Dear Calvary Church Family,

It’s hard to believe, but today was our last full day in Sierra Leone. We will begin a ~31-hour journey home at noon (8am EST) Wednesday. Please pray, as we say goodbye to our in-country partners and the staff at the hotel that have both become more like friends to us throughout our three trips together.

Tomorrow will also mark the last of three days of meetings for the ministry of West African Reformed Mission, aka W.A.R.M. We welcomed reinforcements from 5 other African countries, in addition to representatives of MTW from the United States on Friday.

Since this is Sierra Leone’s first time hosting the annual W.A.R.M. meetings, we went on a nearly 8-hour bus tour of the churches in and around Freetown on Saturday, so the board could meet the men and women who worship in these churches. We were encouraged to learn that three of the churches are in the midst of building programs, but we also learned that phrase has a little different meaning in the developing world. Each building process includes many fits and starts, often paused due to lack of funding. One church in particular, Nyangba Town Presbyterian meets in a village in the mountains just outside of Freetown. The building where they have worshiped for many years is literally collapsing and may not last the upcoming rainy season. Members of the church have even left due to the condition of the building, as the ceiling is caving in, and removing tiles would make the roof unstable. They began to build a new modest church building on their existing property a few years ago, but have not been able to add to it in the past few years because of lack of funding. We were shocked to learn that all it would take to complete the project is between $10-$15-thousand dollars (U.S.). The board of W.A.R.M. had previously been unaware of their situation, so their presence this weekend is certainly providential. However, this is truthfully just the tip of iceberg of some of the needs among the churches and communities, not only here in Sierra Leone, but in the 6 partner countries to W.A.R.M.

Please pray for God to continue to make needs known and to raise up those who would give and those who would go. The fields here are ripe for harvest, so please pray earnestly that God would send workers into the harvest.

Among God’s answer to this prayer are an African couple names Charles and Irene Tchimou, who have lived for several years in the United States and are now discerning a call to Sierra Leone, following his recent graduation from Westminster Seminary in Philadelphia. We had the privilege of meeting them and partnering in ministry with them over the weekend and past few days. Their heart for Jesus and West Africa is evident, and they have connected well with the people of the churches in Sierra Leone. They are currently seeking partners who would support them, as they take steps to become the first permanent missionaries in Sierra Leone with a target date of sometime in 2027.

Prayer Points:

1. Please pray for our final morning of goodbyes, including opportunities to show and share the love of Christ with the people here, on the ferry to the airport and at the airport.
2. Please pray for rest and safe travels over the next two days.
3. Please pray for the nearly 20 ministry partners who will be traveling back to their respective countries tomorrow.
4. Please pray for Charles and Irene Tchimou, as they prayerfully seek partners in ministry and begin making plans for a long transition to Sierra Leone.

Photos:

1) Congregation at Nyangba Town Presybterian Church; 2) Tom and I in front of the beauty of the sea in Freetown; 3) Sierra Leone Team is growing with Charles Tchimou (2nd from left) and W.A.R.M. Chair, Jim Weaver (far right.)

Dear Calvary Church Family,

Hello brothers and sisters. I am praying for you all today that the joy of the Lord would be your strength, as you begin another week.

We are in the midst of a short break from today’s activities, so I wanted to write you with an update on our time in Sierra Leone. If time permits, I hope to add more to this update before we leave the country on Wednesday.

Teaching on Jonah Preaching Christ from the Old Testament

Each evening last week, Tom Cox and I gathered at First Presbyterian Church in a busy section of Freetown to teach a class on Preaching Christ from the Old Testament with a special emphasis on the book of Jonah. We had a total of 20 men and women who participated in our five nights of classes. Each night, one of the elders-elect preached a 20-minute mini-sermon from a chapter of Jonah, and received feedback from the other participants based on three primary emphases: #1 – preach the text; #2 – preach Christ; #3 – preach Christ from the text. These sermon labs are an important part of growth, not only for these men, but for each class participant, as we reminded them that we are sharpened by doing theology in community.

