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
- Please pray for these four newly ordained men, Teaching Elders Jonathan Kargbo and John MaCauley, and Ruling Elders Sorie Kamara and Saidu Mara.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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