Thursday Blog
We are wearing down – while that may not be the breaking news of the day it certainly is the fact that the three of us are dealing with! A breakfast at the Lighthouse and then off to teach. It was extremely hot and humid today. At times a good breeze would blow in the window we were sitting by but mostly we were just sitting and it seems sweltering in the heat and humidity. We were given a big surprise for lunch. I mentioned to Christian that we all liked pizza (Connie will tell you that I do not like as much as I should) and we were going to go to Crown Bakery and hoped on Saturday to get a pizza. To our surprise he brought us a Crown Classic pizza for lunch – now folks you want to talk about three American pigs eating at the trough! Boy was it good!
Before Theopholis gave his lesson a young lady who is the niece of sister Asgill and who had been attending our lessons the last week and half came forward to be baptized. Her name is Cecilia Coocka. God is good - all the time! Today was not an exception!
All three of us gave encouraging and uplifting lessons. We have addressed so many hard issues that we all wanted to have these last two days of teaching to be very uplifting. We are planning on doing this tomorrow also. Our last lesson will be delivered by John and it will be on heaven. We will change our order of how we have been presenting them and have Justin to go first and then Theophilus will give his second lesson on Colossians and then I will give one on a shelter in a time of a storm. Our plans are that the three Americans will leave the folks with lessons that will encourage them to seek the shelter of the Lord and look toward heaven.
It is amazing to see the progress that has been made in the 18 months we have been coming to Sierra Leone. There are two congregations that are really trying to follow the pattern of a New Testament church. Other congregations are now turning and it will take some time – things are a bit different in culture here and they are imbedded with the thought that institutions will take care of them because of their poverty. However, the last three trips particularly have really helped them understand that institutionalism is a perverted gospel. There are men here like Christian Asgill, Theophilus Kartusche, Eric Conteh, Augustine, John Kabul, Jerry Lewis, Taijon, Brother Abraham and others who are good men. Ladies such as sister Asgill, sister Kartusche, the one we call good sister and other ladies who are good ladies. The Lord’s church in the Freetown area will be strong because of warriors like these. However, we must continue to work with them to give them strength and to hold their hands up. The battle for truth in the Freetown area is not over it is just beginning.
Christian and Theophilus have some real depth in their knowledge of the scriptures. Now, that they have learned about the proper way for the organization of the church and the work of the church they will make sure institutionalism does not infect Priscilla Street again. John Kabul is still learning but has the desire to teach and do what is right. To God be the glory that He opened this door and we are thankful to good brethren like those reading this blog that you have made it possible to come through the open door with your funds and prayers.
John and Justin have gone now to bring a lesson to a new small congregation in Murray Town. I wore down finally when we got back from our teaching today and am staying in the room. I guess this is fair since Justin had his wearing down last week and John had his wearing down afternoon earlier this week. Being the oldest I think it finally caught up with me.
Addition by John:
Murray Town is a very impoverished portion of Freetown near the military barracks. Samuel Thompson, a corporal in the Army, works at Murray Town along with two brothers from Nigeria, Jeremiah and Basarra. I thought I had seen the worst parts of Freetown, but was not prepared for the depth of poverty we saw. No one has electricity, running water or windows. The streets will not accommodate a car and are little more than a tiny dirt path between their houses.
Justin preached a sermon from Luke 17 on the rich man and Lazarus. He did a great job with his lesson. But, the highlight of the sermon was Samuel interpreting. I thought I could be loud, but I can’t hold a candle to Samuel. His interpretation was animated and enjoyable even if I didn’t understand much of his Creole.
At the end of the lesson, Justin offered a passionate pleas to obey the Gospel. 13souls came forward. Some of them were children around the age of 11-13, but more than half of them were women who seemed stable and understood what they were doing. Although their building is right on a bay, the water there is too dirty for humans to enter, so they took a poda-poda to a nearby beach where the baptism would take place. Angels are rejoicing!
May God bless you as He has us!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Sorry
Sorry but for some reason the pictures would not come through. When back in the states I will try posting them again.
Pictures of us Preaching
Justin (aka Junior), Steve and I have preached our hearts out in Freetown. The preaching has been powerful, pointed and effective. Justin works up a lather. Steve is plain and blunt. I am not sure just yet what I am. Here are some photos of the work we have been doing.