In addition, Tom would reinforce what was preached with an additional teaching on Jonah. Our goal in working through a book of the Bible together is that the respective church leaders and teachers would commit to teaching through the book in some setting, including a sermon series, Sunday School, or some other small group environment. While it is our practice at Calvary to preach through books of the Bible, it’s more common in the church in Sierra Leone to engage in topical preaching based on the perceived needs of the congregation. We’ve encouraged a commitment to preach through books of the Bible, successively, which means God’s Word sets the agenda for each Sunday.

One of my favorite aspects of teaching on how to preach/teach Christ from the Old Testament was breaking the students up into groups, where they were assigned a text and had to work through specific questions together. This was a new practice for them, and they seemed to be energized by the opportunity to examine the Word together and take steps toward a Christ-centered understanding. I pray that not only will this practice benefit those who attended each night, but each of the congregations of the PCSL that were represented.

Return to Raining Season Orphanage: Teaching on Baptism

Some of you may remember that last year we had the opportunity to visit the Raining Season Orphanage in Freetown, which is run locally by two elders from the PCSL.

We were invited to talk to a group of children who are preparing to make a public profession of faith in Jesus through baptism. As we arrived, we were greeting by many children whose joy far exceeds their circumstances. The children have been well-taught in the Scriptures and were able to recite passages, such as John 3:16. I’m overjoyed to see so many precious gifts of God being discipled by men and women who love Jesus and have welcomed these children in with open arms, making a home for them.  

While we were with the director of the orphanage, we were sad to learn that someone had climbed over the outer security walls, and had stolen several huge and heavy pots from the orphanage’s outdoor kitchen. The thieves must have been both strong and determined, as this would hot have been an easy feat. While the staff awaits new pots, they are adapting by cooking in smaller, bur more, batches throughout the day. Please pray for the Lord’s provision, as well as for heart conviction for those who are responsible for this theft.

Ordination Sunday

Sunday morning was a glorious celebration, as many members of the board of West African Reformed Mission (W.A.R.M.) joined us along with the elders of PCSL in ordaining two new ruling elders and two new teaching elders in this growing denomination. Four of the five churches were represented at First Presbyterian Church, as approximately 300 people gathered for worship, including several who sat just outside the main doors, because there was no more space in the building. Among those in attendance were several Muslims from one of the local communities, as they came to honor one of the newly ordained pastors, who has built positive relationships with them as members of that community.  

Throughout the three-hour service, the gospel was joyfully presented in song, prayers, and sacrament. I was honored to preached Christ from Hebrews 1:1-3a, exhorting these new elders to preach Christ as the greater and final revelation of God through all of Scripture. And for those who may be wondering, no, the sermon was not the reason the service lasted three hours!

One of the more moving parts of the service for me was hugging and giving the right hand of fellowship to Elder Sorie Kamara, who is the director of the Raining Season and who had just returned from the funeral of his sister-in-law who died suddenly late in the week. It was an emotional day for he and his family, and a reminder of the kindness of God in the midst of tragedy and sorrow.

Prayer Points

1. Please pray for these four newly ordained men, Teaching Elders Jonathan Kargbo and John MaCauley, and Ruling Elders Sorie Kamara and Saidu Mara.
2. Please pray for comfort and peace for Sorie, as well as his brother and their family, as they grieve the loss of his sister-in-law.
3. Please pray for the W.A.R.M. Board meetings here in Freetown, as the missionary team from Mission to the World meets with representatives from several West African nations to hear updates on their works, consider plans for the future, and pray for them.
4. Please pray for continued gospel opportunities with the staff here at Hotel Barmoi, as we prepare to leave fly out on Wednesday evening. Pray for our final full day to bear much fruit for the sake of the Kingdom.
5. Please pray for one of the missionaries, Karen Weaver, who is teaching the women of PCSL for three nights this week. Pray for responses of joy and faith, as well as a building up of the women in this community.

Photos Attached

1) Group photo of the final night of teaching; 2) Tom teaching the gospel to young people at The Raining Season; 3) Newly ordained Revered John MaCauley, on left; 4) Preaching the ordination service from Hebrews 1.

