Preaching Trip to Sierra Leone

February 2012 Trip Planned

2011-12-31T20:38:00.002-05:00

Lord willing Justin Monts, David Flatt and John Smith will leave for Sierra Leone on February12th. They solicit your prayers as final plans are made and executed.

On this trip they will be working closely with the church at Priscilla Street. Daily classes will be held for two weeks and nightly classes for 4 days. Once again, an emphisis will be placed on further equipping these brethren to mature spiritually and take on a great responsibility for the spread of the Gospel.

The Sierra Leonean brethren have taken a leading role in selecting the topics to be covered on this teaching trip. John will study the Sermon on the Mount with an emphasis on daily living, David will address Islam and Justin will address issues relating to the church.

We will do our best to keep you informed through this blog.

Blog entry by Mike Grushon

2011-11-15T09:35:00.000-05:00

SIERRA LEONE UPDATE

November 15, 2011

The pace of our work has slowed since the end of the lectureship. Jack Smith and I met with a number of young men at the Priscilla Street building. We talked with them about Bible study methods. They seemed very eager to learn. Ken Craig and Dan Byers stayed at the hotel. Dan met with John Kabul of the Wellington congregation and Ken studied with one of our waiters from the hotel. Later that evening Ken made his “The Big Picture of the Bible” to a small audience consisting of our driver Sheiku, Stella (Miss Sierra Leone) who we met through our driver and another friend that he brought with him.

On Sunday Ken Craig and I preached at Wellington . Ken presented a very brief summary of his material. I used the first sermon in my Remnant Series entitled “Many Are Called, Few Are Chosen.” Dan Byers and Jack Smith went to Priscilla Street where Dan taught the Bible class on John 4 and Jack preached on the subject of “Giving Glory to God.” After the services Ken departed for the airport and his return home. The rest of us returned to the hotel and enjoyed a day of rest.

Yesterday after a restful morning we went to the Crown Bakery for a respite from the food that we have been eating at the hotel. We enjoyed a pizza! We returned to the Priscilla Street building for a meeting from 5:00 – 8:00PM. The three of us presented Ken’s “The Big Picture” presentation using his PowerPoint slides that if he left with us. We had approximately 25 in attendance for this session which was held for those who were unable to attend the day lectures last week due to their work schedules.

Today we have a private Bible study scheduled for this afternoon. We are having another meeting at Priscilla Street tonight at 5:00 PM. We will be repeating other lecture topics for the benefit of those who were unable to attend the day sessions.

2011-11-12T11:12:00.000-05:00

Week One

2011-11-12T11:09:00.000-05:00

It is Saturday morning and we have completed our week of teaching at Pricilla Street . We had four lessons each day with periods of questions and answers. The lessons have been well attended with as many as eleven different denominations in attendance. Ken Craig presented a series of lessons on The Big Picture of the Bible. These lessons concentrated on the Theme of the Bible and how God provided redemption for us. Mike presented a series of lessons on the Remnant. These lessons focused on the people who have served God through out time and how this turns out being the few. Mike’s lessons encouraged Christians to remain faithful to God and not depend on men or numbers. Jack Presented a series of lessons on Misconceptions. Dan presented lessons on Romans 12 and Spirits. At the end of the lessons we received some very good questions that showed that the audience was listening.

After the General Sessions we conducted classes for the ladies. Subjects covered in these lessons included instruction on living as Christian ladies and mothers. We also had classes with the ladies about teaching children.

There were two baptisms on the last day of lectures at Pricilla Street . We have been able to set up several individual Bible studies for today and tomorrow. One of the scheduled studies is with Miss Sierra Leone who we met through our driver.

Since I started the report we have had a 10:00 study and been to the ocean for a baptism. Kyrian had attended our studies at Pricilla Street and had some follow up questions which we discussed resulting in his being baptized into Christ.

Update by Mike Grushon

2011-11-09T09:22:00.000-05:00

SIERRA LEONE REPORT November 8, 2011
Submitted by Mike Grushon

We have had difficulty accessing the internet since our arrival on Thursday, November 4th. We spent most of Friday resting from the journey and meeting together to plan our work together. Friday evening we met with the Priscilla Street church for their Friday night prayer meeting.

On Saturday we met with a group from Priscilla Street . The group was primarily composed of some of the men who are trying to develop their preaching and teaching abilities. Several sisters from the congregation also attended these sessions.

On the Lord’s Day, Ken Craig and Mike Grushon attended the services at Priscilla Street . Ken taught the Bible Study class presenting a lesson on evangelism. Mike Grushon preached a sermon on the work of the local church. Daniel Byers and Jack Smith met with the Wellington church and Daniel preached a sermon on assumptions made by David when he decided that he would build a house for God.

Monday through Friday of this week will be spent in a lectureship at the Priscilla Street church. Monday’s schedule was shortened slightly because Monday was a national holiday in Sierra Leone . The brethren were concerned about the members making their way home through the people who were celebrating the holiday so we only held four sessions instead of the six sessions that we will hold Tuesday through Friday. The lectureship features three daily themes. Mike Grushon is presenting a series of lessons on “The Remnant”, Jack Smith is presenting a series of lessons about common “Misconceptions” in the religious world, and Ken Craig is presenting his series on evangelism entitled “The Big Picture of the Bible.” In addition to these series, Daniel Byers is presenting a variety of individual lectures on subjects requested by the brethren at Priscilla Street . An additional feature of this lectureship is that there is an additional two hour session daily for the women. One hour of the women’s session is devoted to helping them to grow in their service for the Lord and the other hour is devoted to giving them ideas to help them develop as teachers.

The weather has been hot and humid. The day sessions are very demanding. The church building has ceiling fans but it is still uncomfortable in the afternoon. During the first two days we had visitors from approximately nine different denominational groups and four other congregations of the Lord’s church. After the lessons we spent time answering questions submitted by the audience. It is certainly encouraging to see brothers and sisters sit through multiple lessons and then rather than immediately leaving sit patiently while we discuss the dozens of questions that they have asked.

We are looking forward to the remaining days of the Lectureship. Please remember us in your prayers.

