AUGUST 2016 UPDATE

AUGUST 2016 UPDATE FROM SIERRA LEONE:

In the Catechism booklet, “I BELONG TO GOD” question number twelve [12] says ‘What does it mean to take care of the world?’… The answer: - “God gives me seven important responsibilities: a Temple, the earth and its Terrain, Time, Tasks [work], Talents, Treasures and Transmission. (The 7 T’s) .These are God’s expectations for me as a Christian and steward in his vine yard. I believed it’s the same for each of us that He Has called to serve.

 The Month of August is always a very wet months in times of rainfall. Hence our terrain is so muddy that most of our works are concentrated in Kabala. Therefore the update for this month will be very scanty.

BOYS’ BRIGADE. The Christian reformed church -Nigeria has sent Mr. Fwaje Bawa to come and help our young ones in training in the area of the Boys Brigade. Mr. Bawa arrived on August 5^th and the training has begun. He will be here for eight weeks.}

NEW LEADERS:  Following the election of new leaders for the Church in Last Month meeting. The new Leaderships of the church had their first inaugural meeting after their installation, on August 1 . Among decision arrived at was for them to continue to educate their members to look inward in times of raising local support from  within  to compliment outside funding for the work of the church. In view of that beginning in September they will go to the grass root to teach and sensitize their people in ways of generating local resources. Mean while they have also asked Rev. Mathis Gabriel from Bo to serve as the pastor of Kabala Church. Rev. Mathias is from the Mende tribe. This is a very good way of having people from other areas to serve in a different tribal group to promote  unity in the church. Kabala is mostly a Kuranko speaking area as well as the congregation. So having a Mendel man to serve in Kabala is a very good sign of the good diversity and sharing our common ideas. Likewise a Kuranko pastor will be going to serve in the Mende area.

DARK TUESDAY IN KABALA: Every blessed day there is the bright sun Light as well as the dark when night finally come. But for Tuesday August 16, the people of Kabala wake up early but force to go to bed by noon. This is as a result of a clash that erupted in the town between the Youths who were protesting a decision by the Government to relocate a youth empowerment training village which was proposed and announced by the President to be built in Kabala in 2014. But recently it was on news that the government have decided to take it to another district. This did not go down well with the youth. Unfortunately the Police reacted with too much force. Life bullets were fired, some young people killed. The Police reported two death but the people are saying they are more than that. Well even if it was one soul, it was not the best action taken by the Police against the unarmed youth.

 Curfew was immediately imposed on the town for twenty four hours. But the following day it was relaxed from 8 am to 5 pm. Now it has been relaxed again from 10pm to 6am. Last week we could not hold our midweek service as well as cell meetings because of the curfew. But thanks to God this week we will be able to do our weekly activities and church meetings at least to 10.pm.

 SAD DAYS FOR OUR SCHOOL: Even though the students and staff are now at home for the summer holiday. Yet the parents and staff are still in contact getting information on how the students and pupils are doing during the holiday. Unfortunately on Sunday afternoon August 14, one of the female students by name Asma Kakay was knock down by a commercial motorcycle [commonly called okada] because of complications probably of internal bleeding, she died three days after. Asma was a SS2 student. Also one Mariama s junior secondary class student died, this was as a result of sickness. These are really loses for the Kabala Christian secondary school (CRC), as well as the community as a whole.

OUR NEW BUILDING: We are continuing thanking God and you all for your financial support for this noble task ahead of us. Presently there is no more threat on the Land. The foundations have been laid. We are trusting God for funds to continue with the building. This can be seen in the picture below., the level of work done so far.

APPRECIATIONS: We always remain grateful to you all for your unfailing supports for us and the work here in Sierra Leone. We also thank God for answered prayers for Jemimah. She has now completed her studies at the Sierra Leone theological college. She successfully defended her dissertation; the convocation will take place in December.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1.      Thank God for the rainy season, the farms are doing well.

2.      Thank God for the return of peace in Kabala following the August 16 clashes with the youth and the police.

3.      Pray for the families that lost their beloved as a result of the clashes.

4.      Pray for the family of students at the Christian School who died recently for comfort.

5.      Mr. Geerlings is here to work on the 2017/18 Budget for the ministry. Pray that God will continue raise people who will support the mission in reaching out for the loss souls in Sierra Leone.

6.      Pray for more funds for the new buildings in Kabala.

7.      Pray for the new leadership of the church.

8.       Pray for Rev. Mathias as he leads the Kabala church.

9.       Pray for More Spiritual growth among our members.

10.  Next Month I will be visiting Morris in Liberia as well as start a TLT class in Monrovia. Pray for journey mercy, the new TLT Class in Liberia and also for the ministry of Pastor Morris, among the Vai people of Liberia.