Thanks, Calvary, for your continued prayers and for your partnership in the gospel!

In Christ,
Pastor Nate

Dear Calvary Church Family,

“Welcome home!” This was the greeting Tom Cox and I received from a young man name Ephraim, when we saw him again for the first time since last year, as we arrived at our the hotel after an evening of teaching. Ephraim has been one of the workers at Hotel Barmoi with whom we have built a relationship over the past three years of stays. He grew up in a mixed-religion home (Islam and Christianity), and the Lord brought him to Himself a few years ago. He is among the folks we were eager to see again, and it is a blessing to be given such a welcome that reflects the welcome of God to world-weary people like us. As we reconnected with him, Ephraim said again, “This is your home away from home. I am so happy to see you!”  

Hospitality is one of the marks of the culture here, and not only because the workers at Barmoi are in the hospitality industry. Rather, their hospitality that once welcomed us as strangers, now welcomes us with the warmth of friendship and home. Another example of this has been James, who is an older gentleman, who leads the dining staff during the morning shift. Two years ago, we’d go through the buffet line to get our food, and he would bring us our coffee or tea with professionalism and dignity. This year, James, who is typically stoic and understated, lit up when he saw us, and insisted that we sit, so he could serve us each part of our breakfast, though the buffet remains. As the Lord has provided the opportunity for repeated stays in this same place, James has warmed to us, even sharing today that he lost his wife five years ago, and he lives at home with his three young adult children. We are praying for an opportunity to inquire and learn about where he stands with the Lord and whether he has a relationship with Him. Please pray for opportunities to share Jesus with him over the next several days and for a relationship that moves from welcomed guests to brothers in Christ!

Please continue to pray for the work here, both as we teach each evening and as we interact with the staff of Barmoi throughout each day. Here are specific ways you can be praying for us: 

Prayer Points

• Please pray for gospel conversations with Patricia, Samuel, Christiana, and Mohammed, who all work at Barmoi and with whom we have been able to briefly share Jesus.
• Please pray for conversations later today with children from the Raining Season Orphanage, as we will be talking to them about faith in Jesus and baptism.
• Please pray for tonight’s class with students from the churches of PCSL, as Tom teaches on the book of Jonah, and I teach on communicating Christ from all of Scripture. As I’ve said to them, “Unless you’ve preached Christ, you have not preached!”
• Please pray for the nearly 20 men and women who will be traveling to Sierra Leone this weekend from the US and other West African countries, both to participate in this weekend’s ordination service, as well as gather for the annual meetings of the West African Reformed Mission (W.A.R.M.)

Photos

1) View from Barmoi, our home away from home; 2) Students of PCSL learning that “Context is King;” 3) Tom giving a Bible to Hamid, a Muslim who has shown us great hospitality at Barmoi; 4) Our nightly welcome committee in our room at Barmoi.

Dear Calvary Church Family,

Thank you for your continued prayers for our trip here in Sierra Leone. The Lord continues to bless my colleague, Tom Cox, and I with a joy-filled partnership together, as well as significant growth in the relationships that have developed over the past few years.

Due to undependable Wi-Fi connections and an oft-unpredictable schedule, I am just now getting the opportunity to update you with how the Lord has worked over the past several days.  

Saturday, March 8

We met Saturday afternoon for a delightful conversation with the four elder candidates and their wives to help set expectations for them regarding the election process, as well as what it means to be a couple in ministry. We emphasized that importance of a healthy marriage in ministry and the priority of family life from which one’s ministry flows. We also talked to them about the importance of recognizing that only the elder is called to an office, and being the wife of a pastor or ruling elder does not come with additional biblical expectations of a particular way that she must serve in the church. The wives expressed appreciation for pointing out that they are members of the body of Christ like any other member with gifts that are not connected to a particular role, but rather as daughters of the King who have been gifted by the Holy Spirit like all other members of Christ’s body.