Latest from Freetown

2011-11-07T09:38:00.002-05:00

**Dan sent this to me on Saturday, but I didn't have time to post it till this morning.

Today we went to the grocery and purched some supplies. When we got back from the grocery Christian and Theophlipus were here and we spent a good while with them discussion the work here. They are good men but are feeling burdoned with many things. They very much want the work to prosper according to the Bible and both of them expressed a great desire for this. This evening we went to Pricilla Street for a Prayer meeting which started on regular time (30 minutes late) which is on time for here. I spoke on Prayer and used Matt 6 as a text. We had good prayers for the work by brethern and sang songs of praise to God.

Tomorrow we will be studying with the teachers and preachers.

I believe that the evening meals are improved at the restaurant. Tonight Miss Sierra Leone was at the Hotel for a charity fund raiser so it was a big deal here.

John - Receiveed a note from Dan's Wife that there were two baptisms at Wellington and one at Priscilla Street. God is Good all the time. All the time God is Good!

Byers & Company Arrive Safely

2011-11-04T12:02:00.001-04:00

Dan Byers & Company has arrived safely. Here is a note Dan posted to my email:

We are safely in Freetown. No major travel problems. New water taxi is faster.
Internet is slower. Tonight we have a prayer meeting at Pricilla Street. Tomorrow we will be meeting with the preachers and have a class. Christian has started a Saturday study which we will teach.
Breakfast is the same but they have a new dinner menu. Clean this up before you post. Sorry for being soo short.

From Freetown
Dan Byers

With His grace, We will fly out tomorrow.

2011-04-03T17:20:00.002-04:00

With his grace, we will flyout of Freetown tomorrow afternoon. It has been an exciting and rewarding two weeks. Our work has proven fruitful on many levels and I want to thank eachof you who have prayed for us and provided funds.

Justin Monts preached at Wellington today and I preached at Priscilla Street and Steve did nothing.

Our bags are packed and we are ready to head home. We can leave Sierra Leone with a satifying sense of accomplishment. Error was confronted, truth was defended and good brethren were edified. Souls were won to Christ and there is much more to do.

I pray God will bless our Sierra Leonean brethren. May they grow in His Word and in their strength.

Steve and Justin (aka Junior) have been very pleasant traveling and working companions. Our varied strengths have played off one another well and we have enjoyed a very wonderful relationship. I have been blessed to work with two such wonderful men.

Now, if we can just find Justin a wife.

Day of Rest

2011-04-02T17:38:00.003-04:00

Today was a welcomed day of rest. After a grueling and hectic two week schedule, we took time to breath and relax a bit today. Justin and I slept late and we went for a relaxing early lunch at the Crown Bakery. Little did we know that it was cleaning day in Freetown and many intersections were blocked off with an accumulation of trash. As a result Crown Bakery did not open today. Bummer! Instead, we went to the King David on Lumley Beach and had a nice lunch at the beach. Decent food, great view and a gentle breeze. After lunch, we stopped by the Lumley Craft Market to pick up a few last items. Got a great price on some purses!

Our afternoon consisted of a little computer work, cleaning and rest. Justin and I spent a little time on the balcony working on our tans.

Our dear brother John Kabul came by about supper time for a visit. Words cannot express how special this dear brother is. He was trying for a new job (after being let go at the port authority, possibly for religious reasons) working for aa clinic that some American doctors are setting up. He would be the director, but he is not sure if he wants the job because of the infighting going on among the Sierra Leoneans. He would much rather devote his time to preaching the Gospel. With God's blessings perhaps he will someday.

Tomorrow Justin will speak at Wellington and I will speak at Priscilla Street. Steve, well, he will take it easy and just listen. Tomorrow night we must pack and prepare for our flight home Monday afternoon. Time has passed so quickly and God has been so good. It has been a wonderful trip and blessing sbundant.

God is good... all the time!

PS: Go Cats!!!!!!

2011-04-01T13:04:00.000-04:00

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!

2011-03-31T17:42:00.000-04:00

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!

Sorry

2011-03-30T11:44:00.002-04:00

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

2011-03-30T11:27:00.003-04:00

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.

Monday, March 29, 2011

2011-03-29T16:59:00.002-04:00

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!

2011-03-28T14:21:00.000-04:00

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!

Saturday in Freetown

2011-03-26T11:50:00.002-04:00

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.

2011-03-25T18:01:00.001-04:00

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)

2011-03-24T12:48:00.002-04:00

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.

2011-03-23T19:46:00.002-04:00

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.

From Steve ...

2011-03-22T17:29:00.001-04:00

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.

From Steve ...

2011-03-22T17:29:00.000-04:00

We Are Here and God Is Good

2011-03-22T17:15:00.002-04:00

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.

Leaving, Sunday, March 20, 2011

2011-03-11T19:50:00.002-05:00

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.

Niemeier & Smith to Return in Spring 2011

2010-12-15T09:57:00.002-05:00

Steve Niemeier and I have a return trip planned, Lord willing, for March 20 - April 4, 2011. We soliciate your prayers for safe travel and successful work.

We will not be conducting large group community teaching as was done in November of 2009 and 2010. Instead, we will focus our time and teaching in various congregations around Freetown. We will have day classes at the Priscilla Street building and then conduct evening "gospel meetings" around the area at several different congregations.

As long as the internet holds up, we will maintain daily reports on this blog to keep you updated on the progress of our work.

More pictures

2010-11-19T10:42:00.002-05:00

More pictures

2010-11-19T10:38:00.001-05:00

Niemeier & Lee in London

2010-11-19T10:20:00.002-05:00

After spending nearly 3 weeks in a tropical paradise living on the seashore, for some reason Steve & Jimmy think they need more vacation & are lounging in London. They are scheduled to return to reality on Saturday.

Daniel Byers has supplied a goodly supply of pictures that I will attach to this entry. Thanks Daniel!

Day 18

2010-11-16T09:57:00.000-05:00

GOD IS GOOD! ALL THE TIME! Today was not an exception!

Today is a holiday for Muslims - Freetown is somewhat at a standstill - very little traffic - today is the day the celebrate the offering of Isaac by Abraham (confusing as that is). However, we had a good number of about 20 at our study today. Real good discussion - these classes have really been good and the ones participating are learing and Christian and Theopolis are doing a good job of assisting us.