SUBMITTED BY:

Rev. Istifanus B Bahago

Leadership Consultant – CRC-SL/CRWM.

Email:ibbahago@gmail.com, istifanusbahago@yahoo.com

Phone: +23278264240,+23277668139

Blog:apostlebahago.blogspot.com

JULY UPDATE 2016

JULY 2016 UPDATE FROM SIERRA LEONE:

“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others…. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. [2Timothy.2:2, 15]”. The encouragement and instruction of St. Paul to Timothy is indeed a desire of every leader and mentor to his or her mentee. Same is through of the young growing church in Sierra Leone. (The CRC-SL).

BAPTISM IN MAKENI: Recently our focus have been on the newly establish church in Makeni. The Makeni church is so unique not only because is one of the churches we are planting in the urban cities of Sierra Leone, but because of its unique and God driving purpose of its beginning. Rev. Maxwell who is one of the first pastors to be sent and train outside the country. His return and what the Lord is using him to accomplish is indeed an encouragement to the mission to note that the investment in training him was in the right direction. Beside the challenge of having a permanent place of worship, Maxwell and the few believers have stood their faith to prove that we are serving a living God. They have remained focus in their meeting at the perceived place of the devil, in which many have run away. We are grateful that many are coming to the faith.  On July 2^nd, 20 people were baptized in Makeni.

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DEDICATION OF NANFAYIE SCHOOL BUILDING. Smithers CRC in Canada have put smile and joy in the life of the community of Nanfayie in Tonkolili District, especially the school pupils and the teachers. Monday July 11, we dedicated the newly constructed block of three classroom building and an office. The entire village suspended their work in the farm that day to witness the great dreams coming to fulfillment. It was like a Manna that drop from heaven, when they were wondering where their help will come from to provide a conducive learning environment for their kids. Eventually the Lord provided the help with this fine building greatly funded by Smithers. To Expressed their Joy, the community all agreed to name the school “CRC Primary” school.

NEW LEADERS FOR THE CHURCH: In our strife to get leaders for the Christian reformed church, this year in her Synod meeting which was held for three days between July 13-15 the delegates elected new set of leaders for the church, to replaced Rev. Jalloh who retired last Month because of age and poor health. The meeting was attended by delegates from all the local churches of the denomination. It was peaceful. Beside the Election, the delegates where led in a teaching session with the topic Servant leaders. This was done by Rev. Moses Jawara, the man who later emerged as the president.

 One other interesting decision taking by the delegates was for them to look inward to raising funds for the church instead of depending solely on outside funding for their activities. The church agreed to raise their quarterly due with twenty percent increase, with the lowest paying le.36000 [about $5, quarterly and $20 per annum].

 Those elected were: Rev. Moses M Jawara- President, Rev. John Sesay – Vice President, Mr. Amara Fefegula, and Mr. Karifa S Jalloh.

MOSES JAWARA: Rev. Moses M Jawara, is a Nephew to Mr. Joseph M Jawara , our office accountant. He is also the supervisor of our urban ministry in Freetown. Rev Jawara is a very committed young man; the new church he planted in Wellington is growing very fast. He is one of the young men that really have passion for the church. He is married, just three years ago. Because of his passion for the young people, prior to his becoming CRC he started a youth group called Youth alliance for Christ , it’s an interdenominational youth group  It has branches in Freetown , Bo Makeni Magburuka , Kabala and recently a youth Christian group in Liberia invited him to start a branch there in which he did .

 He is Kuranko by tribe His parents are from Dondoya village, a village close to Foria (the Home of Paul and Mary. And Barry meyer).

WOMEN MICRO FINANCE PROGRAM: Women form the majority in the membership of the church. A very hard working personality of the home, but they are the less educated and also badly hit by poverty in the society. The church in its effort to help the women meet some domestic needs of their homes, introduce a Micro finance program to help the women improve in their lively means. Though the program is so challenging as some of the women who could not repay the money given to them, became afraid to come to the church. In view of that, last year we introduced a different ways of helping these women not  tobe scare away because  of the micro Loan. We bought a rice milling machine, which was meant to help them in reducing the labor involved in milling rice which is main food of sierra Leonean. But also to generate income for the women fellowship. The price for the milling was reduced so that they women can afford and with that they can also generate an income for the group, communal work.

 This method seems to be working very well. In Five Months, they were able to generate le.3000,00 ($500) its hope that within 18 Months they will be able to buy a new machine for another community.

Its hope that the Micro finance program will empower 50 qualifying women in 1 groups through income generating activities such as the rice milling to support their children and the work of the church (806133- is the budget code for this in our budget)  Recently we visited Fununbakoro village were the machine is located.

