JULY 2017 UPDATE

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.

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.

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.

The multipurpose , building in Kabala. Above foundation of the second phase, below is the first phase. “We shall one day arrive”

JUNE 2017 UPDATE

JUNE 2017 UPDATE FROM SIERRA LEONE

“I have compassion for these people” they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.”  (Mathew. 15 :32)…. In deed our Lord and savior has passion for lost souls and even those that are physically hungry for food. The World today needs both the Spiritual and the physical food for living. Hear of famine, draught etc in many countries of the world. The Christian faith is being challenged every day as we listen to news all over the world.  The joy is we need to be grateful to God for choosing us to bring the message of hope to the dying world.

 I am very pleased to update you of the happenings in the Sierra Leone for the Month of June 2017.

APPOITMENT OF A VICE PRINCIPAL FOR THE SCHOOL:

 Finally for the purpose of effective administration and smooth running of the Kabala Christian school (commonly called CRC School secondary} the Governing board after prayerful and careful screening of applicants for the position, have appointed Mr. Mamoud Marah as the substantive Vice Principal of the School. Mr. Marah before his appointment was a senior teacher at the school. He is also a deacon in the CRC Kabala church, as well as the Chairman of the men’s fellowship of the Church. Mr. Marah is well loved by his staff colleagues as well as  students.  We pray that God will give him wisdom, together with the principal to move the school to a higher height.

REV. SESAY TO SERVE AS THE PASTOR OF ALKALIA CHURCH.

 Leadership of the church have asked Rev. Frank Foray Sesay , who just returned from studies in Nigeria to go to Alkalia , to serve as the residence pastor in that area. With Foray going to Alkalia , this will easy the stress of an ordained minister travelling to that axis for sacraments and other related functions of an ordained minister. We give thanks to God for the training of Sesay to build up the staff strength of the Church. Rev. Sesay is resuming on the 1^st of July.

SAD NEWS. It’s sad news to us but it’s a good news for heaven. On June 22 we lost one of our members in Foria Village. Mr. Ferenke Sesay. He was the church chairman of the Foria church as well as the care taker of the station house in Foria. Mr. Sesay was diagnosed and treated for TB of the bone for years, eventually he became paralyzed and finally was called to rest .Our prayers for God to comfort the family and the church.

NEWS FROM OTHER SCHOOLS: We give thanks to God for the lives of both the volunteer teachers, pupils and parents of the CRC Schools in the villages. Both in Kondembaia Nanfayie , Foria , Yarah , are all doing well. The students are presently preparing for their end of academic session examination in few weeks time.

Nanfayies pupils in class.

VISIT TO REFORMED THEOLOGICLA SCHOOL. This is a school established and run by the Korean Presbyterian Mission here in Sierra Leone. The school has been in existence for more twenty years. I was invited to preach for a three days week of Spiritual emphasis. The Principal is asking us to partner with them to run the school as a reformed seminary that will train indigenous leadership especially in the reformed and world life view. The leadership is considering this and will be coming up with an MOU, Presently two of our pastors are studying there. The school has a beautiful campus in Waterloo, outside of Freetown. With a five thousand volume of books in their Library.

ANDREW GWAIVANGMIN LEAVES KABALA: It was quiet and in sad mode in the Church on Sunday June 25, when Mr. Andrew Gwaivangmin the CES Consultant bid a fairway to the Congregation telling them he was leaving finally back to Nigeria after his contract with World Renew has ended . Andrew and the team of the CES staff with the support of World Renew have revitalized the almost collapsing CES . He serve faithfully for Five year , and today we are pleased that his work with CES / World renew is bearing great fruits in the lives of many people in the communities where CES is working or have worked. We will miss Mr. Andrew and his commitment, in the Church as well as in the office.  World Renew have so far contracted a new consultant who will be replacing Mr. Gwaivangmin . Though the new person will not be residential as Andrew was. We pray that God will continue to bless Andrew and his family for the work he had done here in Kabala and beyond. We pray too for God‘s wisdom on the new person coming to continue with the good work.

SHOWING LOVE TO OUR MUSLIMS NEIHGBOURS: Sunday the 25^th of July was the Muslims festival after the Ramadan fasting. Kabala being a Muslims dominated town was full of activities. As both young and old are seeing moving up and down the town. The Muslim Imam close to us came to greet and also told me that they need my help, because they are building a small Mosque, and would like me to assist them with few bags of cement. Well after a careful thought and prayer, I believed that God will like me to show them the compassion of Christ. So the following day Monday, I gave them five bags of cement to plaster their Mosques. There was great excitement and out pouring of heartfelt joy, as great and kind words of prayers and blessings were wished on me and the Church.