We will not have another blog until early next week after we get home. That will be a blog that will wrap up this trip with some comments from all four us that participated. I would just like to say "THANK YOU" on behalf of the four of us who came over and taught in the Freetown area this year. We could not have done this without God's grace and your prayers and support. Giant steps were taken this year and many BIG obstacles were overcome - again God has blessed the work on this trip and we have seen increase both in the new ones baptized but also in the breakthrough of those of the institutional persuasion - yet I must remind you that the war is not over and the battle will go on - everytime someone comes over from the states new obstacles will arise (that is just how Satan works). Yet, if we do not continue to assist in the work here - the strong will grow weary - our focus has to be to uphold those that are fighting in the trenches for the Lord in the Freetown area and to do that they will need our assistance.

We will be out of touch now for about two days as we go to teach tomorrow and then the long - hot and very tiring trip to the airport and then on to London. Jimmy and I are so looking forward to the visit to the British Musuem. Our hearts will be full of mixed emotions - sorry to leave with so much work to be done here and yet the joy of coming home to our families and our dear brethren in the states - we have learned many things on this trip and we pray that as we leave we have left the folks here with valuable teaching from God's word and that they will now study further the riches of His word.

GOD IS GOOD! ALL THE TIME! Today is not an exception!

Day 17

2010-11-15T11:29:00.001-05:00

GOD IS GOOD! ALL THE TIME! Today is not an exception!

Jimmy went with John Kabul to the port authority today to take care of some business. I went to Priscilla Street to teach – I taught for about 2 hours and 45 minutes non-stop – there were many questions and the class was wonderful – we had 18 – a mixture of newborn babes and some preachers as well as a couple of non-members. One of these non-members was a blind man who had come to our studies and the services at Garrison Street. This man expressed his desire to be baptized and be among those who are the body of Christ at the end of our class. Bro. Christian asked him “can you see me” the man answered “through the eyes of spirituality I see you” it took the breath right out of all of us – the good confession was made and off to be baptized. Henry was his name and he was about the age of 65.

The studies today went real well – we are going to pick back up tomorrow on the same subject of “What Does Conversion To Christ Do For One”? This is such an important study for all that have just been baptized and it is good for the older ones to hear and to gain information so they can assist the new ones. Jimmy arrived back in time to sit in the last 30 minutes of the class. He had a different type day than mine as he had to travel across town to the port and then come back. He was just worn out from this traveling so is a physical tired. Mine right now is a mental tiredness from teaching and the throat is a bit raspy not to say that Jimmy isn’t mentally tired either but just explaining the fatigue we are experiencing.
I will try to give one more blog tomorrow – the internet is terrible – my computer has been hacked and only lets me on to certain things before it quits – just more work of Satan to discourage us!

Jimmy and I will finish teaching on Wednesday and then off to the airport. We will fly to London through the night and then through our own personal funds we have arranged to stay in London and go to the British Museum to view the artifacts from Biblical times – we are really looking forward to that.

If you are keeping count – we have had 54 baptisms so far – GOD IS GOOD! ALL THE TIME! Today was not an exception!

Day 16 -What a glorious Day!

2010-11-15T11:17:00.000-05:00

GOD IS GOOD! ALL THE TIME! Today was not an exception! Today we worshipped in the morning at Priscilla Street. Since I had spoken at both services there last week Jimmy spoke today (and I was glad for I taught for about 6 hours straight yesterday while Jimmy worked with John Kabul). Jimmy did an excellent job in both the Bible Study and the worship period. At the invitation we had two young ladies to come forward wanting to be baptized. One was a visitor who knew some folks there and was a very serious minded young lady of about 20 years of age. The other one – ARE YOU READY FOR THIS? It was Igenia – John Kabul’s girlfriend who has had several discussions with about all four of us before Dan and Dan left and then she had more discussions with Jimmy. Off they went to be baptized. They had to go to the national stadium pool and pay to baptize – Priscilla Street has a baptistery but it needs repairs (whose doesn’t?). We went ahead with services (we have been stressing the importance of baptizing immediately and Christian practices this wonderfully) and when they got back we finished up – It was a wonderful morning.

We are both just worn out from the last two days without Dan and Dan and all that we had to do so we came back after the morning services (about 1:15 P.M.) and rested – Jimmy was having a little trouble with his sugar count and I was just pooped! We did not eat (now I know that most of you just fainted thinking that I did not eat) and our crew picked us up at 3:30 P.M. to go and teach at Garrison Street.

THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT MESSAGE ABOUT THE MAJOR CONCERN OF OUR TRIP AND WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO READ IT SLOWLY TO SEE HOW GOOD GOD REALLY IS! Our main issue on this trip has been that after some time with Joseph we found that he had not been baptized properly and that he was refusing to accept the teachings of the scriptures on this. Unfortunately one thing after another piled on top of this issue to add up to many issues we had to face on this trip. We found him not to have the heart he had last year and yet in our studies with him he would open up and talk about the issues including his baptism and was willing to share that he really thought he was okay because he had been immersed – unfortunately it was into the Wesleyan church while he was living with Dan Gentry during the civil war here in Sierra Leone. When asked previously about his baptism he would say yes he was baptized correctly. We knew last year that he was just learning and he had been studying on line and we were led to believe that he had been baptized for the right reason and we saw a heart that wanted to know more – yes, we had to overcome many issues of denominationalism when we arrived last year but through patience and consistent teaching many hearts were touched and changed. You might remember that we just said we had to tolerate to teach.

This year when we arrived and started talking more with some of the brethren that are here we learned many things that needed to be addressed. As a result of learning about Joseph’s false baptism and other issues surrounding this (that I will not go into until we get home) we needed to change our plans (you have already read some of the reasons we did not go to Makeni). The four of us had several studies with Joseph before Dan and Dan left and Jimmy and I had another opportunity this evening at Garrison Street because Joseph was there. I took the Bible Study and Jimmy took the worship – we both were focused on one thing – addressing the issues that we had been plagued with and teaching the newborn babes in Christ (there were five newborn babes in Christ in attendance) to stand on their own two spiritual feet and be good workers according to the scriptures. While we were both tired and we had to overcome all of the noise outside of the building we were focused on the door that the Lord had opened for us and we both did not leave anything on the table.