Sunday, March 9

On Sunday, I had the privilege of preaching in the fishing village of Goderich at the Presbyterian Church of the same name. I had the opportunity to meet many of the children and women who sent a video of thanks to you last year for your generous gifts, cards, and letters. Elder John, who has been referred to locally as the “elder-in-charge” for the past 25 years, asked me to preach a sermon on marriage as part of their preparation for two weddings within the congregation in the coming months. I preached on marriage as a picture of Christ’s relationship to His church through Ephesians 5:22-33 and had the opportunity to pray over the two engaged couples in the presence of the congregation. The Lord blessed our time of worship together, as He impressed on my heart the unity of the body of Christ in every place throughout the world.

Following the worship service, I led a congregational meeting, where the church enthusiastically and unanimously elected Elder John to the office of Teaching Elder (pastor). Lord willing, Elder John will be ordained and installed as teaching elder of Goderich at this coming Sunday’s joint worship service of the six churches of the Presbyterian Convention of Sierra Leone (PCSL). By God’s grace, the other elder candidates, Jonathan Kargbo (TE), Sorie Kamara (RE), and Saidu Mara (RE) were all elected by their respective congregations and will also be ordained on Sunday.

God’s work through these men and the churches is a great answer to prayer. Two years ago, we participated in the first ordination service of the PCSL in nearly two decades, as we ordained two elders. The Lord has seen fit to raise up these additional four men who, over the past 24-months, have been trained, examined, approved, and now elected for ordination. The Lord is building His church and establishing servant-leaders to shepherd His flock!

Monday, March 10

After 3 1/2-days since landing in country, our luggage finally arrived. Tom was delighted to have additional clothes to wear, and we were both pleased that all of the books, resources and gifts that you and others sent for the people here finally made it.  

On Monday evening, we began the first of five nights of teaching by handing out some of these resources, including several ESV Study Bibles donated by Crossway Publishing. In addition, we were able to provide a commentary on the book of Jonah to each of the class participants, as that Old Testament book serves as the basis for some of our teaching, as well as our sermon labs throughout the week. Each night, one of the elder candidates will give a 20-minute sermon on one chapter of Jonah, followed by a time of encouragement and constructive feedback. We often call it “doing theology in community,” and the class members have grown tremendously in the past two years as gospel communicators.

I ended the evening with the first of four lessons on teaching/preaching Old Testament Narrative with special emphasis on why we must preach the Word of God. I was encouraged when I asked for other sources someone might use as a false substitute for preaching, and they were quick to provide several answers, demonstrating God-given discernment. We walked through several passages showing the nature and importance of God’s Word, and it was evident to me that this topic is resonating with the men and women who participated.

Tuesday, March 11

Tonight, we had a slightly larger group, who participated in our class at First Presbyterian Church in Freetown. We built from last night’s discussion, working through an exercise on what it means to “hold the line” of the Word of God. I broke the class into groups of three, asking them to consider Genesis 3:1-7, answering questions concerning who went above the line of Scripture (adding to it) and who went below the line of Scripture (taking from it). Tom noted the excitement of the class as they engaged with God’s Word in community.

Summary

I continue to be amazed at God’s work in this community, as well as in my own heart, as I see Him at work. I’m deeply grateful for your partnership in this Gospel work, as you’ve sent me once again to this part of God’s vineyard. Please know I do not take for granted your generosity, nor the importance of your prayers, which I value deeply. I hope to write more this week about some of the people with whom we are working and others we’ve met for the first time.

Prayer Points

As you pray this week, please remember us in the following ways:

• Pray for gospel conversations at Hotel Barmoi, as we continue to meet and talk with the staff.
• Pray for continued protect from illness for Tom and I, in addition to and especially spiritual protection.
• Pray for our friend and elder-elect, Sorie, with whom we plan to meet tomorrow. Pray for the Lord to give us just the right topics of conversation, as we seek to encourage him in his ministry and family life.
• Pray that the Lord would use our nightly teaching sessions to build up the churches with tools for teaching and preaching that would bear much fruit now and in the future.

