News 2010 - June

SIERRA LEONE MINISTRY UPDATE

SIERRA LEONE MINISTRY

I am very happy to give you an update as to the progress and struggles in the Sierra Leone Ministry. The Lord is building his church and we are his instruments.

Sierra Leone is gradually developing, and God is using this government to help the people of Sierra Leone. Now we have almost 20 hours electricity a day, in some areas 24 hours. This is a big improvement. The Government is concentrating on food security, a lot of agriculture taking place all around the country and lots of tractors are coming into the country. One thing that will surprise you when you come back will be the roads. Work on the roads to up-country is now in progress. The only road they are trying to secure funds for now is the Kono Road, but it has improved more than you can imagine. It is the road of the Vice President, first and second lady. They have also just launched a free medical scheme for pregnant women and children up to 5 years. It is FREE! Investors are on their way and jobs are being provided.

We say a big thank you to God and your former Prime Minister-Tony Blair.

CHURCH.

A. CENTRAL FREETOWN.

1. We have been able to secure a church office. Our new address is 71, Soldier Street. It is bigger and better than where we were.

2. The Central Church in Freetown has outgrown the place where they are meeting (the YMCA Classroom). We are looking for a bigger place. Thank God for the growth.

3. Both Pastors in Freetown are at the Bible College going through their studies. They will complete next year. The Lord has taken them thus far. We have been paying for them as a mission

4. Our THEME for this year is BUILDING SOLID FOUNDATIONS from Proverbs 11:3,'when the foundations have been destroyed what can the righteous do?'

5. We are working with the city council to lease a piece of land to build our church in Freetown to serve as headquarters for the Mission.

B. KONO

1. The two schools are still operating and coming on well.

2. Meicheta school, Bongalo, where Sister Margaret is head-teacher. This year the number went up to 309 pupils. One good thing is that people are sending their daughters to school and this is becoming increasingly evident. This year 15 children took the National Primary School Examination NPSC. The teachers did very well with them. We are hoping and praying that they all pass the exam. The other classroom has been completed. We will send you the pictures.

3. St Andrews The school is also growing. 269 children attended this year. 9 took the NPSC this May and we are hoping that they will pass. They would be the second set to enter secondary school from St. Andrews. We are hand picking them to take the exam. We have to make sure they prepare well and are ready.

4. We say a big "Thank you" for the teachers’ salaries and stipend for the pastors.

5. We have been commended by the Mayor of Kono for the start of the schools - he really appreciates them.

I had an opportunity to meet with him as directed by the Education secretary at the ministry of Education in regards to the schools becoming government-assisted. Then the Government will start paying the teachers' salaries. The desire of government is to make all schools government-assisted. We are waiting on them as we meet the criteria.

C. SAWOLLA

1. Sawolla Church is a blessing to its community, There is a school in the town that is not started by us. However, they want to start meeting in our church building. We are happy that we can render service to the community like that. They also want to hand over the school to us but we have refused to take it because we do not want to stretch ourselves too thin. We have to be able to raise the funds first.

I am not sure whether that school will continue, as they only have one teacher in 3-4 classrooms. The teacher is not getting a salary and therefore he goes to Freetown when he wants. It is about 15 miles to Meama (St. Andrews). We wish they could come over. But it is not possible, as it is too far.

2. The Church is doing fine, teaching and encouraging people to get away from secret society. Almost 95% of the people in this community are involved. It is a strong hold. They need to be set free.

D. KOIDU

Koidu Town Church. Thank you for helping us thus far with the church building project. It is one of the biggest churches in Kono at the moment. We look forward to its completion. We now have what we call our own church.

E.KOKWAMA

They are praying and hoping that we would start their own building project one day when God provides the funds. We have got the land long ago. They are doing fine. Two weeks ago they had an evangelistic outreach and the turn out and impact was wonderful. Many people gave their lives to Christ. That is the main purpose of the existence of the church to see people saved.

SPORTS LIFE INTERNATIONAL

Sports Life has been full of activities, a lot of programs have taken place and are still taking place. It is an open door for Ministry in this Country.

We have organized:-

1. Kids Games in various communities. It is a fun game time to share the gospel. We pray and hope that they understand the commitment they have made to follow Jesus.

2. Sports Clinics. We have been going to schools playing sports and sharing the gospel. All schools, whether Christian or Muslims are open to it. It is a great opportunity for the gospel.

3. Sports Coaching. We have put together various teams. All of our coaches are now very busy. Soccer we have U10 and U14. Cricket is becoming one of Sierra Leone best sports. We are the best in the West Africa Region. So we (Sports Life) have put together an U14 Team for Coaching. Trick and Field. Volley ball, Basket Ball. etc.

Program planned for the World Cup

a. Show the Game on a big screen with an opportunity to share the gospel using the ultimate goal, a video of some soccer players. We are praying for the projector.

b. Inter-Church soccer tournaments

c. We have received 5000 booklets for distribution from AIA. Athletes In Action

d. we are having Radio and TV interviews and discussions on God and sports, and to share vital information on the world cup. Who has won it the most? Who has got to the final the most? I am also going to look at England and Africa in the world cup. I have paid for one hour.

CHALLENGES

For the government to take over St. Andrews school. The minister is still doing verification. There are a lot of ghost teachers in the schools. We have gone through the verification process and they will have to come back to us. Please pray.

I am working to bring AIA to Sierra Leone. They should have come this July but we have set it aside for next year. They will be a wonderful partner to the Sierra Leone Ministry. Please pray.

For the completion of the Koidu Town Church. Please pray.

For God to provide the projector for the Big screen world cup match. Please pray.

We really need balls, and kits for the U10 and U14. Please pray.

We are ordaining Pastor Maccarthy and licensing the other pastors in September at Koidu Town. Please pray for God to provide.

Many people have been invited for the program. We want to make it BIG.

For the spiritual growth of the Pastors and that more and more people be added to our churches daily. Please Pray.

We really want to have our annual Sports Camp this year. Please pray for the funds.

May the good Lord bless you and your family for the interest you are giving to this ministry.

YOURS FAITHFULLY

Rev Yatta Samura