We arrived back at our room and we were famished – we finally went over and got something to eat and had just arrived back at the room to prepare for tomorrow’s classes (boy we wish we had the two Dan’s back with us). A knock at our door and I went to answer it – Joseph was standing there. I asked him to come on in – he did (Jimmy was just getting ready to shower). Joseph sat down and looked at me with the eyes of the man I knew from last year – the eyes of humility – he told me he was driving home from Garrison Street with his friend Kammanda (who was baptized earlier on this trip) and Kammanda was telling him that what he had learned from our teaching and read in the Bible was correct and that Joseph was wrong! He wanted to know how Joseph could go on teaching the un-perverted gospel without obeying it. According to Joseph what Kammanda was saying was the same thing he had heard from our lessons and that his heart became pricked and he needed the right baptism! I called for Jimmy to come and listen to what Joseph was saying –

Jimmy immediately came and listened. WITHOUT DELAY – EVEN THOUGH IT WAS PITCH BLACK AT NIGHT – WE LOADED UP JOSEPH’S CAR AND WENT TO THE NEAREST BEACH AND WE TALKED WITH KAMMANDA ABOUT HOW TO BAPTIZE AND HE SAID HE KNEW HOW BUT HE LISTENED AND KNODDED HIS HEAD THAT HE KNEW – OFF THEY WENT INTO THE OCEAN IN THE DARK BUT JIMMY AND I STOOD AT EDGE AND WITNESSED KAMMANDA AS HE BAPTIZED JOSEPH INTO CHRIST!

If we had gone to Makeni – we would not have made the giant leap through the open door the Lord provided us with those of the institutional persuasion – also we would not have had the 17 baptisms we have had – also we would not have been able to work through the issues with Joseph - ---

Need I say more on this blog? GOD IS GOOD! ALL THE TIME! TODAY WAS NOT AN EXCEPTION!!!!!

Day 15

2010-11-13T15:42:00.000-05:00

THE SHARP AXE OF TRUTH CHOPS DOWN A BIG TREE OF ERROR! These are the words of one of the men who we taught for about six hours today. He is referencing the fact that they are now learning the truth about the proper way for the work of the church to be done. The class was made up of about 22 men from several different congregations. We started teaching at 9:00 A.M. this morning and continued until 3:00 P.M. this afternoon. The subject was an overview of the general epistles of the New Testament. For the first five hours we stayed on the subject then a question was asked about what we had been teaching at Priscilla Street on the work of the church verses having an organization doing the work of the church such as Bible Colleges or schools. Away we went for a solid hour of discussion.

We have drawn an illustration on the chalkboard at both Priscilla Street and now at Tengbeh Town and this illustration drives home the point concerning authority and the correct teaching to establish this authority. When we start drawing this illustration they stop everything because they have come to learn that this is a teachable moment and they are going to gain something from it. Today was no different – at the end of yesterday’s session at Priscilla Street you might remember that Theophilus made a statement “the things we used to do – we do them no more”. These folks are hearing things for the first time and we are repeating them at every session – thus at the end of the session today a brother who is a member of a congregation practicing things taught by the institutional belief states loudly “THE SHARP AXE OF TRUTH CHOPS DOWN A BIG TREE OF ERROR! The amazing thing about this is that an older gentlemen of 72 years of age and one of the first to obey the gospel taught by those of the institutional persuasion in 1966 has been in our classes – he is somewhat the father figure all look to – TODAY HE STATES THAT HE IS CONFUSED AND WHY DID THESE MEN TEACH THINGS THEY COULD NOT PROVE BY THE APOSTLES TEACHING? Folks you have read from this blog several times where I have written GOD IS GOOD! ALL THE TIME! Today was not an exception. The sharp axe of truth is at work over here in Sierra Leone and YOU FOLKS ARE TO BE COMMENDED FOR YOUR GENEROSITY IN SENDING US!!! To God be the Glory!

One other interesting point about today: as we were giving the overview of Philippians we mentioned how Paul was in bonds but said Rejoice and before we could finish the thought they broke out in song singing at the top of their lungs “Rejoice in the Lord always” WOW!!! What a wonderful experience!

We are tired! Voices are strained! Thankfully we will be able to rest tonight as it is now just about 5:00 P.M. Tomorrow it will be Jimmy’s turn to speak at Priscilla Street (I spoke last week) we have invited John Kabul and his girlfriend (who has been studied with) and Augustine (one who was baptized earlier on this trip) to come to Priscilla Street to observe how the worship service is done. This will help them understand better about doing things decent and in order. Then we will go to Garrison Street tomorrow evening.

Monday through Wednesday of next week is set – classes at Priscilla Street for newborn babes and for preachers of the institutional persuasion – it will be a difficult but enriching three days – GOD IS GOOD! ALL THE TIME! Today was not an exception!

Day 14

2010-11-13T09:20:00.000-05:00

GOD IS GOOD! ALL THE TIME! Today was not an exception! After a very short night of rest the four of us had our final breakfast together and then off to teach. Upon our arrival a young man was introduced to us by the name of Moses – Moses had been at our studies the whole week – it is very difficult for us to remember all the names but we know the faces and Moses’ face was very familiar. We had some discussion with Moses and then we had Theophilis talk with him. After a few minutes and right before Dan Barker’s lesson Moses was off to be baptized. Also, there was an older man who has been studying with us and I apologize but I have forgotten his name – he talked with Theopolis and he too went to be baptized. GOD IS GOOD! ALL THE TIME! Today was not an exception!

Dan and Dan gave the first two lessons of the day and their last on this trip and then they were off to the airport. Both did a remarkable job presenting their lessons and controlling their emotions. They were hugged by everyone and right before they left the four of us huddled up and I must admit some tears were shed – why? The four of us have been through some things that have bonded us in ways that will remain with us for the rest of our lives. In the 14 days we were together there was never any issue between the four of us – we were focused on what we were here to do and the obstacles Satan was putting in front of us and we worked together to overcome those obstacles. Jimmy and I certainly miss them and they only left us 9 hours ago.