Photos Attached:

1) Elder candidates and wives; 2) Luggage has arrived! 3) Congregation of Goderich Presbyterian after electing Elder John as Pastor, 4) Preaching at Goderich.

Good night, brothers and sisters!  Please know you I love you all, and you remain in my prayers.

In Christ,
Pastor Nate

Dear Calvary Church Family,

Weekend greetings from beautiful Freetown, Sierra Leone. The Lord has been kind to us in the midst of our travel and first full day of rest and ministry.

Tom Cox and I arrived just after midnight local time on Friday (5-hours ahead of Raleigh) and laid our heads on our pillows around 4AM. Our initial flight was delayed in Raleigh, which caused a domino effect on our travel. Our overseas flight was changed from Brussels to Istanbul, Turkey, and added an additional 6 ½ hours to our total travel time. After arriving in Sierra Leone, we discovered that only 1 of our 4 checked bags arrived with us, and as of now, we’ve been unable to track down the missing bags. One of our ministry partners here has been kind to provide clothes for Tom, and I am thankful that most of my clothes made the trip.

Yesterday, we rested until just after noon local time and spent the afternoon catching up with friends we have made during our previous stays at Hotel Barmoi in Freetown. We were sad to hear from our friend Ephraim, who is on the hotel staff, that several of his colleagues with whom we had begun sharing the gospel in prior years, had recently been let go from their jobs and are now seeking employment. We are hoping to catch up with one of these friends, Milton, sometime in the next two weeks. Please pray the Lord opens the door for that opportunity.

In the evening, we enjoyed time with the two church officers of the Presbyterian Convention of Sierra Leone (PCSL), Osseh and Lati, as well as Osseh’s wife, Mabel. They joined us for dinner, sharing some of their prayerful hopes for this fledgling denomination and specific ways their are seeking the Lord’s wisdom for future growth through mission in this country.

Today, we plan to meet with the four elder candidates (teaching and ruling) and their wives to encourage them and pray for them, as they enter this next step in their relationship with the church. Lord willing, four of the churches will be voting tomorrow to extend a call to these men to serve as either teaching or ruling elders in the PCSL. They have been praying for this opportunity for years, that the Lord would provide trained servant-leaders to shepherd the flock of Christ in this place, and we are grateful the Lord has worked so powerfully to bring them to this point. By God’s grace, Tom and I plan to each lead a congregational meeting at different churches tomorrow, where the votes will take place.

I am truly grateful for your partnership in the Gospel and your God-given vision for participating in what the Lord is doing to raise up kingdom outposts throughout the world. Thank you for sending me as an ambassador of King Jesus in this place. As Paul expressed to the church in Philippi, “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” May the Lord encourage and strengthen you with His love, as your serve Him today as His beloved sons and daughters.

We certainly covet your prayers, and are truly grateful for the ways you are already lifting us up before the throne of grace. Here are specific ways, we invite you to pray with and for us:

• Please pray for opportunities and boldness to share the gospel with hotel staff and others with whom we come in contact during our time here.
• Please pray for our conversations with the candidates and their wives today to be seasoned with grace and a mutual encouragement in Christ.
• Please pray for quick resolution regarding our luggage, particularly for Tom, as he awaits his clothing, and for the Bibles and other resources we brought with us to make it through.
• Please pray for preparations for tomorrow’s services and congregational meetings. We do not yet know if we will be asked to preach, so please pray for the Holy Spirit’s power to proclaim Him faithfully and with joy if asked.
• Please pray for me, as I have been asked to preach next Sunday, March 16, at the ordination service of the four candidates. Please pray for godly wisdom and boldness to proclaim good news to God’s people and those who have been called to serve his church.

Tom and I with our friend Lati, who serves and the clerk for PCSL.

Thanks again, church family, for your prayers and partnership. May the Lord bless you, as you gather in worship tomorrow.

In Christ,
Pastor Nate

(Monday, Feb 19) Thank you for your continued prayers and encouragement, as the sun begins to set on our time in Sierra Leone. In approximately two hours, Tom and I will be on our way to 1^st Presbyterian Church for our final time of instruction with the church leaders and members who attend. Today is Armed Forces Day in Sierra Leone, so most of the people have the day off, providing us the opportunity to meet earlier than most other days.  