During the presentation of the cements to the Imam. Below is the Mosque under construction.

OFFICE, CHURCH AND MULTIPURPOSE BUILDING: We really thank God for your prayers and supports on these projects. As you are aware all, we built the first phased and roofed it. Then did the foundation for both the second and third phases to enable us secure the land. Presently after doing the floor on the second phase, we have decided to concentrate now on the first phase to have it finished. We are now doing the tilling of the floor and also plastering the wall. This is the same building we are proposing to have the Shalom radio. The studio have been plastered and tilled. We now need to do the sound proof on the wall. We have passed the first stage of the approval processes with the government regulatory bodies;  We have two more stages to cross before the final approval. 

 Our challenges now are; we are out of money as the money donated by the CRC – Nigeria have been exhausted. So your continue support for the projects to be completed will be highly appreciated. Below, are picture of various stages of the work done so far.

CRC-SL- CRCNA RELATIONSHIP. To God be the glory, at the recently concluded Synod of the CRCNA. The Synod through the recommendation of the inter church relation committee, approved the CRC SL as a Church in Dialogue. Earlier CRC SL applied to the CRCNA for an Ecclesiastical relation, which will give them the opportunity to be invited to their Synod as a fraternal delegate. But instead they were approved as Church in Dialogue. The Young church accepts the designation with joy, as a step forward. Praying that God will bless the fellowship to grow the Reformed world and life view in a fast growing world view.

PRAYER REQUESTS:-

1.      Thank God for his Grace on the growth of the work here in Sierra Leone.

2.      Thank God for improvement on my health.

3.      Pray for fund to complete our building projects.

4.      Pray for a successful graduation of participants who have completed the TLT training. That they will use the knowledge acquired to work for the growth of the kingdom.

5.      Pray for Richard Britton, a Calvin Seminary intern who will be arriving here on July 2. That God will grant him safety in travel and that he will gain experience in the field for future kingdom work.

6.       Pray for Rev. Foray Sesay in his new pastoral assignment.

7.      Pray for Mr. Andrew as he returns to Nigeria that God will bless him and his family and make the work he did here to continue to grow.

8.      Pray for the new consultant of CES, who will be coming to replace Mr. Andrew for wisdom and God’s guidance for the kingdom work.

9.      Pray for the CRC-SL Synod coming up on July 12-14, for wisdom and God’s leading in the deliberations and decisions.

10.  Pray for Mr. Marah the new Vice Principal of the school. That God will give him the wisdom and grace to lead.

11.  Pray for all  our pastors and Evangelists in the field for God to be with them and for strength to carry on the work.

12.  Pray for our trip to Liberia next Month , Richard and I will be visiting Morris in Liberia and also conduct TLT trainings in two centers. [ Monrovia and Buchanna] Pray for safety and strength and good health.

13.  Pray for our radio program that we will be able to cross the two bridges of registrations and approval processes successfully, and that the radio will be a blessing to Christendom in Koinadugu district and Sierra Leon as a whole.

SUBMITTED BY: Rev. Istifanus B Bahago

Leadership consultant . CRC-SL/ RGM

Phone; +23278264240. E mail. ibbahago@gmail.com, istifanusbahago@yahoo.com

MAY 2017 UPDATE

MAY 2017 UPDATE FROM SIERRA LEONE.

 “When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken to up to heaven”... {Luke 24:50-51}.

It was a great event in the history of the salvation of mankind, as the journey of the promised of our Lord to go and prepare a place began with the ascension last week. We thank God that the work of salvation was completed and the lord went up to heaven to prepare a place for us, believers. While this is going, on we must not relent in our efforts to preaching the good news of the kingdom.

 I am pleased to present to you an update for the kingdom work in the month of May as they happened here in Sierra Leone. Though for the past three weeks I have not been feeling well because of arthritis of the Spine. I thank God there is improvement, with excise and medication. I appreciate your prayers all.