We got up EARLY this morning and went to Crown Bakery for breakfast. Even their staff works on BMT (black man time). After a relaxing breakfast it was off to teach.
Steve addressed the need to stand for truth even if youstand alone. Justin spoke of how young people can secure their hearts. I address the women of the church - admonishing them to do the work God has appointed for them and not to usurup authority.
Two more days of teaching. We are concentrating these last two days on encouraging the brethren and strengthening their hands. There is much to do and little time in which to do it.
We got up EARLY this morning and went to Crown Bakery for breakfast. Even their staff works on BMT (black man time). After a relaxing breakfast it was off to teach.
Steve addressed the need to stand for truth even if youstand alone. Justin spoke of how young people can secure their hearts. I address the women of the church - admonishing them to do the work God has appointed for them and not to usurup authority.
Two more days of teaching. We are concentrating these last two days on encouraging the brethren and strengthening their hands. There is much to do and little time in which to do it.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Monday, March 29, 2011
Today was a historic day in our work in Sierra Leone. We received an invitation to speak in Nigeria, the northern most provinces of Sierra Leone and a black man shared the pulpit with a white man. Not to mention Steve accused a man of being a spiritual prostitute, by name (even wrote it on the board).
Brethren, we have not beat around the bush. Language has been bold, plain and easy to understand. We have been confronting the institutional issues that plague the churches in Sierra Leone. Those issues have been refuted, confronted and exposed. All three of us have worked that into whatever lesson we have taught. Some have attempted to defend those practices, but when challenged to produce a single scripture to defend the institutions, none have been given.
A call has gone out each day for brethren to repent of their unscriptural practices. Some have while others have refused choosing material riches over spiritual correctness. One man said he would change if we would provide him with support to preach the unperverted Gospel. One man said that $100 a month was not enough to get him to leave the World Bible School. This gentleman, sadly, has made himself a spiritual prostitute of himself.
Christian Asgill and Theophilus Kartuche, at Priscilla Street, have renounced all ties to institutions and are being evil spoken of by some of the Sierra Leonean brethren because they have stood for the truth. Brethren, we cannot abandon these good men and must uphold their hands as they suffer evil words at the hands of perverted practioniers and teachers.
Justin, Steve and I are enjoying each others company. We joke with one another and unwind together. I am so blessed by our great God to travel with such talented and capable Gospel teachers. I don't think Justin has always know what to think of Steve and I. If we can just get Justin to put the diverter on the shower down after his shower,we may make it to the end of our journey.
Indeed, God is good ...all the time!
Brethren, we have not beat around the bush. Language has been bold, plain and easy to understand. We have been confronting the institutional issues that plague the churches in Sierra Leone. Those issues have been refuted, confronted and exposed. All three of us have worked that into whatever lesson we have taught. Some have attempted to defend those practices, but when challenged to produce a single scripture to defend the institutions, none have been given.
A call has gone out each day for brethren to repent of their unscriptural practices. Some have while others have refused choosing material riches over spiritual correctness. One man said he would change if we would provide him with support to preach the unperverted Gospel. One man said that $100 a month was not enough to get him to leave the World Bible School. This gentleman, sadly, has made himself a spiritual prostitute of himself.
Christian Asgill and Theophilus Kartuche, at Priscilla Street, have renounced all ties to institutions and are being evil spoken of by some of the Sierra Leonean brethren because they have stood for the truth. Brethren, we cannot abandon these good men and must uphold their hands as they suffer evil words at the hands of perverted practioniers and teachers.
Justin, Steve and I are enjoying each others company. We joke with one another and unwind together. I am so blessed by our great God to travel with such talented and capable Gospel teachers. I don't think Justin has always know what to think of Steve and I. If we can just get Justin to put the diverter on the shower down after his shower,we may make it to the end of our journey.
Indeed, God is good ...all the time!
Monday, March 28, 2011
Sunday was a good day for all three of us. John went to Wellington with John Kabul and there were two baptisms. Justin (yes folks he actually got out of bed and taught!!!!) went to Tengbeh Town and there was one baptism. I went to Priscilla Street and the one (Patrick) who obeyed the gospel a couple of days earlier placed membership at Priscilla Street. It was a very good day – we all arrived back at the room and were able to get our thoughts ready for our studies for Monday. We also were able to view Kentucky beat North Carolina and that made John Smith very happy. Unfortunately poor Justin’s Kansas team was beaten by VCU earlier. So John and I are both elated because Kentucky and Butler are in the final four.
