Why are you going to Sierra Leone?

“Why are you going to Sierra Leone ? I didn’t think there were any Christians there?”

I have been asked that question more than once. Several brethren have asked one of my traveling companions or me that question more than once. Even elders and preachers have voiced that question.

I must admit that my initial reaction to that question was, “Duhhh?? Can you think of a better reason to go?” But, after time I have reflected on the purpose of this trip and come up with a far more intelligent answer.

Why am I going to Sierra Leone ? Didn’t Jesus tell the disciples to go into “all the world” (Mat. 28:20). We must not limit our vision for evangelism to those countries/cultures that resemble our own or reflect our countries values. We must not limit our evangelistic activity to only those places with which we are familiar and are entirely safe. Go into ALL the world meant just that -- A-L-L the world. Whether people look like me or not, they still need the Gospel. Granted, I cannot go everywhere myself, but that should not keep me from going where I have the invitation and opportunity.

What if Paul took that attitude? What if he sat in Antioch and reasoned that he had no need of going to Iconium (Acts 14:1), Lystra, Derbe (Acts 14:6), Philippi (Acts 16:12 ), Thessalonica (Acts 17:1), Corinth (Acts 18:1), or Ephesus (Acts 18:19 ) because there were no churches/Christians there? When brethren were found in a city (i.e. Rome ), Paul sought them out and was comforted by them. When brethren were found Paul worshipped with them and worked with them. However, the absence of brethren did not stop Paul. When he heard the Macedonia call, he responded (Acts 16:9). He did not wait until there were Christians there, we went and preached the Word that souls might be saved.

“Why Sierra Leone ? Lots of places need the Gospel. Why there?” Souls are hungering for the un-perverted Gospel of Christ! Men have cried out, “Come over and help us! (Acts 16:9)” Where opportunity and need meet, the call for help must be met. How can I expect others to go if I will not go?

Will we face dangers and the unknown? Yes, indeed we will (at least the unknown part). How often have I preached about walking through the valley of the shadow of death without fear or setting at a table in the presence of my enemies without fear (Psa. 23)? Is it not time that I put feet on my faith? I am certain that I will have to eat things that I cannot identify, see sights I never imagined, experience a level of poverty that will overwhelm me and tire as I have never been tired before. But, my Lord said “Go into all the world” and “I am with you always”, so I can go with confidence in the faithfulness of my Shepherd.

Men have been exposed to the un-perverted Gospel through studies conducted via Skype by my good brother, John Gentry. Men with whom he has studied have cried out, “Come over and help us.” They have cried and we have responded.

What will we face? What dangers, if any, will we encounter? Will these men truly be receptive to the un-perverted Gospel? What about security concerns? What about the heat as close to the equator as we will be? Will anyone attend our classes? Will any souls be won the Christ? Will churches be planted? I could continue listing questions of this nature, but my answer would have to be the same - “I don’t know.” But, brethren, the unknown and difficult must not be allowed to stop us. Oh, how that would delight Satan!

Because of all of the uncertainties, we will need your prayers all the more. You will be an important partner in this work through your prayers. Please, my brother, keep our work as well as Jim Lee, Phil Morgan, Sid Latham, Steve Niemeier and I in your prayers. We are scheduled to leave on November 2 and return November 19. May God be with us.