What a 9 hours it has been though. Jimmy taught next about Mixed Religion and drove home point after point of many things that Satan has confused these people with. He used scripture after scripture to address these issues – he spoke about 50 minutes and had some questions he had to deal with also. I then spoke and addressed the issues of institutionalism and the lack of authority for these things. We are using a blackboard and chalk to illustrate our points - I for one long to use a whiteboard and marker when I get back to Greenwood to draw some of our illustrations because they have really been effective.

At the end of my lesson the questions started and they kept coming and we kept answering – I would take the ones on institutionalism – Jimmy would take the ones on proper giving and fund raising – question after question – answer after answer – more questions – more answers – the audience was even asking each other questions in an orderly manner and we found some of the audience giving answers to the ones who had asked them the questions. How long you ask! Jimmy and I held session for three hours!

Theopolis took the microphone at the end of the session – had the people to sit down – now remember we have about 7 or 8 congregations represented from those started by the institutional folks years ago and many of them have some of those teachings imbedded in them – now Theopolis has the microphone and he starts by putting Para-church on the board and starts in using our diagram to show how the “things they used to do – they need not do them anymore”. Now folks this is HUGE! They are learning about the proper way to do the work of the Lord’s church and they are having the hearts to change!!!! Oh that more of us in the USA could have these hearts. Stay tuned for more exciting news along this line.

Tonight after a short rest of about an hour (in which we had to prepare for tomorrow’s teaching that will be about 8 hours total) we headed to the largest congregation still in existence from the institutional persuasion. Tengbeh Town is the name of the congregation – the national director of the World Bible School is a member there – in today’s study we used WBS as an example of an unscriptural work of the church. We had to walk down a very steep hill to get to their building. Jimmy and I both spoke and then answered questions. It was a good experience and quite an opportunity to be able to speak there. They are practicing some things they need to stop and at least we got started on addressing these. Tomorrow our 8 hours of teaching will be at Tengbeh Town.

Here is another reason we decided not to go to Makeni – this will be number three on our list of reasons for not going. The Lord has opened such a door for us into the congregations that have been practicing some things they have no authority for (set up by institutional persuasion) that we could not justify leaving them without spending more time with them. Jimmy and I are already booked until our plane leaves with studies with newborn babes and with those of the institutional persuasion. If we had taken off to Makeni without addressing the issues with these two groups we would have nothing but chaos upon the return of the next ones to teach.

In closing of today’s blog I want to say that one of the major issues that we have faced on this trip has been the disappointment of individuals we have trusted in the past. It is amazing how hard Satan works at tearing up things sometimes. Yet, when Satan tears down – God opens other doors and He has certainly provided open doors on this trip. When we get home you might want to pull up a chair – grab an iced tea or coffee and sit and listen – it will take awhile (somewhat like my blogs) to explain but it will make you appreciate Paul’s statement in II Timothy 4:10 more than ever.
GOD IS GOOD! ALL THE TIME! Today was not an exception!

Day Thirteen

2010-11-11T19:19:00.000-05:00

GOD IS GOOD! ALL THE TIME! Today is not an exception! Upon our arrival (after a very short night of rest) we were talking with a young lady by the name of Michaela who is 21 and was attending an Evangelical church. It did not take long to see that the four of us were just too intimidating to her – so as we have done this whole trip three of us backed off and let just one talk with her. Dan Barker talked with her for some time and she expressed the desire to be baptized. While this discussion is going on Jerry (who is sharp and who is the one that was baptized last evening and the one who was baptized earlier in his life by those of the Boston movement) was having a discussion with a young man of about 25 years old. Jerry has stated that he really wants to just go and teach one on one in his life and he is good at this and knowledgeable to do such – yes he is a babe in Christ (like Victor) but oh the knowledge they have and now that they have been pointed in the right direction who knows how much seed will be sown. Back to the discussion between Jerry and Samsura the young man – after a period of time this young man made the decision to be baptized – well Christian, Theopolis and Victor had already left with Michaela to baptize her – we got our crew to take the young man and Jerry and away they went to meet up with the others – YES – TWO MORE SOULS YIELDING TO THE CALL OF THE GOSPEL – GOD IS GOOD! ALL THE TIME! Today is not an exception!

Dan Barker got us started in our teaching today with a great lesson on personal evangelism. He has followed the plan of equipping those in the audience with the basic knowledge of what to teach others and how to teach others. One of the BIG issues we have found in Freetown is that many that were taught by the institutional believing folks are not grounded in the basic first principles of the gospel. As a result we have really dealt with this and Dan has been the point man every day to get us started.

We switched and had Jimmy Lee go next with the subject of “Now That I Am A Christian” – of all things he asked me to be his scribe and write on the blackboard – folks I cannot even read my own writing! Anyway he really drove home his points and hit several issues we have found to be lacking in Freetown – again among those who have been baptized recently and in the past by those of the institutional belief. In case you are wondering – he did a really good job!

We then took a short break and answered some questions and then went back to teaching. Unfortunately a lady had an epileptic seizure and this delayed us for a few minutes – she was okay after a while.

Dan Byers then followed the plan he has been following and taught on what a congregation is to do as far as the work is concerned. He drew on the board and he took his time and walked them through every point – they were writing his points down and were so attentive. For many of them this is teaching they had never heard before – remember our audience – mostly those taught by the institutional belief and few of those who were baptized when we were last year scattered in and even some from the community who are hearing the lessons from the windows and just come and listen. Daniel did an excellent job and really set up my lesson well.

My lesson was on “Authority and Issues of Division”. I taught the first part on authority by using examples we had been using about all week – drawing those out on the board. Then I asked them if they would like to see some modern day examples of division in the Lord’s church because of a lack of respect of authority they wanted to hear some. First I gave the example of missionary societies and the board of directors over them – they were somewhat astonished and said there is no scripture for a board of directors which means the institution (company as they call it) cannot be supported by the church treasury – next was orphans and the board of directors appointed to oversee orphan homes – they came up with the same results – next came schools – they came up with the same results – then came sponsoring churches and I used the example of our congregations the four of us attend and the one church of the institutional belief that came over and started all of the congregations here before we came last year – they were very silent and you could hear some moans – I asked them if there was authority for this – no was the answer – I closed by telling them I will let them chew on that overnight and we will discuss more tomorrow.