Today (Monday) we awoke to the phone ringing before 7:00 A.M. (now folks many of you know John Smith and that old boy doesn’t know that life exists before about 7:15 A.M.). It was a call from our brother (are you ready for this?) Jerry Lewis – not the old comedian but a good young brother in the faith. He has some great questions and he is having to work and not able to come to our studies. We are now setting up a time to study with him. We are seeing this everywhere we go – good hearts – yearning for truth – afraid of error – yet set in so many traditions.
Breakfast was the usual JUNK! Of course John thinks it is very good – next thing we know he might start eating cassava leaves!!! (I love eggs. JAS)Justin has quit going over breakfast – I think it is a combination of wanting 15 minutes extra sleep and not liking the breakfast! After breakfast Moses our driver picked us up and off we go to teach.
Today John taught on the importance of baptism – Justin taught on the importance of taking a stand for truth – I taught on workers together with God. John had a very direct lesson off a bed sheet chart drawn by Aaron Kadel for him. It was somewhat of a shorter lesson but nothing short about the power of it. We have learned that on ever y trip you must address this important subject. John was just a little under the weather but recovered soon after his lesson. Justin did a very good job of bringing out scripture in Ezekiel about standing in the gap. His lesson was also very powerful and very timely. It is now time for some of the brethren who are in deep thought to come to grip with the reality they are working in error. They have taken to Justin well and the Lord willing he will be able to come on many trips to assist these good people in their quest to go to heaven. I am thankful that we were able to have a good discussion during my lesson about working together with God. We used John and Justin and some other brethren for props during the lesson and I am thankful they were willing to be the props.
Our question and answer period went about like always – many questions that we try to answer as thoroughly as we can. John was feeling better at this time and came on very strong in this period as did Justin. We were able to address several things during this period including institutions within local congregations such as women’s groups, schools, etc. We really drove home the issue of children’s church as some congregations over here practice that. They will leave their children in another place to be “taught” so they will not bother the parents during worship. We did not leave that without it being made perfectly clear they had no scripture for this practice.
These folks have good hearts and the change that some are having to make is not easy. Some are paid by institutions such as the World Bible School or Global Mission Society. To make the turn to the right way of doing the Lord’s work will cost them their income and they will struggle in feeding their families. Keep them in your prayers and also please keep us in your prayers. We are working hard – teaching boldly – addressing the issues each day – we are tired – somewhat spent and yet we still have work to do. Thank you for your prayers and support!
Today (Monday) we awoke to the phone ringing before 7:00 A.M. (now folks many of you know John Smith and that old boy doesn’t know that life exists before about 7:15 A.M.). It was a call from our brother (are you ready for this?) Jerry Lewis – not the old comedian but a good young brother in the faith. He has some great questions and he is having to work and not able to come to our studies. We are now setting up a time to study with him. We are seeing this everywhere we go – good hearts – yearning for truth – afraid of error – yet set in so many traditions.
Breakfast was the usual JUNK! Of course John thinks it is very good – next thing we know he might start eating cassava leaves!!! (I love eggs. JAS)Justin has quit going over breakfast – I think it is a combination of wanting 15 minutes extra sleep and not liking the breakfast! After breakfast Moses our driver picked us up and off we go to teach.
Today John taught on the importance of baptism – Justin taught on the importance of taking a stand for truth – I taught on workers together with God. John had a very direct lesson off a bed sheet chart drawn by Aaron Kadel for him. It was somewhat of a shorter lesson but nothing short about the power of it. We have learned that on ever y trip you must address this important subject. John was just a little under the weather but recovered soon after his lesson. Justin did a very good job of bringing out scripture in Ezekiel about standing in the gap. His lesson was also very powerful and very timely. It is now time for some of the brethren who are in deep thought to come to grip with the reality they are working in error. They have taken to Justin well and the Lord willing he will be able to come on many trips to assist these good people in their quest to go to heaven. I am thankful that we were able to have a good discussion during my lesson about working together with God. We used John and Justin and some other brethren for props during the lesson and I am thankful they were willing to be the props.
