2nd Assembly of God–Bong Mines

Today we preached for Pastors Elijah and Hannah Harlie in Bong Mines.  It was a nice Sunday morning for a long drive, and the day was very refreshing. What road trip is complete without a  few sights along the way? Like a cattle drive through the streets of the capital city, or laundry by the side of the road, or unique bumper art!

Second Assembly of God Church

The children’s Sunday school teacher stood in the middle of the porch of this house surrounded by children on his left and on his right

We walked upstairs to greet the adult Sunday school teacher and his class.

Pastor Elijah Harlie

Pastor Thomas Zealan of the preaching point in Mawah

A few sights as we surveyed the church property before service

Time for service to start

Fredna greeting the congregation before Gaylord preaches

The pastor’s wife and several ladies presented Fredna with an offering from the church.  The pastor shared that when you return from a visit to your home, you are loaded down with goods.  They wanted us to feel as if we had been home. Fredna responded with remarks of gratitude.

The pastors had us in their home for a delicious meal of potato greens with chicken and rice.  It was delicious, with just the right amount of Liberian spice.

Photo time before leaving

They loaded up our vehicle, and we were on our way, thanking God for another beautiful day of ministry.

Faith Chapel A/G–Owensgrove

For any of the men and women who gave in time or finances to see the re-construction of Owensgrove Bible Institute, you should be proud to know that your investment is reaping eternal dividends. February 21, 2014, we preached for Pastors Emmanuel and Martha Narmah and were blessed to see a vibrant church going forward in ministry.

Because this church is located on campus, several of our Owensgrove Bible Institute students are involved in ministry here as they prepare for future ministry.

Today our offering was some "cold water", this stalk of bananas, and the offer of a very fine male or female village puppy from one of the members.  Unfortunately, the compound where we live will not allow the dog, but I think we can easily put the other items back into the ministry.

 

Homework

There is a grass here that deposits tiny stickers in the fabric of your clothes as you walk in it.  When we were visiting Owensgrove one Sunday, I looked down to notice that these stickers were all in my skirt.  I bent over and began picking them out.  The locals call this doing homework.  Instantly, I was swarmed by a group of children who wanted to do my homework for me.  How sweet is that! I am not always a fan of group work, but today I think it was a good idea.

I Finally Made It To Freetown…

have heard about Sierra Leone since I was a small girl attentively listening to missionary stories and atching slide shows of this West African country. Last week I got to go there in person.

Gaylord is the missionary team leader for Liberia and Sierra Leone.  A new couple, Brant and Joanne Jordan, arrived in country, and we flew to the capital city of Freetown to welcome them and help them adjust to their first few days in country.

We took a flight from Monrovia to Freeport, spending more time on the road to the airport than on the flight itself.  Upon arrival we were shuttled to a speed boat, which took us across the bay from the airport to the city.  We were greeted by the superintendent of the Assemblies of God, Rev. Tommy Bangura, and the Jordans.

Sights on shore

We explored town to see what was available as far as housing, shopping, eating, furnishings, etc.  We looked at several rental properties and had a lot of fun getting to know Freetown and each other a bit better.

Sunday we attended church at Glory A/G in the neighboring town of Hastings, where the pastor welcomed the Jordans, and Brant preached.  The mission pickup needed some repairs, so we were headed to church in a borrowed vehicle.  It malfunctioned on the way, so we had to hail a taxi to take us to the church.  I have been in Africa twelve years, and, thanks to always having access to a Speed-the-Light vehicle, this was my first time to ride in a taxi.  Another item checked off my bucket list!

The Pastor Festus and his family live on the floor above the sanctuary.  They invited us for a delicious meal of ground nut soup and rice.

Before leaving we met with the leadership of the Sierra Leone Assemblies of God. We leave the Jordans in good hands and pray and believe that they will do well as they work with this national church to accomplish its ministry goals.

It was great to finally visit Sierra Leone.  I have every intention of returning.