PROGREES REPORT FROM LIBERIA: We give thanks to God Almighty for the continued growth of the Church. Morris has finally resume work among the Vai people of Liberia in Cape Monte County. He is based in Tieni. Morris visited us recently. In his report it shows that indeed there is interest among the people in accepting the Gospel especially as its coming from one of them. Vai people are predominantly Muslims. But they are receptive to hear what Morris is telling them about Christ. Morris plan is to start with a Christian school along with planting of churches. He has begun a home cell meeting for Bible study every week. The chief of the village and his elder welcome Morris nicely and promised to give him Land for the ministry anytime he needs it. Morris is trying to get volunteer teachers who will be willing to teach at the school. In a stakeholders meeting which, was attended by one of his cousin who works with the government, were able to raise $400 towards the school program. They have gotten a place an uncompleted building, which they are hoping to start there. They are hoping to start the school comes September .It’s going to be called Christian Academy Tieni. Someone also pledge to pay the registration fee with the Government, the fee for that is $350 Liberia Dollars..

 Morris Challenge now is to raise at least USD 1,705, if the school will actually start by September as he proposed.

TLT TRAINING: Eighteen [18] Participants turn up for the July TLT training , out of the initial twenty two [22]. We give God the glory for the Facilitators who did a very wonderful job, the participants expressed excitement on the way the facilitators handle the training. Besides, the training to complete the modules that was started in February. There were reports on their action plan, how and why it was achieved or not. But in all the reports, it was a 90% success stories. One of them was a story about reconciliation in a family that was divided by series of crisis.  Also Pastor Augustine Sam of Mokpendeh, gives testimony on how they were able to raised a church structure in their village, in which the people were mobilized to do communal work, that really reduced their absolute dependents on outside help. God willing by February next year the remaining two modules, which is Biblical Preaching and Sustainable development will be completed. This time because of the rain, the training was done in Kabala,

APPRECIATION: July 16 was another day of celebrating God grace on the life of Jemimah. We want to thank all of you that sent good will messages for Jemimah during her Birthday on July 16. This year our friend, colleague Sarah Kluitenberg was not around to make cake for her, but we eat a lot of rice and potato leaves , others was cassava leaves. We also want to thank you all for your prayers and support for us. Please do continue, Our Multipurpose and church project is still on.

It was birthday for Jemimah ,

PRAYER REQUESTS.

1.       Thank God for saving the life of pastor Augustine ‘s wife who was biten by snake last Month. She is well now.

2.       Pray for the new leaders of the Crc-sl  for wisdom and patience to lead.

3.       Pray for the growth of the Church in Sierra Leone.

4.        Pray for Pastor Maxwell and the church in Makeni to remain steadfast.

5.       Pray for Morris Sonie for the work in Liberia , .

6.        Please Pray for my Son Johncalvin. Two weeks ago he was diagnosed in the Hospital to have Hepatitis B. Well this is worrisome to us. But we believed that God will heal him. Before our coming to Sierra Leone, we were all immunized and were told that it will last for ten years. So for him to be diagnose for this, it’s surprising to us. But as I say your prayers and ours will bring healing by the grace of God.

7.       Continue to pray for more fund to complete our Building project.

Submitted by:

 Rev. Istifanus Bala Bahago.

CRC-SL/CRWM Leadership Consultant.

Phone;+23278264240, +23277668139.

Email:ibbahago@gmail.com, istifanusbahago@yahoo.com.

Blog.apostlebahago.blogspot.com.

JUNE 2016 UPDATE

JUNE 2016 UPDATE FROM SIERRA LEONE:

“Lord I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds O Lord, renew them in our day in our time make them known in wrath remember mercy.” (Habakkuk.3:2).

Welcome to the Month of June the last month of the first half of the year, God have been so wonderful in caring for his people. Like the prophet Habakkuk, we have heard and seen the fame and great deeds of the Lord. He has called many people to himself, he has revealed his deeds too many in the age past and is doing even know. His church is growing in many nations of the world. For us in Sierra Leone we continue to experience the grace of God in our lives as missionary and a people of the nation, we see and experience Love and acceptance every day from our host communities.

REV. JALLOH RETIRES: Rev. Mamburu Belkoro Jalloh is one of the early church workers of the CRC SL right from the time of CES.  After serving as an Evangelists and development supervisor with CES, in 2005 with Rev. Kortenhoven they started the seeing it through [SIT] program of church planting that later became the CRC-SL. He was one of the first ordained pastors of the church.  On June 5 Rev. Jalloh retires as the pastor of the Kabala Church at the age of 70, couple with poor health challenge as well. We organized a retirement service in his honor and were well attended by pastors from other denominations in Kabala as well as the branches of the CRC-SL. Several monetary gifts, and materials were given to Rev. Jalloh and people expressed their happiness and wish him well.

