of how the church can bring about wholistic community development among the poorest of the poor in the world. This conference saw seminar facilitation from Chris (Samaritan Strategy for Africa based in Ghana) and Ouatarra (national leader for MMD in Ivory Coast). The leaders were challenged to rethink ministry from the perspective of development so that the core problems of Africa can be addressed. We are grateful to have them with us as we reflect on the role of the church in bringing about wholistic development in Sierra Leone.

Presentation on Christ Centered Ministry Sierra Leone

On Sunday, November 16 2008 I had the opportunity to present a report to the Evangelical Church in Beringen Belgium and The Christ Centered Church in Leuven Belgium. These churches are the main support base of the ministry I am coordinating in Sierra Leone. The Christ Centered Church and Primary School in Masakaray Village in the Port Loko District north of Sierra Leone was founded by Koen a Belgian national. The church in Masakaray village has a steady growing membership and efforts are being undertaken to improve evangelism. Here are some of the pictures during the presentation

My studies at ETF Belgium

For the past three months, I have participated in the annual doctoral colloqium at The Evangelical Theological Faculty in Leuven Belgium where I am doing a PhD in missiology. So far, the research has been very thrilling with new insights gained in my major discipline. I was also able to re-connect with friends over meals, as well as visiting friends in Germany and The Netherlands.

This self-directed study agenda is very packed. I have to study for my doctoral exam as well as prepare an academic article for presentation in the next colloqium. Over and above this, I have missed my family so dearly.

As I look forward to going back home by end of November, I am grateful to my friends who are supporting my studies and ministry in Sierra Leone. The task of nation building after years of war and mindful of the fact that Sierra Leone has been placed on bottom of the UN's Human Index Report, I continue to ask you to join us as we seek to rebuild lives through out ministry at The Evangelical College of Theology in Sierra Leone.