Our formal teaching is now in the rear view mirror. It was a memorable and emotional day. Our intention was to leave them with very positive uplifting lessons. Justin spoke on Pressing on to the Promise Land, Steve The Great Storm and I spoke of Heaven. Bro, Theophilus Kartouche gave his second lesson on Colossians. I am not sure he touched the book of Colossians but he gave a great history of problems in the Sierra Leonean churches and how to avoid them in the future. He was a bit like Steve – start somewhere but go where you want to.

Before our lunch break, James ( a young man who preaches in the far south of Sierra Leone and who borrowed the money to come for our studies) confronted a man who was accused of mixing black magic, voo-doo, sorcery with the gospel. James had no motivation to lie and the elderly gentleman did not deny the charges but got very emotional accusing James of violating Matt. 18. It was a lively and tense scene. It took a great deal of courage for James to confront this brother. He did so in private before bringing it public. No resolution was reached, but Christian, Theophilus meet with both brothers in private at the end of the day’s lessons. I do not know the results of that meeting.

James is a memorable young man. He is from the village of Kailhan, about 4 hours south of Freetown. He borrowed money for the bus fare to come to Freetown. In addition, he borrowed 50,000 leones for food while here (4000 leones to the dollar – little more than $11.00). He is a former Muslin who was disowned by his family when he became a Christian. He is in his early 30’s and is a widower. He preaches in Kailhan, but does not receive any salary. He lives on the barter system. He was the first one at the studies and the last one to leave. He had been invited by Sis. Mabel Kartouche through a relative who lives in James’ village. His is a great story.

The brethren at Priscilla Street presented all 3 of us with a plaque in the shape of Sierra Leone. It has a Bible, the Sierra Leonean flag and a message of gratitude written on it. It was an emotional scene when these were presented. These brethren are so very caring and tender. They are genuinely appreciative for us coming and helping them understand the need to leave institutionalism.

On the way to the Priscilla Street building, we passed a sign for the James Howell School that had been associated with the church at Priscilla Street. The sign said that the school was a Church Christ related institution. Someone, I suspect Theophilus, had painted over the “Church of Christ related institution.” That sign tells an important story. The brethren here at Priscilla Street have made a clean break from institutionalism. They are suffering ridicule and false accusations from some for making this stand, but they are determined to make the change whether or not they stand alone.

Tomorrow is planned as a day of rest. We plan on sleeping late, going to Crown Bakery for lunch and returning to our room to watch Kentucky get revenge on UConn. Sunday, Justin is scheduled to preach at Wellington and I am scheduled to preach at Priscilla Street. Steve is scheduled to sit and be quiet. I am not holding my breath for that to happen.

Thanks for your prayers. We could not have done our work without your partnership in prayer.

God is good …all the time. All the time…God is good!