SCHOOL LOSES A STAFF. Saturday June 4^th was a very sad day for the staff, students and parents as well as the church, for the home call of one of our dedicated teacher at the Kabala Christian School [CRC]. Mr. Edwin Henry Tommy died in the early hours of June 4^th. He was age forty two. He was suffering from sickle cell anemia. Mr. Tommy was laid to rest on June 12^th at his home town in the southern province of the country. He was an economics as well as Mathematics teacher of the school. Two days mourning was declared at the school as students mourned the death of Mr. Tommy. Indeed it is a great loss to the school, as the school is preparing students for their final national exams, for the first set of students that will be seating for their final exams from the school. Mr. Tommy was one of the good teachers that were preparing students for this. We will surely miss him he was born in 1974 [ 42 yrs old] , thank God that a new person was found who is willing to teach at the school. He is Mr. Alie Jalloh. Mr. Jalloh has a master in Economics.

                                   

SARAH GOES BACK TO SCHOOL. Sarah Kluitenberg was a volunteer Teacher at the CRC Primary School Kabala, since August 2013. On Thursday June 16 , Sarah Bids fare way to both her colleagues and students as well as the church. It was a painful one because Sarah has touched many lives in both the school and the community as she was very free and interacts with people. She was popularly called Miss K by both her students and the people in town. For us, who are  her immediate neighbor, we felt it so much. She is going to study for her Master degree in Education in the UK. She Left Kabala on Friday June 17 a midst tears from my family, and well wishers.

BUILDING PROJECTS:  We very much thank God for the progress been made so far on our building projects. The Church in Mokpendeh is now plastered; the people are so appreciative of them having a place now for worship. The same is for Baykahun. The building is now roofed, but no plaster yet, but the people are using it for their worship and other meetings. Forty people are going through the catechism class in Baykahun , we are planning for their baptism on July 10

MAKENI.  From my last month updates you will remember I did wrote about the church in Makeni and the Land in which they have Faith to use for worship even though people are afraid that it was an evil ground. Thank God they have raised a temporary structure in the place and have started using it. That makes people to marvel at what Jesus Christ’s power is, above the power of evil. Mark 4:39, tells us that Jesus silence the storm and the wind. Therefore the power of darkness could not stop the church in Makeni. Presently the pastor reported that the section chief in charge of the area has decided to join the church. Their chairs {pews} are not enough for the worshippers that comes on Sunday. Initially when they were meeting in the classroom, the worshippers were just between twenty and twenty five but now, the fourth Sunday of their meeting in the new place, the figure has rising to 61 people. This is amazing. Makeni Church will need just $200 to add more benches for the church.  Next is the picture of the temporary structure at the land been use by the congregation in Makeni. Can you help us to get more benches for them? Rev. Maxwell is now preparing 30 people for Baptism in July .

DISSELKOEN ‘S VISIT:This Month, we are blessed  with the visit of one of the pioneer missionaries that serve with  World renew here in Sierra Leone in the 1980s . Disselkoen was a literacy teacher /trainer and many more in Alkalia and Foria. From 1983-1996. She recently visited Alkalia and us in Kabala. It was a home coming for Miss Jan Disselkoen, and seeing what the Lord has done in watering the fruits of the labors to what it has become today. Now there is the Church, CES, School and the FFP. We were really blessed and happy for her encouragements and prayers . She visited the church building, the new ongoing building of the multipurpose as well as the school.

Miss Jan Disselkoen  during her visit in Kabala , she also visited the school , where she was shown the school Laboratory and other facilities at both the Primary and the secondary school.

SPIRITUAL REVIVAL: The weekend of June 24-25  been the last weekend of the mid year , the Kabala church organized a spiritual revival for the members. It was an event full of blessings with the theme “Seek first the Kingdom of God” the text was from Mathew.6:33. It climax with the celebration of the Eucharist on Sunday June 26. It was soul reviving indeed as many gave testimonies of what the Lord did in their lives in the program. The Church has also set aside every first Wednesday of the Month as hours Grace. Its gear towards building the Spiritual lives of the members committing to prayers, teachings and Bible study.

 Also on Sunday there was the Baptism of little JK Marah. ( The name JK Marah is a popular name in the church and the ministry of the CES. JK Marah now late was one of the founding members of the church} in other to immortalize his name Mamud and Namisa decided to name their new born child after late JK Marah. It was an event full of Joy and also bringing to mind the legacy of Late. Mr. James Karanke Marah [JK Marah] . His widow ‘Nyimah Marah could not hold her tears and the congregation when immediately the name of the child was mentioned.

FFP GARIN STORES:This year two communities benefited from the grain store project assisted by the Family Farm Program. The stores in Saiduya and Dundukor are 95% completed, as the remaining work is the painting, which will be done within a couple of days. The community expressed their appreciation to Both CES and FFP. These are villages that both CES and FFP built grain stores for them.