Our plan is that I will provide additional instruction on how to communicate the Gospel from every text of Scripture. This is an area for important growth for our friends in PCSL, and they have been receptive to our encouragement and teaching. In addition, Tom will teach on the scope of Christ’s mission for the church from Acts 1:8.

Weekend Update

On Saturday (Feb 17), we participated in a presbtery meeting, which marked nearly one year since their moderator and clerk were elected. These men were re-elected to serve a second one-year term, which is the first such election in the history of PCSL. These are important milestones, as they seek the Lord’s revitalizing work in and through the churches in Sierra Leone. 

Yesterday, Tom took multiple kekeh rides (a cross between a motorcycle and a golf cart) to the newest church of PCSL in the town of Kissy. He had the privilege of preaching to that small and growing congregation and providing encouragement to their pastor, Jonathan, who is hoping to be ordained in the near future. Meanwhile, I worshiped again with 1^st Presbyterian Church, praying a blessing over the children from Psalm 139 and pronouncing the benediction. When I arrived, I was informed I would be presiding over the restoration of a church member who had been disciplined for public sin, so I took a few minutes to prepare, pulling together Scriptures from Hebrews 12, 2 Corinthians 7 and 2 Corinthians 2. However, after one of the elders preached an excellent message on elders as shepherds, he turned to me and said, “the individual to be restored has not shown today.” It was another exercise in being ready in season and out of season, in addition to the need to be flexible in an ever-changing environment.

God continues to give Tom and I opportunities to share the gospel. As Jeff Wiggs shared yesterday, our housekeeper, H, asked me if I prayed for him while at church that morning. He is from a Muslim background, but has demonstrated interest in learning more about Jesus. I asked if I could pray in Jesus name for him right there, and he was very happy for me to do that. Later in the day, Tom was able to share the gospel with three Kenyan men who were sitting next to us at dinner. Tom has been to Kenya and recognized they were speaking in Swahili. The Lord then opened the door for him to share the good news of Jesus. Please pray the Lord will work through these gospel opportunities to draw people to Himself.

Thanks from the Churches in PCSL

Your gifts continue to be a great blessing to the churches here. Thank you for your loving generosity to bless brothers and sisters in Christ of all ages. Your gifts have been a source of great joy, as they give thanks to God for His kindness. Here are a few videos of thanks and a video of worship:

• Thanks from Officers of PCSL
• Thanks from Women of Goderich Church to the Women of Calvary
• Thanks from the children of Goderich Church
• Worship Music at 1^st Presbyterian – Freetown

Prayer Requests

• Please pray for stamina and clarity during our last day of teaching.
• Please pray for continued gospel opportunities and boldness to share the good news.
• Please pray for our brothers and sisters of PCSL to continue to grow in Christ’s love and move forward in His power on His mission in Sierra Leone.

Photos Attached

(1) Worship Team at 1^st Presbyterian Church; (2) Elders Osse Kamara and Lati Roberts after receiving gifts commemorating their renewal as moderator and clerk, respectively, of PCSL; (3) just before sunset from our hotel in Freetown.

I’m looking forward to seeing you all soon. You remain in my prayers, and I am truly grateful for your gospel partnership.

In Christ,
Pastor Nate

Last night (Feb 15), I had the opportunity to teach a class of about 25 students on the subject of Worship in the Church. I continue to be impressed by the eager participation of the church leaders and members who come out each evening after a long day of work, many without air conditioning in heat index temperatures of well over 100° (F). Some of the students travel over two hours by public transportation each way, while living with very little income and very little food. In the midst of the challenges of daily living, they are excited to gather and hear God’s Word taught, that they may understand and more faithfully lead their congregations and respective ministries. I have been humbled by the hunger of people both inside and outside of the church to devour the food that leads to eternal life. Please pray the Lord will continue to build His church through His Word and that he would provide for their daily needs.