KABALA EVANGELISM CAMPAING: This was an event organized by the church in collaboration with the churches within Kabala. It was a three days gospel campaigns where the gospel was preached every evening of April 27-29 and then ended with a thanksgiving in the CRC kabala Church on April 30. Many people gave their lives to Christ and people were prayed for God’s mercy in their lives.

CHRISTIA REFORMED CHURCH SHALOM RADIO: Gradually things are taking shape concerning the radio equipment that was donated to the church by the Council of churches of Sierra Leone. We have visited other private radio stations within the region in Makeni such as the catholic radio, and others, useful information and adviced were given. Presently we have submitted application for licenses to the appropriate government agency saddle with the responsibility of registration of private media houses. Also we have started construction of the studio. Trusting God for the radio soon.

FORAY AND MARY SESAY: We give thanks to God Almighty for seeing Foray and Mary through their studies at Veenstra Theological Seminary Donga Nigeria successfully. Foray graduated with a Bachelor of Christian Ministry and was ordained last year in Nigeria based on the request of the CRC SL. Foray and his wife and their kid Samuel have now returned to Sierra Leone to work with the church. On June eight [8] 2017, the Executive committee of the church will be meeting to assign Rev. Sesay to a place of work . With the coming of Rev. Sesay the church now have ten [10] ordained national pastors, with nine in active service following the retirement of Rev. Jalloh  last year.

YIRAH FILAYAH AND LENGEKORO CHURCH BUILDING: As reported previously in my blast two updates, we are pleased with the assistance received from the Nigeria CRC in helping to build and  renovate churches building in two communities namely Yirah Filayah Badela and Lengekoro. Yirah Filayah , this is their first time to have a church in their community, while as for Lengekoro it was a renovation of an existing structure.

CES PLAN FOR NEW COMMUNITIES:New communities where selected by the CES for community development work  in their efforts of reaching out to the  under developed and neglected communities to improve food security as well as creating awareness. The joy is that we work hand in hand with CES . Igaia and Lengekoro are communities that CRC have planted churches . So working in such places is a boast for the growth of the church.

THE MULTIPURPOSE , OFFICE AND CHURCH BUILDING: We really give thanks to God Almighty for his grace , presently we have done the decking for the first floor of the second phase of the building. The first t which was roofed last year , we have begun the plastering from inside , it’s the building we are now proposing to be used for the radio. Last Friday over 80 young and strong people worked on the pouring/ decking of the floor. Presently the money I got from our brethren in Nigeria is finished. We are hoping that fund will still be coming from all lovers of the Sierra Leone ministry work to enable us finish this building so that we can move in. When done, the building will accommodate both CES and CRC SL staff.

 We indeed appreciate all of you that have been giving as well as praying for this projects. For it to come at the level in which its now, it mean that you prayed and also supported financially. We will continue to still appeal for support to enable us reach our goal for the glory of the name of the Lord.

.

WELLINGTON YOUNG ADULT: We are continuously experiencing the grace of God on the growth of the church in the cities. Wellington Church is one of the new churches we planted in Freetown less than three years ago. For the first time the young adult of the church organized a weekend revival program which ended with a thanksgiving service expressing their gratitude to God for his grace in their lives as young people. Especially learning and growing in the Reformed world and life view. Rev. Moses M Jawara who is the pastor, is also the President of the CRC –SL , . Wellington Church is operating in a rented apartment, For the past two years, we have been paying for the rent. The congregation is hoping to pay part of the rent for next year beginning December. This is a sign of possible growth and reduction on dependency. The event was colorful other churches within the area where also invited to the program. I was the guest speaker of the event.

NEW CONVERTS: Every day the church continues to grow as new converts are added to the church.  The aftermath of the crusade is encouraging before Christians who rededicated their lives we are getting new people who are coming into the faith. Recently Foday Bah and Fatmata Kamara gave their lives to Christ and are now attending the church.

APPRECIATION: Beloved thank you for all your support for the ministry. We remains grateful to God and to you for your support. Please continue in the good work you are doing, the Lord God will surely bless you . Heavens records your generosity to the Church.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1.       Pray for the Shalom Radio  that we will get the approval to operate, to enhance the promotion of the kingdom work through media.

2.       Pray for more fund to complete the Multipurpose Church and office building.

3.       Pray for Rev. Foray and his wife as well as Samuel their son as he begin work. That God will bless his ministry with the CRC-SL

4.       Pray for the National leaders of the CRC Sl as the meet next week for wisdom to lead his church.

5.       Pray for my health that God will grant me full recovery to carry on with the work he has called me and my family in Sierra Leone.