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THE MULTIPURPOSE BUILD

ING. From my last update of May, I am pleased to say that much progress have been made, we are now almost through with the foundation of the second phase of the building. See pictures below . The picture on the left is the first phase, which is already roofed, ceiling fixed and all the steel windows and doors, waiting to be plaster. The picture on the right is the foundation of the second phase which has offices for the ministries, as well as a board or conference hall, which can be use as temporary place for worship as well, for the second kabala church. The present basement when completed will serve as storage in the future.

APRRECIATION: Once more on behalf of the beloved brethren here in Sierra Leone. I will like to thank you all for your prayers and support for us. I want to repeat what I normally say. Without your prayers and financial support, our work here would have been very difficult. Because you are there, you pray and support, the work is progressing. The church is growing through the help of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the people.

 Please do continue to give your support. Next Month July will be the first Month of the financial year. This year (FY) that ends in couple of days, you gave and prayed. Pleased continue to give. The work is not done yet, give and pray until it’s done. God bless you.World Mission is committed to carrying on the great commission please support her.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1.       Thank God for the successful retirement of REV. Jalloh, pray that God will give him good health.

2.       Pray for kabala church as they to look for a new pastor for the congregation.

3.        Pray for Pastor Augustine of Mokpendeh church. A week ago, his wife was bitten by a snake. She is presently receiving treatment in Bo. Pray for God healing for her.

4.       Continue to pray for Rev. Maxwell and the church in Makeni , as well as Baykayhun as theybaptize new believers, for them to stand firm in their new faith.

5.       In July, we will be having our Synod meeting. During the meeting, the delegates are expected to elect a new President following the retirement of Rev. Jalloh. Pray for Godly and servant leader to be elected for the church. Date for the meeting is July 13-15.

6.       Likewise in the same Month, we will be having the TLT training to complete the modules that was started in February. Pray for both the participants and the trainers. Date for this is July 18-22.

SUBMITTED BY:

REV. ISTIFANUS B.BAHAGO.

CRWM/CRC-SL   LEADERSHIP CONSULTANT.

Phone: +23278264240, +23277668139.

Email: ibbahago@gmail.com , istifanusbahago@yahoo.com

Blog.www.apostlebahago.blogspot.com

May 2016 Update.

MAY 2016 UPDATE FROM SIERRA LEONE:

“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit whom the father will send in my name will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you”( John.14:26 NIV). The coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost day , gave birth to the church and all that Jesus taught His church was made manifest and the people were indeed empowered to face the forces of darkness, with the help of the Holy Spirit. There was boldness on the part of the Apostles in preaching the gospel. We saw that demonstrated by the Apostle Peter on PENTECOST day. Today the church of Jesus Christ is faced with many challenges ranging from terrorists, and extremists, evil powers etc. In Africa, the believed in the power of evil Spirits is so prevalent in many communities. Christian today believed in the presence of the power of the Holy Spirit above the evil powers in the forests, Mountains Rivers and other places.

VISIT OF CONRAD AND GUS. May 6-9 was an exciting moments for us to receive Dr. Conrad vandyjke and his friend Gus Jonker from Canada. Conrad, planned to visit Sierra Leone last year as part of his annual visit to the country. Unfortunately in February 2015 on his way to the Airport in Toronto, he was involved in a car accident in which he was driving himself, his wife Anna died at the spot. Conrad was in the Toronto Hospital for some time because of head injury and a broke on the neck. The Doctors have said that likely Conrad was going to end up paralyzed, base on the kind of injury he sustained. But God miraculously healed him and he was able to come and visit us this year. His friend Jonker has this to say to us. “Conrad was on a mission for the Lord to Sierra Leone when he had the accident. But the Lord healed him and sent him to continue with the mission to Sierra Leone and to Alikalia, Kabala. That is why we are here to encourage you. May the Lord bless the work you are doing here”. Conrad and his friend Jonker have so far returned to Canada. We thank God for this visit and His protection.

THE CRC CHURCH IN MAKENI, CONTENDING WITH THE FORCES OF DARKNESS.

Makeni is the provincial headquarters of the Northern Province of Sierra Leone. Last year November, we started a new branch of the CRC, with Rev. Maxwell working there. Sometime in 2013, someone donated a piece of land to us to start a church. But unfortunately, during the Ebola crisis, while I was away in Nigeria, Some family members of the giver where not happy over it and so it became a big struggle and fight within the family. As a church, we decide to back out from the land.  Maxwell started the church in a school building instead. Presently we found another land; this is a land that people are scared of because they believed it’s inhabited by evil. The land was deserted for nearly forty years now. Since 1975,