As I mentioned yesterday, Tom Cox and I had the privilege of accompanying our friend, Elder Osse Kamara, to Raining Season Orphanage in Freetown. Heeding the Lord’s call to “look after orphans…in their distress” (James 1:27,) Osse partnered with a woman from Nashville, TN, in the early 2000s to open this home as a refuge for some of the many orphaned children in the capital city of Sierra Leone. Though the orphanage is not a direct ministry of the churches here, some of the members of First Presbyterian, where Osse is an elder, have joined him in serving the more than 80 children in their care, including one of our students, Sorie Kamara (no relation), who is the executive director.

We learned that the children who live there have come from a variety of circumstances, including losing parents to illness, tragedy, and many to neglect as many are left at the entrance of local hospitals and other public places. Many of the children, however, came to Rainy Season, following a disastrous landslide in 2017 that wiped out the entire village of Mortemeh at the base of a mountain just outside the city. Over 1,100 people lost their lives, and many of their bodies remain buried under ground and vegetation that has since grown over the years. We visited the site of this disaster, a sobering reminder that the tragedies of which we read and hear in the news touch real lives of real people made in the image of God.

At Raining Season, we toured the grounds meeting many of the children and staff, from nurses providing daily medical care from a small clinic, to the cooks preparing large portions of rice from an outdoor kitchen. In addition, we met many of the teachers who provide education, not only for the children who call the orphanage home, but also for the 45-or-so children from the community who have the opportunity, not only to learn traditional school subjects, but to be discipled in the good news of a God who “defends the cause of the fatherless and widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing” (Deut. 10:18.)

One experience that left an indelible mark in my heart was visiting the home of the children with special needs. As we walked in the door, we were greeted by sweet children who could not speak, but whose smile spoke of a place where they were safe and from which they were provided. Two of women serving there were taking great care to feed and clothe children who cannot exercise these basic functions of life that we so often take for granted. Again, this to me was a window into the heart of God, who takes pity on us in our helpless condition and calls upon His church to be His hands and feet in showing mercy wherever He has placed us.

Here are a few ways you can be praying for us, as we enter a weekend of ministry and service:

• Pray for the children and staff at Raining Season Orphanage to experience the love and mercy of the God who adopts us as His own and calls us His children.
• Pray for our students who are attempting to complete their outstanding assignments from our previous course, that they would be able to submit those to us before we leave, so they can receive credit, as they seek a path toward ordination.
• Pray for the upcoming meeting of the PCSL Presbytery to be used by the Lord to provide a path forward for the churches to be revitalized in the gospel and its implications on the community.

Here is a video of Sorie Kamara receiving gifts from Calvary of school supplies and a soccer ball for the children of Raining Season Orphanage.

I have also attached the following photos: (1) Elder Osse and Tom looking at the bare hill, where the landslide of 2017 took place; (2) monument at the site of the landslide; (3) cook in the outdoor kitchen at Raining Season; (4) children receiving compassionate care in the home for those with special needs; (5) looking down toward an outdoor corridor near the wall at Raining Season; (6) Tom shares the gospel with children of Raining Season, using a flower as an illustration.

Thank you again, for your partnership in this ministry. The Lord is at work building His church in His Word and transforming the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in society.

In Christ,
Pastor Nate

Dear Calvary Church Family,

As you are likely aware, the World Health Organization, this week declared the spread of COVID-19 to be a pandemic.  In addition, Governor Cooper has declared a state of emergency in North Carolina, advising against assemblies that exceed 100 people.

Calvary’s Session met Thursday night, and after prayerful consideration and because we do not exceed 100, we plan to gather for public worship this Sunday, as usual at 10:30am.  We believe that as long as we are able to gather, we need the hope that only the gospel provides in the context of corporate worship. 

However, we will also continue to monitor information coming from the CDC and NCDHHS websites for developments and current recommendations.  In light of the changing landscape, below is an updated list of precautions we plan to take, both as individuals and as a congregation:

3:21 Refresh Week of Prayer and Fasting

(Note: The contents of this blog post were originally posted during the 3:21 Initiative in November 10, 2017.)

