Message from Jim Smithies
Our Sierra Leone WORLDReach team returned on Monday from a trip to support and encourage the farmers, students and churches that we’ve partnered with. We asked Pastor Jim Smithies to recap the trip for us and give us an idea of what our friends in Africa are experiencing.
We're so proud of our ministry team!
This was Bethel’s third trip to the West African country of Sierra Leone. This relationship began when the Putmans went there on a 4-year medical mission with Mercy Ships. Their ministry spread into the nearby Molombay community bringing the gospel and micro-finance opportunities through peanut seed and poultry. Now 450 seeking Muslims gather every Saturday for Bible study…including 265 children. Three hundred people meet every Sunday in three churches started by Rev. Peter Conteh.
We had the honor of celebrating the first ever communion for these new believers! We saw 21 former Muslims baptized as Christians in the midst of a Muslim community. Tom McDonald and Mark Brookshire spoke at a business conference. Andrew Green and Beth McDonald told CEF Bible stories in the villages. Amber Morris spoke to 100 youth about educational opportunties. We led games with 265 children. We shared our testimonies about serving. We led break-out discussion groups at a Pastors/Leaders conference. We visited elementary schools in two tiny villages. Each of us was amazed at the depth, breadth, love and commitment of Peter Conteh’s holistic approach to ministry. We were also overwhelmed at the magnitude of needs that remain.
The farmers and students that Bethel folks support were overjoyed almost beyond words with the picture-prayer cards you sent.
As you speak with Andrew, Amber, Tom, Beth and Mark, you will quickly sense the impact this trip has made in their lives, their hearts and their thoughts. You will hear the compelling love that the Sierra Leoneans generate in all who meet them. You will also hear that God allowed us to have significant impact in their lives. Thank you, Bethel, for your support and prayers.
Sounds like an amazing opportunity to minister to others. Thanks for all of your hard in pulling these opportunities together. Love the photo collage!