All to Jesus I Surrender!

This morning we went to the church where Joseph preaches and I was invited to preach. One of the young men with whom we have been studying did the “Bible Class” and presented a good lesson from John 3:16 calling people to action. After some singing (that DID NOT include instruments), I spoke from John 13-14 on the humble example of Jesus and the fact that if we love Him we must keep His commands – that we can only be His friend if we do what He says.

Joseph arose and made two announcements. First, they would no longer use mechanical instruments of music because they could not be found in the New Testament – the un-perverted Gospel. Second, Joseph announce that they would no longer be a Wesleyan Episcopal Church because that name and that church could not be found in the Bible. Are you ready? Are you sure? Joseph announced that they had been wrong to wear a name invented by men and that this was changing. Explaining that if they wanted to be a church belonging to Jesus patterned after that un-perverted Gospel, that they had to change. Beginning today they would be known as the Calaba church of Christ! They needed to and wanted to wear the name of Christ. Praise be to our great God who is opening hearts, changing convictions and bringing men into submission to Him. After the decision to change the name of the church to comply with the New Testament, Joseph led us in the singing of “All to Jesus I surrender.”

Yes, they have many more changes that must be made and important truths to learn, but, brethren, they have made a giant leap forward. Many of these people, upon learning the truth regarding baptism, had already been immersed into Christ. The Lord, is bearing fruit in ways that are marvelous and to be praised.

The little children at church were beyond precious. Steve and Jimmy taught them some songs. One little boy was so moved and grateful that he wanted to give Steve the coin that was in his pocket. I do not know how much it was, but to Steve it was a treasure beyond measure.

Lunch today was at the home of Joseph and his good wife Martha. She had gone to a great deal of trouble to prepare couscous with vegetables and a spicy meant gravy. The food was good, but the fellowship in their home was wonderful beyond words.

Our drive home was an adventure. We drove up to where a new church building is being constructed. We drove of rutted dirt roads that even in 4-wheel drive the car struggled to climb. That was just the beginning of the adventure. When we got back in center of Freetown, there was a traffic jam and Azul decided to he was going to go around it. We drove through what I think were pedestrian alleys in what looked like a questionable neighborhood. But, once more God delivered us from the claws of traffic and brought us back to our hotel.

Just a word about Joseph. His heart and motives have been questioned by some. Accusations were made without any knowledge of him. He was thought to be by some just a money hungry charlatan. Brethren, those accusations and questions regarding his character could not have been more wrong or unjustified. He is a great man with a good heart. Much of what he had told us that was brought into question has been proven to be exactly correct. He is truly a Sierra Leonean in whom there is no guile. I thank my God that he has brought this man into my life.
Steve asked that I add his hearty "Amen" to this statement!!