Somebody attempted to build there but he died, and so the people believed there are evil in the place. The chief have offered it to the church. Rev. Maxwell and his congregation have cleared it and is ready to erect a temporary structure there for church activities. Maxwell and the congregation are now in a three weeks prayer and fasting. So people are watching to see how the church will survive in a perceived evil land. On Sunday May 29, the first worship was held there. Praise the Lord.                                                                 

HARVEST OF SOULS: It was a great moments of joy for us, seeing souls coming to confess Jesus as their personal Lord and savior. On Friday May 13 to Sunday May 15(Pentecost day) we went to a village called Yira Filaya Badela for Evangelism. Yirah Filaya Badela is a community that CES has worked to improve the lives of the people by helping them with a gravity water, building of a school block, store house and rice milling machine. We went there for two nights. Fifteen house hold gave their lives to Jesus with their family we started the first worship on Pentecost day May 15. Every Sunday , the Population is increasing.

BIOLOGICAL INCREASE. The Church population increases in different ways. First and foremost by conversion, that is of new members who are coming into the Church for the first time. And then the second are people whose parents are believer, and so are born in the church. Of course it’s expected that when these children grow they will make profession of Faith. In this mode we are pleased to welcome another bouncing baby boy to the Marah Family. Mahmud and Namisa Marah are members of our Church and both of them teach at the Christian School. Mr. Marah teaches at the secondary school while Namisa at the Primary. Marah junior was born on Monday May 16 2016.The mother and the child are all well.

SAD INCIDENT: Monday May 16, while we were happy for the arrival of Junior Marah. In the night it was a sad incident in CRC Kabala church as thieves went into the Church and carted away with the Church electronics which includes a Big JBL Speaker, Amplifier, 8Amp. Mixer, 9 Microphones, three wireless receivers for the Microphones, 8 plastics chairs. These are instruments that the young adult of the church during their thanksgiving raised the money and bought for the Church. The incident has been reported to the Police but up to now there is no news about the where about of the items. Everybody in the church is in a sad mode because of the missing or theft of these items. With this, we have no option than to reinforce or fortify our doors. We thank God; some friends have started giving so that we can buy new instruments for the church.

2016 CHILDREN THANKSGIVING SERVICE. The annual children thanksgiving service of the CRC Kabala church took place on Sunday May 29. Children presented special songs of praises, recitation of verses from the Bible. Mary T Koroma was the preacher for this year. The text was from Mark 10:13-16. The theme for this year was “the kingdom of God is for the Children”. Mary challenge parents to make sure they bring their children to God by raising them in Godly way. Let them know and serve God.

THE BUILDING PROJECTS: We want to thank God and also people and churches who have contributed for our building projects this year. The first phase of the multipurpose building, has now been roofed, we have also done the ceilings, doors and windows. In other for us to have a proper grip of the Land , so that, the remaining portion will not be taken from us, by interest groups who are envious of the strategic location of the Land, we have decided to mould more bricks , to begin foundation of the second phase, which has both , conference hall, and a church auditorium. We have three thousand blocks now.

An interesting scenario happened, when a Muslim Man whose house is just opposite the Land came to us and said. “I hope you people are not going to build a church here because we are afraid our children may join you if you have a church here. “ That makes me to think and reflect why people are trying to convince the chief to take away the land from us. Hence we were threatened to either develop it or lose the Land. But thank you for your support. I believed for now, the Land is secure, with the development we have started. And we believed too that you will continue to support so that the buildings will be completed and we will move in.

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Other building projects almost completing is the Nanfayie School assisted by the Smithers CRC in Canada. We are now painting. The kids are already using the building for their classes.

APPRECIATION: Once more thank you all for your prayers and support for the work here. The raining season is here now, and our people are very busy in their farm work, just as we are also working hard in the Lord‘s vineyard because of your support for us. Please continue to do that, Next Month will be the last month of this financial [fiscal] year. We will appreciate so much your gifts towards the completion of our multipurpose building.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1.     Pray for Rev. Maxwell and the congregation in Makeni that they will stand firm in the midst of the challenges of Satan.

2.     Pray that the thieves that stole our Musical instruments will repent and see the light of Jesus in their lives.

3.     Pray that God will open doors for new instruments.

4.     Thank God for those that has started donating to help us buy new instruments.

5.      Pray for the Church in Yira Filaya Badela, to stand firm.

6.     Pray for Evangelist Bilalie Mansaray (Not the driver), as he volunteer to be visiting the new church every weekend.

7.      Pray for the Kabala Church. Rev. MB Jalloh is finally retiring as pastor, because of ill health and age. That God will provide a new pastor for the Congregation.

8.     Last week Saturday May 28, children of the Primary school [kCS] took the national school examination which will see them to the secondary school in September. Pray for success.

Submitted by: Rev. Istifanus B Bahago.