6.        Pray for our Children Joyce, Judith and BERNHARD back in Nigeria for God’s protection. Bernhard have written his West African Examination hoping to have the results that will enable him enter college.

7.       Pray for Mr. Bah and Miss Kamara, that they will be steadfast in their new found faith in Christ.

8.       We are expecting an intern  from Calvin Seminary in USA this summer  pray for his safe arrival are all the necessary logistics he will need for his coming. [Richard Britton is his name.

Submitted by.

 Rev. Istifanus B Bahago

Consultant CRC –SL /Crwm  Sierra Leone

Phone:+23278264240, +23277668139.

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

APRIL 2017 UPDATE

APRIL 2017 UPDATE FROM SIERRA LEONE:

“--- why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here he has risen…..” [Luke 24:5-6]. Sure he is risen hallelujah, his resurrection gives us assurance for our salvation, and as the Apostle Paul said, and our labor in the Lord shall not be in vain. Thank God we are serving a living savior he is not among the dead.

GREETINGS:  I on behalf of my colleagues and my family I bring you again a special Easter greetings from Kabala the “Land of powerful mixture,  Sierra Leone . We give thanks to God for the celebrations of the resurrection of our Lord which precede with the lent period that demonstrate what the sacrifice of our lord means to our salvation , the lessons lent during the lent as well as the Easter was great and builds our spiritual strength in the Lord . Thanks for being part of this great events. I am please to present to you information concerning the happenings in Sierra Leone.

VOTERS REGISTRATION:In preparation for March 2018 presidential and parliamentary election in Sierra Leone , the 20^th of March 2017 saw the beginning of registration of voters. The excise was initially supposed to end on April 16 , but because of poor turnout of people for the possible voters for the forth coming election , . Pray for this.

YIRAH FILAYAH BADELA BUILDING: We want to thank God for the support received from the CRC Nigeria during my home service last year. The financial assistance received we have used part in building a church in Yirah  Filaya Badela . We thank God the building is now roofed. We hope more fund will come to enable us plaster it, soon. Pledges were made by some congregation, we really appreciate that as some have started redeeming, in which we are hoping to use that for the plastering. While that of Lengekoro  we did some renovations, we changed the doors and the windows.

VISIT BY MRS. MARY CRICKMORE AND ESTHER KUHN: Both CES and the CRC-SL we are always excited when we see partners and friends visiting and encouraging us. The Month of April was such a great blessings to us , as we received Mrs. Mary Crickmore who is the regional director for World renew , visiting and helping to set up the books with our new cashier as well as the new administrative officer of CES. Mary was able to visit the people of Yirah Filayah Badela, were the people expressed gratitude, women, men, old and young all came out to welcome us with different style of dancing. A sign expressing their gratitude to God for what CES have done in their community in terms of development. Among which was provision of good drinking water from the springs on the hills.

Upon the return of Mrs. Crick more , Esther Kuhn who is also a staff of world renew but working in Senegal also came for a two weeks learning visit to CES , to see what CES is doing in the field .

LERANING MATERIALS FOR NANFAYIE SCHOOL: Again we want to thank God for the continue support of Smithers CRC in Canada for their support for education in Sierra Leone through the CRC . Beside the building of three classrooms block. The Church also donated money [$1500] which we used to buy learning materials for the school. Recently we visited the community in which we presented the learning materials which included text books in all the subjects for all classes, as well as chalk, pen, pencils, drawing books, slate for beginners, balls for sport exercise books etc. The head teacher Pastor John K Jalloh on behalf of the staff, pupils [who were on holiday] expressed gratitude to the brethren in Smithers for their supports. Beside Nanfayie some of the learning materials were also given to Foria, Kondembaia and yarah schools as well.

EASTER CELEBRATION: Celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ especially in Sierra Leone is always accompanied with all kinds of fanfare. When one consider the population of Christian and the Muslims in the country especially in Koinadugu, it’s certainly sure the Christian are a minority, therefore their historical events such as Easter would have been just a low key celebration as did the Apostles, even though there was  fear of persecutions[earl church]. But here the Muslims saw the holiday as a best day to go out for outing, picnic etc. 