Then more questions and answers and Jimmy “The Riotous One” got the ladies stirred up by answering a question on the covering and then on a woman wearing tight pants and away we went – the highlight was Jimmy parading down the aisle acting like a lady that was just looking for a man and that was a riot in itself –then in only a way that Jimmy could do it he switched gender and started acting like a man who was looking for a women that was not dressed properly – the audience got the picture and it was a perfect illustration (a sight for sore eyes but a perfect illustration) - that just escalated when the question of whether a man should marry a woman that is not a member of the church – that really got going when a fellow from Nigeria stated that a man should follow the same rule as a woman and they should look in the church for their spouse as this is the place to look it. Well this was followed by my suggestion that all the unmarried woman that were members of the Lord’s body stand – they did and then we did the same for all the unmarried men – then we said maybe you should look closer as here are some great candidates.

Tonight we to Wellington where Dan and Dan spoke – they had not spoken there as of yet and since they leave tomorrow night this was their night to teach there. Of course they did a great job teaching about how special a child of God is – Jimmy and I just gave a brief statement to encourage the congregation. Just a word about the two Dan’s - these two wonderful men and teachers of God’s word: Jimmy and I have both just been overwhelmed by their quick adaption to these conditions – their willingness to do whatever was needed to be done to enhance the work of the Lord in the Freetown area – their knowledge of God’s word – their wisdom in assisting the four of us in some of the most stressful issues we faced and these issues were more stressful (and still are) than any trip I have been on has just been tremendous. They are such good men – sound in the faith – dedicated to the cause of the Lord – we pray for their safe return home and look forward to serving with them again on this foreign soil.
GOD IS GOOD! ALL THE TIME! Today was not an exception!

Day Twelve

2010-11-10T20:59:00.001-05:00

GOD IS GOOD! ALL THE TIME! Today was no exception! When the crew came to get us Samuel the military man who was with us last year and is with us again this year stated he wanted to be baptized. Now you might remember that he was the one who ran into the water last year when John Kabul was baptized and said “me too me too”. We all knew that he was probably full of emotion and did this out of that emotional feeling. We have told you about many issues and this was one of them. Samuel has been talked to for a whole year by John Kabul about this. He has been talked with several times by different ones of us this year about this. Last night we had a very serious talk with the whole crew and you could see Samuel’s face beginning to change into that look of seriousness that one has when they are thinking deeply about issues. He stated that if he needed to give up the military (he has been in for 12 years) for Christ he would. GOD IS GOOD! Another soul met Jesus in baptism!

GOD IS GOOD! ALL THE TIME! Today was no exception! When we arrived at Priscilla Street to start our teaching and to take Samuel’s confession and for Christian Asgill to baptize him a young lady named Marian who had been at our studies the last two days stated she needed to be baptized. She was identified with the largest Pentecostal group in Freetown. We talked with her – she knew what she needed to do – she made the great confession that Christ was the Son of God – then she went to be baptized along with Samuel. GOD IS GOOD! Another soul met Jesus in baptism!

GOD IS GOOD! ALL THE TIME! Today was no exception! A young man by the name of Jerry – a real sharp Bible student who had been baptized in the USA by those of the Boston Movement (International church of Christ) continued to talk with us about his baptism. He was having some doubts after listening to our teaching. He had several conversations with us and had one final conversation with Dan Barker after another lesson had begun. We received a call when we arrived back at the hotel tonight – Jerry met Jesus in the watery grave of baptism. It seems after our studies that he contacted Christian Asgill and stated he needed to be baptized and he was! GOD IS GOOD! Another soul met Jesus in baptism! Jerry is one who wants to go one on one to people to teach – he said I want to teach but not in the pulpit – I want to teach one on one. WOW! The Lord’s church need more like Jerry!

GOD IS GOOD! ALL THE TIME! The plan to take the gospel to Makeni is really coming together. One of the reasons (again there are many) that we have decided not to go (now you will know two of the reasons because I told you one in the last blog – newborn babes who need to be grounded further) is that we discovered that it was positioned wrongly. The emphasis is to be on the seed that is sown - the Word of God -and not on the one sowing (I Cor. 3). For us to go under the conditions of the emphasis being put on the white man coming to teach is a wrong reason to go. The plan now is that native Sierra Leoneans who have been taught and grounded in the Word of God will go and teach. This will be done very soon after we leave – we will be studying with the ones going until we leave to assist in further grounding.

Oh yes, before I forget – our teaching went extremely well today. Dan Barker started with “Do you know my Jesus” and the assignment that he had given for everyone to write a page stating their thoughts of who their Jesus was. The ones that did this had their comments read – it was really touching as some of them even went to the library to look up Greek words and to have the quiet to study just who Jesus was. Another great opening lesson by Dan Barker.

Dan Byers then gave a lesson on the organization of the local congregation and the fellowship each one of the members is to have even though they have different talents. It was a very good study, that as we have found on this trip, needed to be addressed. Dan again delivered his lesson in such a way all could understand. I know it is getting old but again a great job.

The four of us made a decision because of all the confusion that we had found here about baptism and that many (even in the congregations started by those of those of the institutional belief) believed that as long as you were immersed – even if it was by a different teaching than that of the New Testament (denominational teaching) that you were okay that I would change my lesson for today. My lesson I gave was “Can One Be Taught Wrong but Baptized Right?” After the lesson there were questions and I felt so bad because we are all on a time limit and I went over – not all because of me but because of the questions and one older gentlemen telling me that you can’t sit down we still have questions. I have told you over and over what a great threesome Dan, Dan and Jimmy are – well they said stay up there and so I did.

Jimmy then finished with the work a woman can do in the church – boy did he do a great job! He addressed issues and misconceptions about the work a woman can do in the church and he again had the audience on the edge of their seats – both men and women. He did such a good job and did it in such a great time limit that we were able to spend 40 minutes in question and answer session. This was our second one today!