Leadership consultant. CRC-SL/CRWM

ibbahago@gmail.com, istifanusbahago@yahoo.com

+23278264240,+23277668139

Blog.apostlebahago.blogspot.com

APRIL 2016 UPDATE.

APRIL 2016 UPDATE FROM SIERRA LEONE

In this Month’s Today meditation, I so much love the learning process of leadership that Moses went through in order for him to be an effective servant leader to lead the Israelites to the promised Land. It was not easy the people too had to learn through the leadership of Moses. In Exodus 16:4, God told Moses that “in this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions…..”God want His people [followers] to follow his instructions. The instruction given to us by our Lord Jesus is for us to preach the gospel to all nations. Some do that through their physical presence in doing the work while others do it by their supports: prayers, visitation, financial etc. You and I are called to follow God’s instructions, so that he will be pleased with us.

MORE ADDED TO THE CHURCH: As we continue to obey the command of the Lord in reaching out to the unreached, God have been calling people into His Church. On April seventeen 17, the Lord added more believers and their Children into the Church in Kabala. Eleven Adults were baptized, and two Infants.

FFP STORAGE PROJECTS:The farmers in the communities where the Family Farm program is working continued to expressed their Joy and happiness as they now have a storage facilities courtesy of the FFP of the CRC Sl. Beside those that were built in 2014, this year two communities are benefitting , they are Saiduya and Dundukor villages. The one in Saiduya is 95% completed, the Building in Dundokor is at the lintel level. That too we are hoping in the next couples of days it will be completed and roof. We are grateful to Mr. Erin and Travis for their supports in these aspects.

                  

SCHOOL SCIENCE LABORATORY:The Joy and hope of parents including the students and teachers were so over whelmed when the anticipated and well equip science Lab of the Kabala Christian Secondary school( commonly called CRC- Secondary ) was opened for use. We are hoping that this will produce young and reformed scientist in the near future of Koinadugu and Sierra Leone. This is the only school in the district that is purely science and well equipped with the necessary Lab. Equipment. May this School be a witness of the Kingdom of God in this Land and beyond.

      

VISIT BY JIM TRIEZENBERG AND BRIAN CLARK: We were so fortunate and excited to have two staff of the communication unit of the Christian Reformed World Mission office in Grand Rapids Michigan visiting us between April 19-26. It was an educative and encouraging moments. Jim and Brian travel through some of the places and villages. It was a tedious journey for them . The community and the Church people were very happy. They were able to see what CRC SL and CES are doing in the various communities.  They visited and had video interview with some pastors and church members listening to how God is working in the West Africa country of Sierra Leone. Some of the places visited were:Wellington, Rokel, Rochen Malal, Bo, Mokpendeh, Makeni, Baykayhun, Kabala, Firawa, Saiduya, Dundukor, Yira Filaya Badala, Kondenbaia, Kamaron, Foria, Alkalia, Kumala, Bendugu and Nanfayie.We thank God for their visit, and words of encouragements to us and the people.

The People of Yira Filaya Badala are very anxious to have a church in their community as a result of what CES did for them they now have clean Drinking water, a school building and this rice mill. To them nothing is more than this than to accept the Christ of the Christian. They believed and accept that the God whom the Christian serve is a Loving and caring God. We are trusting God that by next Month [May] we will be going there with our Evangelism team , for two days house to house evangelism , show them the Jesus film [ movie] then start a fellowship there. God has so many ways to call people unto himself. Beside that we will send an evangelist who will be nurturing the new believers. Interestingly the man behind the call for the church in their community is the chief who is a Muslim. God is great indeed.

WELLINGTON AND ROKEL CHURCH: We continue to give thanks to God for the growth of the church in Wellington [Freetown] as well as that of Rokel. Rev. Moses Jawara and John Sesay respectively are doing well. The average attendance every Sunday in Wellington including children is now at 220 to 240. They are now in a former cinema hall which we have rented for use as an auditorium for their meetings on Sundays and other weekly activities of the Church.

 For the next quarter, the Wellington Church is planning for a radio program with the FM station in the area and a house to house witness. They are hoping that through that more people will come to church.

CRC KABALA YOUNG ADULTS GIVES THANKS TO GOD: The CRC Church in Kabala on Sunday April 24 witness a “great crow” as the Young Adults of the church celebrates her first thanksgiving service. It was an event full of Praises; dance etc to the Glory of the lord. The young adult is a subgroup within the congregation to encourage older Youths of the church to serve God and commit their lives in honoring God. The Group was able to raise about $1000 to support the church in her ministry work. This is the highest amount to be raise by any group of the church in a day. That shows how the people are now seeing the need of supporting the church from their local funds than depending 100% from outside. The kabala congregation is a model on this. It could also be because of their semi urban setting. But none the less it’s a good beginning of the future of the CRC SL.