To make the event indeed a worth celebration for us Christians. The Boys’ Brigade with the collaboration of the pastoral council, decide to organized an inter churches athletics competition. Churches in Kabala were grouped into four to compete with each other. Instead of the young ones going to the mountains’ , beach etc for funs that many a times result to unwanted behavior thinks that sporting activities will bring the church together to celebrate the resurrection. It was indeed a successful and colorful event. White house {Deborah] in which CRC church belong, came second in the events. Many people including the local officials and even the Muslims applauded the program.

MULTIPURPOSE , CHURCH AND OFFICE BUILDING: To God be the glory for the ongoing project. Just like the case of the Yirah Filayah Church, some assistance was received from CRC-Nigeria for the continuation of the building. In October when I traveled for home service, the building was in the foundation level. Today we have reached the wall high, hoping to do the decking very soon, before the rain comes. We really appreciate their kindness as we look forward for more contribution to complete the work and then move to the new site. This indeed is happening because you are praying and giving for the promotion of God’s kingdom in Sierra Leone. Below is the level in which the second phase of the project has gone.

YOUNG ADULT THANKSGIVING: The CRC kabala church young adult celebrated their annual thanksgiving on Sunday April 23. It was a colorful event that challenges the Young to serve God diligently and faithfully. The theme for this year’s thanksgiving was “Arise and walk” [Acts.3:1-9}

THE GROWTH IN MAKENI CHURCH:Makeni congregation was started when Maxwell Kanu return from his studies in Nigeria, He was assign to start church planting in the capital city of the Northern province  [ Makeni} On November 1 2015, the first group of Christian started meeting in a Classroom . That marks the beginning of the Makeni Congregation. Today Glory be to God ,the  Church now has over 100 worshippers that attend worship every Sunday. They now worship in an abandoned Land [whose owner believed that there is evil spirit there], but Maxwell and his congregation have faith and trust in the God they served. Their faith is seen as a motivating factor that contributes to the growth of the church. The joy now is that they have identified a piece of land, which we hope to buy soon. This will be done as soon as our legal  [lawyer] okays the authenticity of the Land.

Also On Sunday April 9, Rev. Maxwell’s daughter was baptized, Maxwell and Anna decide to name the child Jemimah [what a wonderful name, and Rev. Bahago did the baptism].

FFP STORE PROJECT: The Family farm store project in Foria and Fogo have been roofed and plastered, the communities in Foria and fogo are so happy to see this project completed. One of the farmers said to be , “ we thank God for FFP that provide this for us, now we have place where we can store our farm product”.

GIFT OF RADIO EQUIPMENTS: God has so many ways of communicating the gospel to his people. One of the ways is through the Media. Kabala which is our station is a predominantly non Christian community. Secondly the district has the highest numbers of unschooled people. But the town and its environ are good radio listeners’. Though the town has a FM radio station but it cannot covered the entire district, recently the Council of churches in Sierra Leone , having received a radio equipment from Europe , decide to give it to us to use in Kabala. The Equipments are now with us to start a radio broadcast. This is going to be a Christian radio station operated by the CRC SL . It  will be call ‘RADIO SHALLOM’. We are now waiting for approval by the government agency responsible for licenses and then get the frequency. Already a team of engineers from the government office visited our office to see where the studio will be sited. Interestingly, our new office building that is under construction was highly recommended for this. 

APPRECIATION: Beloved , thank you all for your constant prayers and support for the ministry in Sierra Leone. And continue to depend on you for the work to grow by the grace of God. Please continue to sent your support for the Sierra Leone mission field to the World mission .

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1.      Thank God for the continued growth of the church here .

2.      Pray for Rev. Maxwell and his family for the good work they are doing in Makeni.

3.       Pray for the safe return of Rev. Frank Foray Sesay who will be coming next month after completion of his study in Nigeria

4.      Pray that the coming of Rev. Sesay will help in the growth of the Church.

5.      Pray for this new Ministry of Radio program for us. It’s a ministry that has come and there was not budget or plan for it. That God will provide the needed resources to get it run for the glory of his name.

6.       Pray that the Radio program will bring people to Christ as they listen to the Word of god through the media.

7.      The CRC SL is coming out with an Education Board to cater and overseer the various Schools that are being established by some congregation. Pray that Education will be a tool to bring the gospel to our young people in the Land. Pray for wisdom for the board members.