Our question and answer period went about like always – many questions that we try to answer as thoroughly as we can. John was feeling better at this time and came on very strong in this period as did Justin. We were able to address several things during this period including institutions within local congregations such as women’s groups, schools, etc. We really drove home the issue of children’s church as some congregations over here practice that. They will leave their children in another place to be “taught” so they will not bother the parents during worship. We did not leave that without it being made perfectly clear they had no scripture for this practice.
These folks have good hearts and the change that some are having to make is not easy. Some are paid by institutions such as the World Bible School or Global Mission Society. To make the turn to the right way of doing the Lord’s work will cost them their income and they will struggle in feeding their families. Keep them in your prayers and also please keep us in your prayers. We are working hard – teaching boldly – addressing the issues each day – we are tired – somewhat spent and yet we still have work to do. Thank you for your prayers and support!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Saturday in Freetown
I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less? (2 Cor. 12:5).
Folks, we are spent in the service of the Gospel. Justin wasn't feeling well this morning so Steve and I went to Tengbeh Town for a study with the preachers in the area by ourselves. No fans. No air moving. 95+ degrees. Over 3 hours of intense teaching. I don't mind telling you that I am whipped. Thankfully we have this afternoon to rest a bit.
Forgive me for whinning, but I want you to know of the difficult conditions in which we labor and in which our Sierra Leonean brethren labor.
Steve and I spoke on the "Dying Request of Jesus." Steve taught on things that inhibit this unity and prevent this unity. I led a study from Eph. 4 on that things God has given us that make unity possible. These brethren are in the midst of an intense conflict over institutionalism and some things have been done and said that have inflamed this conflict. Brethren have not always acted as brethren should. It was a needed and profitable study.
I have made the observation in the past that our brethren are good at one thing -- hiding their buildings. How many churche sin the US do you know that are off the beaten path? Tengbeh Town (where we were this morning is no exception). It is at the bottom of a long and steep gravel, sandy, rocky path. It is almost steep enough to make a good climbing wall. Take Steve with his bad knees and me with my bad legs and we were a sight trying to keep each other from falling, esp. on the way back up.
Steve and I had a bit of a familyreunion at the African Market today. It seems that we were everyone's friend, brotheror even cousin. It is a great place to buy souviners, but nectic doen'st quite do it justice. We made our purchases and quickly escaped to the quiet of our car.
As we end our first week of work in Freetown, we are grateful and thankful to our great God for the blessing of this opportunity. It is very different from previous trips. We have not taught people who need to come to Christ so there have not been the baptisims of past trips. We have taught brethren who need to understand the error of insitutionalism and turn from those perverted practices. Stand for truth are being taken. Brethren are willing to pay personal prices for their stand for truth. It has been a good fisrt week.
God is good all the time.
All the time God is good.
Folks, we are spent in the service of the Gospel. Justin wasn't feeling well this morning so Steve and I went to Tengbeh Town for a study with the preachers in the area by ourselves. No fans. No air moving. 95+ degrees. Over 3 hours of intense teaching. I don't mind telling you that I am whipped. Thankfully we have this afternoon to rest a bit.
Forgive me for whinning, but I want you to know of the difficult conditions in which we labor and in which our Sierra Leonean brethren labor.
Steve and I spoke on the "Dying Request of Jesus." Steve taught on things that inhibit this unity and prevent this unity. I led a study from Eph. 4 on that things God has given us that make unity possible. These brethren are in the midst of an intense conflict over institutionalism and some things have been done and said that have inflamed this conflict. Brethren have not always acted as brethren should. It was a needed and profitable study.
I have made the observation in the past that our brethren are good at one thing -- hiding their buildings. How many churche sin the US do you know that are off the beaten path? Tengbeh Town (where we were this morning is no exception). It is at the bottom of a long and steep gravel, sandy, rocky path. It is almost steep enough to make a good climbing wall. Take Steve with his bad knees and me with my bad legs and we were a sight trying to keep each other from falling, esp. on the way back up.
Steve and I had a bit of a familyreunion at the African Market today. It seems that we were everyone's friend, brotheror even cousin. It is a great place to buy souviners, but nectic doen'st quite do it justice. We made our purchases and quickly escaped to the quiet of our car.