The elders of Calvary PCA have called for a week of prayer and fasting February 18-23, leading into the 3:21 Refresh commitment Sunday, February 24, as we pledge our gifts to the 3:21 initiative.  We have asked members of Calvary to set aside one day this week, dedicated to prayer and fasting that we might seek His will and not our own.  Click here to confidentially register for a day of prayer and fasting.

We are asking that the Lord would enable us to operate out of a position of our freedom in Christ, rather than out of a position of compulsion, duty, or fear.  As you pray and as you seek God’s wisdom for how He would have you contribute time, talent and treasure to the 3:21 initiative, remember that in Christ you are those who are:

• Free From Bondage to live as those who are truly free (Gal. 5:1)
• Free From Condemnation to live as those who are accepted by God (Romans 8:1-2)
• Free From Fear to live as those who are the sons and daughters of God (Romans 8:15)
• Free From Results to live as open-handed servants of God (1Peter 2:16)
• Free From Selfish Desires to live out the great commandments of love for God and love for neighbor (Gal.5:13)

May God give us grace to pray, live, and give as those who are set free in Christ!

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It’s beginning to look like Christmas at the Wilks home. Earlier this week, we trimmed this year’s tree with ornaments collected for our children and family over the years. Our hedges are decked with lights, two small lit trees welcome guests on our front porch, and a wreath is shining on our door. The enthusiasm of our three children has been palpable from the moment the music came on (after Thanksgiving dinner of course), to the process of decorating our home.  There is greater-than-usual excitement, as the promise of Christmas morning stares them in eye each day, and yet, we wait.

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CALVARY PCA WEEK OF PRAYER AND FASTING – July 3-8, 2017

 The elders of Calvary PCA have called for a week of prayer and fasting July 3-8, leading into the congregational vote on July 9 to determine whether or not the Lord would have us move forward with the expansion and renovation of Calvary’s building at 6520 Ray Road, Raleigh.  We have asked members of Calvary to set aside one day this week, dedicated to prayer and fasting that we might seek His will and not our own.

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DUCKS OUT OF ROW

Just over a year ago, my family found out that we would need to move from the house we had rented for three years and find a new home here in Raleigh.  Once we got over the initial shock of discovering we would be searching for another place to live at the end of our lease, we went to work to make sure our kids could stay in their current school.  Concisely put, we would need to move into our new home before July 1 in order to assure that our son, Hayden, could remain at his current school throughout his elementary years.  The problem?  Our lease was up on July 31.

Our landlord graciously offered to shorten our lease by one month, allowing us the opportunity to move to our new home before July 1, 2016, thereby assuring that Hayden would remain at his current school for the next 4 years, if we so chose to enroll him there.

Through a process that included many phone calls, several e-mails and a tear or two, we had all of our ducks in a row – or so we thought.

Not long after we moved into our home, we got word from the school district that there was a stray “duck” of which we had not previously been aware, and Hayden would most likely have to attend a new school, beginning next year (2017-18), after all.  Since then, we have worked through a fairly detailed transfer process, and each step along the way, no matter how many ducks we got in a row, we have discovered it is likely not enough, and he will be enrolled in a new school next year.

This process has reminded me that this is the world in which we live – a world full of stray “ducks.”  So, what does it mean to trust in God when our ducks get out of row?

In Proverbs 16:9, we’re told, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”  Sometimes we try so hard to get all of our ducks in a row that we forget to submit our ways to the one who really knows what is best for His people.  This is why the writer reminds us, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established” (Prov. 16:2).

Our first priority is often to commit our work to accomplish our goals, but we are graciously reminded that, because we are loved by a God who knows better than we do what is best for our lives, we are set free by Jesus to “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness,” knowing that He will provide exactly what we need to enable us to be made more like Jesus.

Are you so busy getting all of your ducks in a row that you forget to seek Him first?  How do you respond to that stray duck?  May God give us the grace to ask Him to commit our ways to Him, and leave the results in His gracious hands.