An interesting feature of the events was a fund raising competition between, teachers, Bankers, and Journalists who are all members of the church. The teachers boasted that they taught both the bankers and the journalist. Hence Pupils and students including parents supported the teachers. The teachers won the competition.  {Whom would you have supported if you were in Kabala last Sunday]? Picture below shows the young adults of CRC Kabala singing praises to God, during the worship thanksgiving service on Sunday.

WIDOW’S MITE OR KID’S MITE. The story of the widow Jesus saw in the temple casting her offering, in Luke 21:2-3, is very popular to many Christians when it comes to giving. Sometimes people will refer to their giving as widow’s mite. But the story tells us that the widow gave all she has. Some people these days gives and still have some left in their bank accounts or at home or even in their pulse or pockets right there in the church but still calls it widow mite. Any way the story in Firawa village was of a little boy call Alhaji. His mother gave him le.100 [Leones] which is less than ¼ cent or there about for his lunch at school [ it will not even buy bread] Alhaji met the pastor in school [ pastor John Kargbo of Firawa] He handed the coin to the pastor and said “ Pastor please keep this for me, I do not want to spend it I want to save it for my offering on Sunday”. That is faith and commitment on the part of little Alhaji to sacrifice his lunch money for that day in other to save for Sunday offering. What a lesson to learn. This was one of the success story told to us by pastor Kargbo when we visited him in Firawa with Jim and Brian.

 If Jesus where here physically as was in the story in Luke 21:2-3. What would he have said of this Boy?

        

VILAGE CHURCH BUILDING PROJECTS: We thank God for the success of these projects. This year, we are helping in the buildings in two villages namely; Mokpendeh and Baykayhun. Last month in my update I mentioned our fear about the building in Mokpendeh should it not roofed before the rains comes. We give thanks to God. The building now has a roof on. The people were so excited when we visited them. They are now trying to plaster the outside wall especially, so that it will not be washed away since it’s a mud bricks. Likewise Baykayhun is now at roof level. Thank God the zinc are all available as soon as the wall is finished, we will be able to roof.

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NANFAYIE SCHOOL BUILDING: This project is been supported by Smithers CRC in BC Canada. We thank God the work is almost completed now. The kids have started using it. Very soon its going to be painted. The furniture are been made.

THE MULTIPURPOSE BUILDING PROJECT: God is good , tremendous progress have been made because you are praying and supporting financially. Finally we have put the roof on the first phase. We are now working on the doors and windows.

APPRECIATIONS:

Partners and friends. We are so much grateful to you all for your prayers, support, letters, and visits. MANY MORE.  Because you are part of this Kingdom work, the work is moving on many souls are surrendering to Jesus. The power of the gospel is penetrating in the souls of the sinners. Your support towards the work here are great. May the good Lord continue to bless you. As you continue to pray and give your financial support. Please give and designate to the work in Sierra Leone. The cities, the villages and the towns they need the gospel of salvation. Support us; support World Mission the work will be done for the Master. Amen

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1.      Thank God for the safe arrival of Jim and Brian, and their return to USA.

2.      Thank God for the roofing of the Building in Kabala and also Mokpendeh.

3.      Thank God for all that are giving for the ministry here in Sierra Leone.

4.      Pray for the church in Wellington as they embark on one week Evangelism and radio program that God will touch the lives of many to repentance.

5.       Pray for the growth of the church in Sierra Leone.

6.      Pray for our supporters as they continue to give that God will bless them  and for more support.

7.       Pray for more funding that we will be able to complete both  phases of the multipurpose building, to serve God and humanity.

8.      Pray for our plan Evangelism outing in Yira Filaya Badala, souls will be won to Christ.

9.      Pray for the Church buildings in Mokpendeh and Baykayhun that funding will be available to complete the work.

10.  Pray for good working relationship among the head of our institutions especially the schools [primary and secondary] that through that the purpose in which the school was established will be achieved to bring people to Christ and provide a better Education for the future and young leaders of Sierra Leone.

11.  Pray for Sierra Leone April 27 is the independent day. Pray for wisdom for the leaders. The country is 55 years old after her independence from the British in 1961. Like many African countries, they are backward in both education and good health for the citizens.

12.  Pray that wellington church will be able to get their own place of worship. The owner of the present hall is a Muslim. He is willing to sell the place to the Church. Tough his other Muslims brothers who are Fullahs are against him renting the place to Christian. Pray that God will touch their lives. Ant that through the presence of the Church there, they will see Jesus and accept him as their Lord and savior.

SUBMITTED BY:

REV. ISTIFANUS B BAHAGO

 CRC-SL /CRWM LEADERSHIP CONSULTANT.

Email: ibbahago@gmail.com, istifanusbahago@yahoo.com

Phone:+23278264240, +23278169147

Blog.www.apostlebahago.blogspot.com