As we end our first week of work in Freetown, we are grateful and thankful to our great God for the blessing of this opportunity. It is very different from previous trips. We have not taught people who need to come to Christ so there have not been the baptisims of past trips. We have taught brethren who need to understand the error of insitutionalism and turn from those perverted practices. Stand for truth are being taken. Brethren are willing to pay personal prices for their stand for truth. It has been a good fisrt week.
God is good all the time.
All the time God is good.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Steve Niemeier:
Today, Friday started out like any other day here is Sierra Leone. Get up about 7:00 A.M. After getting up we went over to the worst breakfast in all of Africa, in my opinion. Then back to the room and quickly get ready to go teach. A typical day to start and then things can change.
I spoke on elders and their qualifications – John finished his lesson on the beatitudes with quite a twist at the end that really created some quite in the auditorium. John had been playing the role of “good cop” in the discussions on institutionalism, but today played the “bad cop’ by lashing out in his most powerful lesson yet and joined in with the other two of us calling for repentance of those who are involved in this unscriptural practice. Again the national director of the World Bible School was in attendance as well as two Nigerians from the African Missionary Society.
Justin was not feeling well about half way through John’s lesson and we had the driver bring him back to the room for rest. He has done a great job on this trip and worked hard – we knew that he needed rest and that we could carry on. John and I then stayed and answered questions for a couple of hours. Then we met with four brethren on the work going on in Makeni.
Yes, another typical day doing the work in Sierra Leone. A day that starts around 7:00 A.M. that concludes around midnight – with about 4 hours of teaching – 2 to 3 hours of answering questions – a meeting to assist the brethren in their work here – then some time in preparation for the next day. Tomorrow we will be teaching preachers and teachers only for about 3 hours or so.
Our teaching has been intense – we are much further along than we thought we would be at this time. It has taken its toll on Justin’s health and my voice. Thankfully John’s voice is holding out for now and hopefully mine will gain strength through the night.
About time to end this day so we can start another typical day tomorrow. We appreciate your prayers and support.
(Go UK beat the Bucks! - JAS)
Today, Friday started out like any other day here is Sierra Leone. Get up about 7:00 A.M. After getting up we went over to the worst breakfast in all of Africa, in my opinion. Then back to the room and quickly get ready to go teach. A typical day to start and then things can change.
I spoke on elders and their qualifications – John finished his lesson on the beatitudes with quite a twist at the end that really created some quite in the auditorium. John had been playing the role of “good cop” in the discussions on institutionalism, but today played the “bad cop’ by lashing out in his most powerful lesson yet and joined in with the other two of us calling for repentance of those who are involved in this unscriptural practice. Again the national director of the World Bible School was in attendance as well as two Nigerians from the African Missionary Society.
Justin was not feeling well about half way through John’s lesson and we had the driver bring him back to the room for rest. He has done a great job on this trip and worked hard – we knew that he needed rest and that we could carry on. John and I then stayed and answered questions for a couple of hours. Then we met with four brethren on the work going on in Makeni.
Yes, another typical day doing the work in Sierra Leone. A day that starts around 7:00 A.M. that concludes around midnight – with about 4 hours of teaching – 2 to 3 hours of answering questions – a meeting to assist the brethren in their work here – then some time in preparation for the next day. Tomorrow we will be teaching preachers and teachers only for about 3 hours or so.
Our teaching has been intense – we are much further along than we thought we would be at this time. It has taken its toll on Justin’s health and my voice. Thankfully John’s voice is holding out for now and hopefully mine will gain strength through the night.
About time to end this day so we can start another typical day tomorrow. We appreciate your prayers and support.
(Go UK beat the Bucks! - JAS)
Thursday, March 24, 2011
It has been a good day. One precious soul was baptized into Christ today. A young man who is a law school student and former pentecostal was baptized today. He embraced the unperverted Gospel quickly and his background in law was helpful in understanding the differences between what be had been taught and the truth.
We have from way up country from Freetown. He has travelled over 400 miles to attend the studies. He was invited by Sis. Mabel Kartouche who is a friend of a sister in his village. He took out a loan in order to purchase the bus ticket from a nearby village to Freetown. He is one of the first to arrive and the last to leave. He sits on the front row taking notes and asking many questions. He has been a sponge. Often I am asked, why do you go to someplace like Sierra Leone? James is the reason Steve, Justin and I come.