8.      Please pray for more funding for our Multipurpose , office and Church Project that os going on now.

9.      Pray for Rev. M B Jalloh, he is back in Hospital again he is diagnose to have several life threatening disease including heart and lungs infections as a result of an aged long coughing.

10.  April 27-29 the CRC SL with the kabala pastoral council is organizing city wide evangelism campaign, pray for souls to hear and accept the gospel.

SUBMITTED BY ;

REV. ISTIFANUS B BAHAGO

LEADERSHIP CONSULTANT CRC-SLCRWM

PHONE;+23278264240,  +23277668139

EMAI. ibbahago@gmail.com, istifanusbahago@yahoo.com

MARCH 2017 UPDATE

MARCH 2017 UPDATE FROM SIERRA LEONE.

“GO TO THE VILLAGE AHEAD OF YOU, AND AS YOU ENTER IT, YOU WILL FIND A COLT TIED THERE, WHICH NO ONE HAS EVER RIDDEN. UNTIED IT AND BRING IT HERE. IF ANYONE ASKS YOU, ‘WHY ARE YOU UNTYING IT?’ TELL HIM .’THE LORD NEEDS IT’…” ( Luke.19:30-31).

We are tools in the hands of the creator he needs us to serve him to glorify him to tell the world here comes the king of kings the Lord of lords , the savior of Mankind.

GREETINGS:-         I bring you greetings once again in the name of the Lord, I am pleased to sent to you, a brief from the happenings in Sierra Leone,in the area of the growth of the kingdom in this part of the planet. This is always possible because the Lord’s hand is in it and you as his servants are willing to pray and also support it. You are willing to give out your colt to serve the Lord.

CES/CRC-SL CASHIER: For proper financial stewardship and accountability, the CES /CRC SL[ Christian extension service and the church have hired a new cashier who will serve both the church as well as the CES . Mrs. Agnes Swallay  Kamanda is a member of the church and a very committed sister who fears the Lord . Mrs. Kamanda was recently interviewed by the CES Board as well as the Leadership of the church. She is expected to resume on April 3 2017. Also CES have hired Mrs. Mariama Charlie Bangurah as the Administrative officer. Please pray for these new officers.

MEN FELLOWSHIP: Meeting everybody in his area of commitment as specialization is another tool for spiritual growth of the church members. The CRC in Sierra Leone , encourages every member to serve God according to his or her ability. In view of that the church every year gives every age group to demonstrate their gifts. The men are always a very busy specie of the church congregation even though they dominate the leadership position but in times of other activities, they are weak compare to the women, youth and the children ministry. In other for us to reach out to these men especially those of them that are not in the leadership position in the church. The church came out with the Men fellowship group. Who meet once in a week for either Bible study or prayers. They also share their experiences and encouraged each other. Last Sunday of February 2017 was observed by the men of the kabala congregation as men thanksgiving day. This is different from Fathers day.

SCHOOL SPORTING ACTIVITIES:An annual inter house athletics competition have been a common events in most schools in Sierra Leone. But the years 2014-2016 because of the Ebola outbreak it was not possible for schools to hold such events. Therefore this year was like a year of restoration of the pasts. The Kabala Christian school (Formerly   Christian Reformed church} was not left out in this. An inter house was organized and yellow house emerged the winner, followed by blue house, which is also called CES/CRC house.

VISITORS FROM SURREY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL: Another encouraging moments for us as well as the school is the visit of friends from Surrey Christian School Canada. Two teachers and five students. The interacted with students and staff of KCS , the Church and the community. Beside this they were also able to visit other Christian schools initiated by the church and the community. This took them to Kondembaia and Foria. In Kondembaia they interacted with the kids of the Nursery [kindergarten] as well as the CRC Junior Secondary school started by the community and the church in Foria.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT: Thank be to God another opportunity have been opened to us for the training of future leaders for the CRC SL especially theological education that are Reformed based. The Korean Presbyterian Church has a seminary in Waterloo ( Reformed Theological School—RTS) recently we went into discussion and study of their curriculum, the Principal Rev. Soon Lee have accepted two of our pastors to be trained at the school. They are Mr. Bilalie Mansaray a youth leader in the church who felt the call to become a pastor in the CRC. Likewise Rev. John Sesay of Rokel Church is accepted for a Bachelor of theology degree. Mansaray is going in for the Diploma program.

