Sierra Leone is an extremely poor region. This was explained to me before I arrived; however, nothing could have prepared me for what I have seen. There is virtually no infrastructure. The roads are extremely rough. They feel more like trails than roads. We spend on average about two hours driving. The drives are almost painful. The sewer water runs through open ditches. Water for cooking, bathing, and drinking is taken from a public fountain. One day during our lectures, I watched a man brushing his teeth next to the church building. Garbage is everywhere. The smell of burning trash is practically inescapable. The people live in houses made out of tin, garbage, and whatever else they can find. On the first day, I noticed a hillside stacked with a wall of trash. While I was looking, I saw people walking inside. As we drove closer, I found families living inside the walls of garbage.
The people of Sierra Leone are poor, but extremely resilient. If they were not, they would just die. They have survived a horrific civil war. To hear the locals talk about it is chilling. They continue to survive the challenges of poverty one day at a time. Even more impressive is the contentment and optimism seen in the Christians at Priscilla Street. I wish you all could hear them sing! For me, their singing has told me all I need to know about these wonderful people. They have taught me more than I could ever hope to teach them. Surely, Heaven will be filled with souls from Sierra Leone.
David Flatt
Friday, February 17, 2012
Day 4
Today started at 6:30 AM. We went back to the Broadcast Building. John was interviewed on Good Morning Sierra Leone. This is their version of Good Morning America; although, it is a much more scaled down version. John was asked about our Bible classes at Priscilla Street. The interview lasted about seven minutes. He was able to briefly talk about Jesus and the purpose of His teaching. While he was being interviewed, Christian was interviewed on the radio.
The lectures were productive. We are looking forward to tomorrow. We are scheduled to spend the day teaching about the family.
David Flatt
The lectures were productive. We are looking forward to tomorrow. We are scheduled to spend the day teaching about the family.
David Flatt
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Day 3
Greetings from Sierra Leone, This is Justin Monts writing on behalf of John Smith and David Flatt. Every day has been filled with activities and today was equally exciting. Elijah, the friend of brother Jerry Lewis, came early in the morning to meet us at our hotel and drive with us to the Priscilla Street church of Christ. Elijah has been truly encouraging and he is not far from the kingdom. Jerry found him reading his Bible outdoors and asked if he understood what he was reading. Elijah said he did not and Jerry began a discussion with him about the Bible and the New Testament church. Elijah had come out of Islam, standing in opposition to his Muslim parents, and had been sprinkled to be added to the Anglican Church. He listened very intently in our Bible study last night and has come to understand that the Anglican church is not the church of Scripture. He is very close to being Scripturally baptized but we wish to have a few more studies with him to make sure he understands certain aspects of the kingdom (Acts 8:12). He is so eager to learn and grow and has such a tender heart at receiving the doctrines of Sctipture that it has been a true joy to meet him and assist him in his studies.
On the way to Priscilla Street church our driver Abu answered questions about life during the civil war of Sierra Leone. He talked about hardships that he personally witnessed that are almost too terrible to report. I will do so here only so that we can have a better understanding of what the people of Sierra Leone have come out of. He said that the rebels would take pregnant women and make a bet if the child they had was a boy or girl and then they would cut them open to settle the bet. He said that the rebels might force a son to have sexual relations with his mother. He talked about the senseless killing and atrocities. All the people were called out in Makeni (you had to come or you would be executed on the spot) to witness the deaths of those who had challenged the rebels. He spoke with great emotion about having to watch the rebels lock certain families in a building and then burn it to the ground. They were also called out to a field where hundreds were gunned down in cold blood. The rebels ruled by fear. But by the providence of God the nation is now healing and the violence is ended. We are very blessed to live in the country we do and have the safety and freedom we enjoy.
Our driver Abu is a Seventh Day Aventist but he has come faithfully to the studies to listen, learn, and grow in his understanding. My lesson today was on the Old and New Testaments and I stressed that the Sabbath observance was given to the Jews who had been delivered from Egyptian bondage (Deut. 5:12-15), had never been bound upon the Gentiles, and was not a part of Christian service today (Col. 2:16). He wrote down questions that we in turn answered and has shown promise in his ability to be open-minded and listen to reason and Scripture. Please pray for him. David brought excellent material on Islam. It is very much needed here since about 70% of the popluation is Muslim. David has a lot of talent in preaching the truth and has shown a great love for the souls of all who are out here. John continued his series on Christian living and the Sermon on the Mount and has a great personality in working with the individuals and churches over here. It is a true honor to be with these men.
We then went to the radio station to log a 10 minute presentation of the truth but the power kept going on and off (such is a common occurance out here), and finally went off for the whole day. Brother Asgill patiently reminded us that all things work together for good to those who love God (Rom. 8:28). We will try again early in the morning.
We closed the day with a study with brother Eric and helped him to prepare a lesson.