Today's teaching was much more forceful and direct. The issue of instituionalism is being addressed very directly. As you would expect some are embracing and understanding the truth quickly, some are resisting the truth and some don't quite have it figured out yet. A passionate plea for repentance from perverted works has been sounded and hearts are bing stirred.
Finally today, we gave the passage in the NT which mentions institutions attached to the church ....... Gal. 1:6-10! They are mentioned in the sense that Paul warned against a perversion of truth. That statement has stirred people and many are thinking and meditating seriously upon these issues.
We are hot, tired and smelly, but we will be able to take showers this evening. Atleast we can do something about the smelly part!
Please continue to pray for the brethren in Sierra Leone. Difficult decisions are being made and they need our encouragement and prayers.
We have from way up country from Freetown. He has travelled over 400 miles to attend the studies. He was invited by Sis. Mabel Kartouche who is a friend of a sister in his village. He took out a loan in order to purchase the bus ticket from a nearby village to Freetown. He is one of the first to arrive and the last to leave. He sits on the front row taking notes and asking many questions. He has been a sponge. Often I am asked, why do you go to someplace like Sierra Leone? James is the reason Steve, Justin and I come.
Today's teaching was much more forceful and direct. The issue of instituionalism is being addressed very directly. As you would expect some are embracing and understanding the truth quickly, some are resisting the truth and some don't quite have it figured out yet. A passionate plea for repentance from perverted works has been sounded and hearts are bing stirred.
Finally today, we gave the passage in the NT which mentions institutions attached to the church ....... Gal. 1:6-10! They are mentioned in the sense that Paul warned against a perversion of truth. That statement has stirred people and many are thinking and meditating seriously upon these issues.
We are hot, tired and smelly, but we will be able to take showers this evening. Atleast we can do something about the smelly part!
Please continue to pray for the brethren in Sierra Leone. Difficult decisions are being made and they need our encouragement and prayers.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Greetings brethren: This is Justin Monts writing for this blog. Today we preached at Priscilla Street and Tengbeh Town in Freetown. We began early in the day, starting at the Priscilla Street church of Christ, and brought lessons on our respective themes. John Smith preached on All Spiritual Blessings In Christ as part of his New Testament Christian series. Steve Niemeier preached on Making The Word Of God Of No Effect as part of his series on the New Testament Church. I preached on the Sponsoring Church Arrangement as part of my series on Institutionalism And Additions To The Organization Of The Church. The meeting was well attended and the interest and excitement in learning has continued to be very impressive and encouraging. The weather is so hot and it takes a lot out of us as we preach. We receive and answer questions at the end of each study so we always maintain alertness, being ready to help. Every day there is a huge stack of questions written down and we never have enough time to get to all of them. And, these questions generally all pertain to the topics we have discussed. One of the greatest challenges Sierra Leoneans have is developing the confidence to believe that they can do the work God has given them to do. This is why they have traditionally relied heavily on the arrangement of the World Bible School organization promoted by Institutional churches of Christ. They reason that their churches must cooperate with this system for they are too poor and too uneducated to know what is right or to do what is right for themselves. We have stressed that they are very intelligent and talented and can faithfully follow the pattern of Scripture. After presenting our lessons and everyone was dismissed for the evening, we sat down to talk at length with Christian Asgill and Theophilus Cartouche, two men who labor with the Freetown church of Christ. I am very impressed with these two men and my heart goes out to their struggles. Christian had been a Director in the World Bible School but upon learning the truth about how churches are to cooperate together, he abandoned his position and took a sizeable financial hit. Theophilus made a similar sacrifice, leaving a different church-sponsored organization. Their chief aim now has been to be right with God and to teach others about the error of Institutionalism in churches of Christ. Because of this, they have been persecuted and have faced much opposition. They have even disparagingly been called "popes." All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution (2 Tim. 3:12). These men will certainly need our prayers. Theophilus may have an opportunity to eventually go and preach for a church out in Makeni, helping to establish them in the truth and bring them fully out of Institutionalism and denominiational practices. It is our hope and prayer that that can happen soon. We finished off the day by bringing lessons on False Standards Of Authority to the church at Tengbeh Town. Steve talked about the false standards of religious leaders and traditions. I spoke about the false standards of emotions and feelings, and the false standard of believing that the majority is always right. John spoke on the false standard of blindly following our parents in religion and also the false standard of relying just on our conscience for justification. The material was well received and it was good to be with the brethren there. Tomorrow we will have another eventful day. Thank you so much for your love, interest and prayers directed toward this work.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
From Steve ...