CHILDREN  PROGRAM. February 26 was another day for the children of Kabala church to remind the parents of their role of good parental upbringing. This year’s theme for the Children program was” Guard your heart as a Child of God”. Prov. 4:20-27. Both parents and children were encouraged to guard against anything that will deter their commitment and service to God. The preacher was a thirteen year old Fakulie Benjamin Koroma. As usual there were songs, skit on good home and recitation of verse from the Bible.

FAMILY FARM PROGRAM: The Family Farm programs have worked in various communities in promoting family in the area of farm and food security. Two years ago they were involved in building stores in the community they have worked. 2017 happened to be the final year of FFP working in various communities. This year two communities are benefiting from the store project .Foria and Fogo. The buildings have reached roofing stage.

BOYS’ BRIGADE ENCOURAGING UNITY: Christ’s prayer for the church is that “they may be one “ Even though we have different Christian denominations , that does not stop us as Christians to have fellowship with one another and to invite others to fellowship with us. The Boys’ Brigade in Kabala was started by Bernhard Bahago in 2013 in the CRC congregation. Today the organization is been accepted in other Christian Churches within Kabala. To foster this Unity, the group visited the United Methodist Church in Kabala , where the church members were encouraged to join the BRIGADE. Secondly the group is coming out with an inter churches athletics sport competition, the aim is to foster unity and fellowship among the churches especially the youth. Sport as we all know is a global game that brings unity and fellowship. Beside its entertainment nature. The Churches in Kabala are group into four main areas namely; Abraham house, Paul House, Deborah and Dorcas house. Two Old and New Testament personalities

PROJECTS:-We continue to thank God for the continuations on the ongoing projects. The second phase of the Multipurpose and Church building is on the lintel stage now. Likewise the building in Yira filayah Badela has begun. We are trusting God that we will be able to roof the Yira Filayah Building before the rain. Though there is sign that the rain may be here earlier than usual.[ Pictures below are various levels in which the building have gone. First two is the Yirah Filayah  and then the Kabala project

GREAT OPPORTUNITIES: To God alone be the glory. The Christian Reformed church – Sierra Leone, is a growing church and a Reformed church. Last year we applied for membership into the global Reformed Family [WCRC] . Though the process is still on, but we have been invited as observer to the forth coming General Assembly which is schedule to be on June. 29^th -7^th July in Leipzig, Germany.

B. Secondly, the CRC have been approved to have a Christian FM radio. The Council of Churches in Sierra Leone [CCSL] was giving a set of Radio equipments by a donor agency overseer. Looking at Freetown having many of such FM stations both Christian, Gov’t, and private, decided to sight it outside of Freetown based on Government advice or recommendation. In view of that seeing that CRC SL is working mostly in the up country, and also a member of CCSL, decided to give that right to us.

Its good news and a great opportunity, but we wait to see how it will unfold. We will need your prayers on this as well for the will of God to be done for the growth of his Kingdom.

APPRECIATION: Thank you all for your kind supports and prayers for us . Always remember to send your support to CRWM.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1.       Thank God for his grace always in our lives in the ministry here in Sierra Leone.

2.       Thank God too for the growth of the church in Sierra Leone.

3.        Pray for our out coming evangelism program, this weekend in Yarah area.

4.       Please continue to pray for the ongoing projects both in the village as well as the Office and multipurpose building in Kabala, for more funding.

5.       Pray that we will be able to get the fund to enable the CRC SL experience the fellowship with other reformed family in the WCRC General assembly this year. We need money for that as well.

6.       Pray that the proposed Radio program that CCSL is bringing t5o Kabala will be a blessing for the growth of the gospel in Koinadugu District.

7.       Pray for Mariama and Agnes as they will be joining the staff in our office, for wisdom and commitment to serve God.

8.       Thank God for the safe returned of our visitors from Canada.

9.        CES /CRCSL we are expecting the visit of Mary Cricmore and Esther Kuhn next Month. pray for safety in their travels.

10.    Pray for my Son Bernhard in Nigeria, for his forth coming Examination [West African senior school certificate Examination] He is schedule to begin on April 5. Also for Judith she is starting first semester Examination in the University next Month as well.

11.    Pray for Rev. MB Jalloh , his health condition is not too good , pray for healing.

SUBMITTED BY: Rev. IB Bahago.

Leadership  Consultant.

+23278264240,+23277668139

ibbahago@gmail.com,istifanusbahago@yahoo.com

blog;www.apostlebahago.blogspot.com