Signing off from Sierra Leone,
Your servant, Justin
On the way to Priscilla Street church our driver Abu answered questions about life during the civil war of Sierra Leone. He talked about hardships that he personally witnessed that are almost too terrible to report. I will do so here only so that we can have a better understanding of what the people of Sierra Leone have come out of. He said that the rebels would take pregnant women and make a bet if the child they had was a boy or girl and then they would cut them open to settle the bet. He said that the rebels might force a son to have sexual relations with his mother. He talked about the senseless killing and atrocities. All the people were called out in Makeni (you had to come or you would be executed on the spot) to witness the deaths of those who had challenged the rebels. He spoke with great emotion about having to watch the rebels lock certain families in a building and then burn it to the ground. They were also called out to a field where hundreds were gunned down in cold blood. The rebels ruled by fear. But by the providence of God the nation is now healing and the violence is ended. We are very blessed to live in the country we do and have the safety and freedom we enjoy.
Our driver Abu is a Seventh Day Aventist but he has come faithfully to the studies to listen, learn, and grow in his understanding. My lesson today was on the Old and New Testaments and I stressed that the Sabbath observance was given to the Jews who had been delivered from Egyptian bondage (Deut. 5:12-15), had never been bound upon the Gentiles, and was not a part of Christian service today (Col. 2:16). He wrote down questions that we in turn answered and has shown promise in his ability to be open-minded and listen to reason and Scripture. Please pray for him. David brought excellent material on Islam. It is very much needed here since about 70% of the popluation is Muslim. David has a lot of talent in preaching the truth and has shown a great love for the souls of all who are out here. John continued his series on Christian living and the Sermon on the Mount and has a great personality in working with the individuals and churches over here. It is a true honor to be with these men.
We then went to the radio station to log a 10 minute presentation of the truth but the power kept going on and off (such is a common occurance out here), and finally went off for the whole day. Brother Asgill patiently reminded us that all things work together for good to those who love God (Rom. 8:28). We will try again early in the morning.
We closed the day with a study with brother Eric and helped him to prepare a lesson.
Signing off from Sierra Leone,
Your servant, Justin
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Day 2
Today the lectures at Priscilla Street began. John was the first to preach. He began a series on godly character. He is using the Beatitudes to make each of his points. John is very effective in his presentations. His close relationship with the brethren add to his ability to present the truth. Justin presented excellent material on the Holy Spirit. Justin is very logical in his preaching. He took a complex subject and carefully explained the Scriptures in a skillful fashion. His study of the Scriptures is clearly evident in his preaching. I began a series on Salvation. I used Acts chapter two as an introduction to this topic.
The question and answer session was productive. We give them paper and pens to write their questions for us. The questions the brethren ask are impressive. We were asked questions like "What does it mean to be successful; What assurances can we have to know we are going to Heaven; How can one know he has the Holy Spirit?" They have a sincere desire to understand the truth.
After our lectures, we were driven back to the hotel. We took some time to regroup, discuss the lecture session, look over tomorrow's material, and had dinner. After dinner, we had a Bible study with one of the men of the congregation and a friend of his: Elijah. Elijah seems to have a tender heart. We discussed the Church and baptism. We plan to pick him up on our way to the lectures tomorrow. All in all, it was a good and spiritually rewarding day.
David Flatt
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Day One
Our trip to Sierra Leone has gotten off to a great start. We are all healthy, safe and get along great with one another.
Today has been a slow leisurely day, by design. After the ordeal of 24 hours traveling we needed some time to catch our breath. We all help quite soundly last night.
This morning we drove (or rather rode) into town for a lunch at Crown Bakery and stop at Mono Prix market. The variety of items available has improved dramatically. Lunch was a Crown Special Pizza. It was wonderful!
Abu, our driver, has been helpful and friendly. His English is understandable and very expressive. He has taught me a new word. We were discussing marriage –vs- being a bachelor. He called a bachelor something like a “pile of poo.” Justin insists that I misunderstood what he was saying, but I know he called himself a bachelor a “pile of poo.” Can you guess what Justin’s new nickname is?
After resting this afternoon, we are to go to Priscilla Street this evening at 6:00. They have a song and prayer service planned. By their plan we will offer thanksgiving for our safe travel and ask God’s blessings on the work in the day classes. I look forward to this spiritual feast.
Just a few minutes ago David returned to our room with an air card provided free of charge by the hotel. Internet should be available all the time!!!!!
Today has been a slow leisurely day, by design. After the ordeal of 24 hours traveling we needed some time to catch our breath. We all help quite soundly last night.
This morning we drove (or rather rode) into town for a lunch at Crown Bakery and stop at Mono Prix market. The variety of items available has improved dramatically. Lunch was a Crown Special Pizza. It was wonderful!
Abu, our driver, has been helpful and friendly. His English is understandable and very expressive. He has taught me a new word. We were discussing marriage –vs- being a bachelor. He called a bachelor something like a “pile of poo.” Justin insists that I misunderstood what he was saying, but I know he called himself a bachelor a “pile of poo.” Can you guess what Justin’s new nickname is?