We finally arrived in Freetown after some delay in leaving Indy due to the weather on Sunday afternoon. Our flight from Chicago to Brussels had its moments of turbulence but all in all was good as we arrived safely. We had no trouble in Brussels and had a very smooth flight to Freetown.
Upon arrival we secured some assistance with the luggage as we had 11 pieces with many books and Bibles. We took the water taxi across and our luggage did not all make it on the first taxi so we had to wait on it. Some of our good brethren met us at the water taxi on the Freetown side. We were finally able to eat around 11:00 P.M.
Unfortunately we have had some water issues and not able to shower until tonight (Tuesday). We all about clogged the drain with the grit that we had accumulated since Sunday morning. We pray this will improve.
Our teaching today went well. The audience was very attentive. We actually did our lessons in about three hours – however we were out for about 7 and ½ hours – many questions – and more questions – and more questions. Justin Moints proved himself very worthy of this work by teaching boldly about “institutionalism” and why he left it. Of course John Smith did as he always does – teach thoroughly and with power. I taught about getting back to the Bible and what will we do with the Truth.
We look for a good night’s rest and another good day of teaching tomorrow. Your prayers are appreciated as well as you funds that sent us here.
Upon arrival we secured some assistance with the luggage as we had 11 pieces with many books and Bibles. We took the water taxi across and our luggage did not all make it on the first taxi so we had to wait on it. Some of our good brethren met us at the water taxi on the Freetown side. We were finally able to eat around 11:00 P.M.
Unfortunately we have had some water issues and not able to shower until tonight (Tuesday). We all about clogged the drain with the grit that we had accumulated since Sunday morning. We pray this will improve.
Our teaching today went well. The audience was very attentive. We actually did our lessons in about three hours – however we were out for about 7 and ½ hours – many questions – and more questions – and more questions. Justin Moints proved himself very worthy of this work by teaching boldly about “institutionalism” and why he left it. Of course John Smith did as he always does – teach thoroughly and with power. I taught about getting back to the Bible and what will we do with the Truth.
We look for a good night’s rest and another good day of teaching tomorrow. Your prayers are appreciated as well as you funds that sent us here.
From Steve ...
We finally arrived in Freetown after some delay in leaving Indy due to the weather on Sunday afternoon. Our flight from Chicago to Brussels had its moments of turbulence but all in all was good as we arrived safely. We had no trouble in Brussels and had a very smooth flight to Freetown.
Upon arrival we secured some assistance with the luggage as we had 11 pieces with many books and Bibles. We took the water taxi across and our luggage did not all make it on the first taxi so we had to wait on it. Some of our good brethren met us at the water taxi on the Freetown side. We were finally able to eat around 11:00 P.M.
Unfortunately we have had some water issues and not able to shower until tonight (Tuesday). We all about clogged the drain with the grit that we had accumulated since Sunday morning. We pray this will improve.
Our teaching today went well. The audience was very attentive. We actually did our lessons in about three hours – however we were out for about 7 and ½ hours – many questions – and more questions – and more questions. Justin Moints proved himself very worthy of this work by teaching boldly about “institutionalism” and why he left it. Of course John Smith did as he always does – teach thoroughly and with power. I taught about getting back to the Bible and what will we do with the Truth.
We look for a good night’s rest and another good day of teaching tomorrow. Your prayers are appreciated as well as you funds that sent us here.
Upon arrival we secured some assistance with the luggage as we had 11 pieces with many books and Bibles. We took the water taxi across and our luggage did not all make it on the first taxi so we had to wait on it. Some of our good brethren met us at the water taxi on the Freetown side. We were finally able to eat around 11:00 P.M.
Unfortunately we have had some water issues and not able to shower until tonight (Tuesday). We all about clogged the drain with the grit that we had accumulated since Sunday morning. We pray this will improve.