Well we thought our studying was done – we were wrung out! Tonight we had about a 3 hour study with Joseph on some issues. He just left about 20 minutes ago– the time here is 11:39 P.M. and we have lessons to work on for tomorrow. Oh yes, about tomorrow – we will be teaching at Priscilla Street like we have been doing – then we will go to Wellington and teach tomorrow night. Friday you ask? We will teach at Priscilla Street – Dan and Dan then go to the airport to come home – Jimmy and I will go to Tengbeh Town to teach on Friday night. Saturday you ask! Jimmy and I will be at Priscilla Street all morning and afternoon teaching the book of Galatians to local preachers. Sunday you ask! Right now there are four congregations wanting us to speak. Next week we are booked at Priscilla Street in the daytime with the new converts and some of the preachers in studies. At night we will be at some of the congregations.

Thanks again for your support and prayers –GOD IS GOOD – WE ARE SAFE – ISSUES ARE BEING HANDLED THAT HAVE PLAGUED US – GOD IS GOOD! ALL THE TIME!

Day Eleven

2010-11-09T16:44:00.001-05:00

Another somewhat sleepless night last night – but the day has brought some good things.

We went to Priscilla Street to start the teaching and what a joy it was again! We ended up having a packed house again and ANOTHER ONE HAS OBEYED THE GOSPEL! A man by the name of Samuel who had been attending at Garrison Street came to realize that he had not been baptized properly (folks this is one of the major issues we have been facing – many were immersed into some denomination and not into Christ!) He told us when we arrived that he was troubled by this and wanted to correct this – we had him stand and he made his confession before all and immediately Theophilus took him to be baptized. This really set the tone for the day as it uplifted everyone and let me tell why we needed uplifting.
When the crew came to get us today John Kabul came in very troubled. We sat down with him in private (him and the four of us) and listened to what had happened. The last two Sunday’s at Wellington one of the higher authorities (a very devout Pentecostal) at the Port Authority where John Kabul works had tried to take over the Bible Study period – I dealt with him the first week and Jimmy dealt with him last week. This man called Eddie then called John Kabul last night and talked for one hour about how we were teaching a doctrine belonging to a cult. How John was not going to be his friend again – how terrible it was that this was happening. Eddie tried to persuade the people at Wellington that faith only will save them and they should not believe anything else. Also, John then got calls from three others who have threatened bodily harm to him when they see him on the streets because he is not following the teaching they want him to follow. The landowner (the structure is owned by members of Wellington but the land is owned by someone else) has told John to stop teaching this un-perverted gospel. John just broke down in tears – he is a good man and would not harm a flea and yet he has now been threatened for serving the Lord. This is troubling but he will stand for the truth – we sure do have it easy being Christians in the states don’t we? Please pray for John Kabul!

We started today’s teaching with the thought that we could commit spiritual adultery – the audience picked up on this thought – then Dan Barker started his lesson on Biblical Illiteracy – he went through that lesson and the points he made were just outstanding! The packed house was with him all the way and he taught them that even though they may read the Bible they may not know what is in it – he also explained that all the questions we get from the Old Testament about instrumental music and things like that could be answered if we all studied the Bible to know it. He related that the Old Testament was something we should know so we can understand the New Testament better – he gave the example of Hebrews as a book that was written along that line. A GREAT JOB OF TEACHING BY DAN BARKER TODAY!

Dan Byers then picks up on fellowship – he starts with the special relationship with God that Adam and then Eve had and how it was severed through sin. He explained this in full detail by drawing out on the chalkboard (yep that is what they use over here – a chalkboard). He then started detailing out how everyone who obeys the teachings of the un-perverted gospel of Jesus Christ is reconciled with God through Christ giving them a special relationship with God. Then he drew a line connecting all of the individuals who had put on Christ in baptism in order to have the special relationship with God through Christ to one another to show they had a special relationship to one another. The he circled three or four of the individuals to state they may be members in the same location working together to do the Lord’s work in what is called a congregation. Tomorrow he goes further on fellowship. TWO LESSONS BY THE TWO DAN’S – AGAIN DAN BYERS DID A GREAT JOB OF TEACHING – THESE TWO ARE JUST AMAZING IN THEIR APPROACH TO TEACHING IN THESE CONDITIONS.

We then had questions and answers and then a short break.

After the break – here comes Jimmy “The Riotous One” – Jimmy had the task of teaching about the woman’s role in the church and folks a riot about started because we had about one-fourth of the packed house was women that are members at Priscilla Street. They were on every word and so were the men – several had questions they wanted answered RIGHT NOW! Oh did Jimmy ever do such a great job – he walked among them and let them ask their questions and yet maintained control to teach them about that women were equal but they were to be in submission and he brought out scripture after scripture teaching this. The audience (just like with Dan and Dan) were hanging on every word and writing down the information. Then Jimmy switched at the end of his lesson to bring out I Corinthians 13 to show that things like prophecy are not needed anymore and therefore a prophet or prophetess is no longer because we have the complete word of God. YEP! OH “RIOTOUS ONE” DID IT AGAIN – ANOTHER LESSON ANOTHER GREAT JOB OF PRESENTING IT – folks it is a joy being among these three talented teachers.

My lesson I must admit was not too bad – it was on “Proper Music in Worship”. I taught that there are at least four ways one can worship – in truth – in vain – ignorantly – self-imposed or self-willed. I walked through the passages where singing is mentioned in the New Testament – used Hebrews 8 (again as we have used it several times) to show that if the old law had been faultless there would not have been a need for a better covenant. As a result the worship of the Old Testament gave way to the worship of the New Covenant – then I walked them through some historical findings and statements and also some statements from denominationalists who state that instrumental music is not acceptable in true worship.

This was a great day – one baptized – many questions dealt with – good audience participation – well-presented lessons.