After resting this afternoon, we are to go to Priscilla Street this evening at 6:00. They have a song and prayer service planned. By their plan we will offer thanksgiving for our safe travel and ask God’s blessings on the work in the day classes. I look forward to this spiritual feast.
Just a few minutes ago David returned to our room with an air card provided free of charge by the hotel. Internet should be available all the time!!!!!
Monday, February 13, 2012
Arrival
Thanks to God and the prayers of so many, John, Justin, and I arrived in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Our flight began in Indianapolis, to Chicago, to Brussels, to Banjul, to Freetown. The airport in Freetown was as chaotic as John had described. However, our arrival went smoothly. The brethren made many arrangements which made our arrival as smooth as it could possibly have been.
After navigating the airport, we were taken by SUV down a horribly rough road to catch the water taxi. This was all done at night. The water taxi was an experience of a lifetime. We walked across a floating dock which was bouncing up and down from the waves. Thankfully, we all boarded without incident. The ride lasted about 45 minutes. The boat ride across Pelican Bay was rough and wet. I laughed to myself thinking how no one at home would ever believe me when I told this story. It was truly an adventure.
We met up with more brethren from the Priscilla Street congregation at the dock. Seeing them was an amazing experience. We estimated they had probably been waiting for us for at least three hours in the heat.
After another SUV ride down through the streets of Freetown, we finally arrived at the Lighthouse hotel.
David Flatt
After navigating the airport, we were taken by SUV down a horribly rough road to catch the water taxi. This was all done at night. The water taxi was an experience of a lifetime. We walked across a floating dock which was bouncing up and down from the waves. Thankfully, we all boarded without incident. The ride lasted about 45 minutes. The boat ride across Pelican Bay was rough and wet. I laughed to myself thinking how no one at home would ever believe me when I told this story. It was truly an adventure.
We met up with more brethren from the Priscilla Street congregation at the dock. Seeing them was an amazing experience. We estimated they had probably been waiting for us for at least three hours in the heat.
After another SUV ride down through the streets of Freetown, we finally arrived at the Lighthouse hotel.
David Flatt
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Leaving Sunday, February 12th
Lord willing, Justin Monts, David Flatt and I will be flying out Sunday afternoon the 12th of February at 3:00. We will connect through Chicago and Brussels. We ask for your prayers for safe travel.
We have daily classes scheduled for Priscilla Street for the first two weeks. Then we will have small group studies in our hotel room primarily with those who are the most interested. On Saturdays, we will have day long lectures at Priscilla Street. The first week will deal with family related issues and the second will revolve around making wise choices.
At this point we do not know how often we will be able to get out to Wellington. They have lost their building due to some goffy real estate laws in Sierra Leone. They own the building but not the land it is on and the land owner wants it back. They hope to meet there until the first of March or April. They are still in the hunt for a new place to meet. I will up date you as more information is available.
The head of Global MIssions, an institutional organization associated with liberal churches of Christ, will be in Freetown at the same time we are there. He is wanting to talk with Christian Asgill who wants me to go with him. Bro. Asgill has invited him to present his position at Priscilla Street with either Justin or I answering what he has to say. Brethren, this may be a turning point for many churches in Freetown. They have never had the institutional and non-institutional positions presented side by side. Please make this an object of prayer.
Bro. David Flatt will present a series of lectures on Islam. Sierra Leone is over 60% Moslem. There should be no shortage of people who need these lessons. Please pray for David's courage and clarity as he addresses this false religion.
As long as internet access is reliable and available at the hotel, we will be posting daily or semi-daily reports.
We have daily classes scheduled for Priscilla Street for the first two weeks. Then we will have small group studies in our hotel room primarily with those who are the most interested. On Saturdays, we will have day long lectures at Priscilla Street. The first week will deal with family related issues and the second will revolve around making wise choices.
At this point we do not know how often we will be able to get out to Wellington. They have lost their building due to some goffy real estate laws in Sierra Leone. They own the building but not the land it is on and the land owner wants it back. They hope to meet there until the first of March or April. They are still in the hunt for a new place to meet. I will up date you as more information is available.
The head of Global MIssions, an institutional organization associated with liberal churches of Christ, will be in Freetown at the same time we are there. He is wanting to talk with Christian Asgill who wants me to go with him. Bro. Asgill has invited him to present his position at Priscilla Street with either Justin or I answering what he has to say. Brethren, this may be a turning point for many churches in Freetown. They have never had the institutional and non-institutional positions presented side by side. Please make this an object of prayer.
Bro. David Flatt will present a series of lectures on Islam. Sierra Leone is over 60% Moslem. There should be no shortage of people who need these lessons. Please pray for David's courage and clarity as he addresses this false religion.
As long as internet access is reliable and available at the hotel, we will be posting daily or semi-daily reports.
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