Our teaching today went well. The audience was very attentive. We actually did our lessons in about three hours – however we were out for about 7 and ½ hours – many questions – and more questions – and more questions. Justin Moints proved himself very worthy of this work by teaching boldly about “institutionalism” and why he left it. Of course John Smith did as he always does – teach thoroughly and with power. I taught about getting back to the Bible and what will we do with the Truth.
We look for a good night’s rest and another good day of teaching tomorrow. Your prayers are appreciated as well as you funds that sent us here.
We Are Here and God Is Good
Steve, Justin and I arrived safely in Freetown, Monday evening. We were greeted by a hotel room without any water - not just no hot water NO WATER! That has been the source of not a few frustrations, but it appears to be trying to come back on.
Our classes at Priscilla Street began this morning and went extremely well. Steve spoke on "Reactions to Truth", I spoke on what we find in Christ and Justin began his series on institutionalism. Justin hit a homeroom today! Didn't find a wife, but he hit a homerun with his lessons. The emotion and passion clearly came through and was very effective. We answered questions from the audience on a variety of questions, but most of them revolved around instituionalism. It was well recieved, but not everyone was in complete agreement but they were very civil and willing to discuss issues. It was a productive day.
After a long day in hot humid weather and a good meal in our bellies, we are ready for a good nights sleep. Perhaps I will be able to stay awake long enough tomorrow night to write more.
Our classes at Priscilla Street began this morning and went extremely well. Steve spoke on "Reactions to Truth", I spoke on what we find in Christ and Justin began his series on institutionalism. Justin hit a homeroom today! Didn't find a wife, but he hit a homerun with his lessons. The emotion and passion clearly came through and was very effective. We answered questions from the audience on a variety of questions, but most of them revolved around instituionalism. It was well recieved, but not everyone was in complete agreement but they were very civil and willing to discuss issues. It was a productive day.
After a long day in hot humid weather and a good meal in our bellies, we are ready for a good nights sleep. Perhaps I will be able to stay awake long enough tomorrow night to write more.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Leaving, Sunday, March 20, 2011
Lord willing, Steve Niemeier, Justin Monts and I will leave Indianapolis March 20, 2011, for a preaching/teaching trip to Freetown, Sierra Leone. Our plans call for us to connect through Chicago and Brussels. We have chosen to leave on a Sunday afternoon because of the cheap flight we were able to find.
Many, many brethren have opened the hearts and wallets to make this trip possible. As a result, our needs have been met and additional funds will provide Bibles, Concordances, workbooks, and other good teaching material for the Sierra Leoneon Brethren. We are so grateful for those who have made this possible, and I know the Sierra Leoneons will appreciate and benefit from these.
Our brethren in Sierra Leone have been working dilligently to prepare for our arrival. Arrangements have been made to teach each day at the Priscilla Street Church of Christ. These classes will be aimed primarily for those who preach or teach, but will be open to all. We will be at Priscilla Street from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm. Several congregations in the Freetown area have invited us to conduct "Gospel Meetings" in the evening. The church at Makeni has invited us to teach there on a Sunday.
If we have a reliable internet connection, we will try to post a new blog entry each day. However, given the current state of the infrastructure in Sierra Leone, we will not know if this is possible until we get there. Hopefully, we will be able to share this trip withyouonthis blog site.
Given that no volcanoes errupt in Iceland, we will begin our journey home on Monday, April 4th.
Many, many brethren have opened the hearts and wallets to make this trip possible. As a result, our needs have been met and additional funds will provide Bibles, Concordances, workbooks, and other good teaching material for the Sierra Leoneon Brethren. We are so grateful for those who have made this possible, and I know the Sierra Leoneons will appreciate and benefit from these.
Our brethren in Sierra Leone have been working dilligently to prepare for our arrival. Arrangements have been made to teach each day at the Priscilla Street Church of Christ. These classes will be aimed primarily for those who preach or teach, but will be open to all. We will be at Priscilla Street from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm. Several congregations in the Freetown area have invited us to conduct "Gospel Meetings" in the evening. The church at Makeni has invited us to teach there on a Sunday.
If we have a reliable internet connection, we will try to post a new blog entry each day. However, given the current state of the infrastructure in Sierra Leone, we will not know if this is possible until we get there. Hopefully, we will be able to share this trip withyouonthis blog site.
Given that no volcanoes errupt in Iceland, we will begin our journey home on Monday, April 4th.
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