Now on to more news on Makeni. I cannot cover all the issues but here is news that you do need to know. The gospel is going to Makeni – not the way originally planned. We have the names and addresses of 21 individuals who have completed a correspondence course given by World Bible School (an institutional church sponsored missionary society). They WBS representatives refused to baptize the ones who wanted to be baptized because there was not local congregation there. Theophilus and Christian have these names and addresses– their plan is to go knock on the doors of the folks and set up Bible Studies with them, teach them and establish a non-institutional congregation there. Our part of that plan is to spend time with them and Victor (yes the Pentecostal who was just baptized but who is extremely knowledgeable in the Scriptures who has now given up his $20.00 (yep $20) a month salary from the Pentecostals because there is no turning back for him in studies) to strengthen them. Folks John Smith mentioned in a special addendum to this blog about Victor’s influence – guess what – he speaks the language of those in Makeni – he has a great influence among many in Makeni – he is on fire for the Lord – so our plan – to study and study with him and several of these new Christians next week here in Freetown – then they will go do the teaching – now you can see some of what is behind our decision. The rest of what is behind our decision will be told when we are home.

Tomorrow is another day with more opportunities – special thanks again for your support and prayers.

Day Ten

2010-11-08T20:39:00.001-05:00

I am not sure where to start with this blog. There has been so much happen on this trip that I have tried to at least give you an overview each day. Today has been a day that for the Lord’s church in the Freetown area that simply will go down in history as a day of shall we say “reckoning”.

First of all, Victor who John Smith wrote earlier, wanted to be baptized and was. He is very knowledgeable in many parts of the Scriptures but obviously was not willing to obey the gospel of Jesus until today. The cost of his obedience – leaving his position as “pastor” of a Pentecostal church where he received funds.

Secondly, the building at Priscilla Street where we were to teach today filled up rather rapidly with about 80 people (this is close to capacity of the building) – 8 different congregations calling themselves “church of Christ” were represented as well as about 6 different denominational folks. Of the 8 different congregations calling themselves “church of Christ” three were started as a result of the teaching last year when we were here – these were made up of newborn babes (the ones we were very concerned about). The other five congregations were started by those of the institutional persuasion several years ago.

We knew we would have a mixed group of people – I am not sure we knew just how many would actually show up to study with us – we saw very quickly that many were coming prepared to study and ready to ask questions. I started the session with “A Good Bible Student.” I explained ten things a good Bible student must do, and then I closed that one cannot teach properly if they are not a good Bible student. Dan Barker followed with a great lesson on teachers. He really challenged all of us about the discipline we need to have to teach among other things. He introduced some things that he will continue to address in our future studies. Dan Byers taught about prophecy and the proper way to use the Old Testament. He walked us through different prophecies and how that God spoke to man once by prophets but now by Christ – and we have the written word where we no longer need prophets. Jimmy then spoke about the history of worship. He started in the Garden of Eden and worked his way through the Old Testament and then in the New Testament and how there was perverted and vain worship in both Testaments given to us an example so we would not worship that way (such as instrumental music, etc).

After the lessons came Q & A time. We had a couple of questions that we answered before in a short break between Dan Byers and Jimmy’s lessons. Now we were going to dedicate the rest of the time to questions they had for us about what had been taught. Please remember that on this trip we were going to evangelize at Ebenezer Hall and we did. Secondly, we wanted to be able to teach about the perverted teaching of institutionalism and sponsoring churches. One of the first questions that came was about sponsoring churches and human institutions – these thoughts had been picked up from our teaching at Ebenezer Hall – the lessons at Priscilla Street on Sunday and some planting of the seed in our lessons before the Q & A today.

I took the question and used the chalk board to start teaching on what these doctrines taught and the fallacy of them – Jimmy picked up and then drove home some points on this subject as did both Dan’s. The Lord provided us a great opportunity. I made sure after each point that I ask them the same question that Paul asked “Do you count me your enemy because I tell you the truth?” Each time they said “No”! We have just started – this was our first day – sitting in the audience was the National Director of the World Bible School (an institution that is just a missionary society). He no doubt heard things he had never heard before. Also, I mentioned the name of the sponsoring church that was responsible in starting many of these congregations – yes called them out by name – held the Bible up and said where is there authority to do this? Many other things were said by all four of us.

We finished around 3 P.M. after five hard hours of teaching and answering questions BUT our audience was the right audience – members of congregations who had been started by those of the institutional belief – newborn babes needing milk –what more could we ask for?

Tonight has been a very busy and trying night – we have discussed today’s events and have all changed our lessons for tomorrow – we have met with Joseph on some major issues of concern. We have discussed the best use of Jimmy’s and my time after Dan and Dan go home. All four of us in our experience are seeing something that needs attention NOW! We are seeing open hearts that are eager to know if what they have been doing is wrong (those of the institutional belief) – newborn babes begging for milk (remember some of these men who have been baptized this past week were allowed to teach in two congregations even though they were not Christians ). Some were saying they had been baptized-- that in essence they had been “immersed” but into some denomination and are now being confronted with the teaching that they are not in the body of Christ. The four of us believe it would be tragic to abandon the Freetown area to teach at Makeni now. We think it is better to strengthen the work here in Freetown so that some of these brethren will be equipped to go to the Makeni area and teach. We know that we were really looking forward to teaching in Makeni and that funds were given to assist in that. However, we believe it is so important to re-direct those funds so Jimmy and I can stay in Freetown and teach the ones here so they can teach other including those in Makeni. We have talked about this among the four of us the last couple of days and tonight we have made that decision because of what we have experienced on this trip and the events of today. Just one example – Victor – needs to be grounded more deeply as he is a real key to turning many souls away from the Pentecostal belief. Another example – Christian and Theopolis are such good men who know their Bible well – yet are hearing for the second time (John and Mike taught back in the spring on issues of institutionalism also) the teaching about Bible schools – missionary societies, etc. Mohammed and Augustine who were two of the teachers in congregations but they were not Christians are sponges wanting to know more so they will not be swayed by a man or men away from the truth. Need I neglect the good heart of a one year old Christian by the name of John Kabul who today said “I have learned so much but I have so much more to learn”? I could go on and on about examples such as these that have led us to the decision of re-directing our focus to the work here in Freetown.

We ask that you pray for us and please know that we pray that you understand our decision. There is only so much that can be said in a blog and most of the blogs have been long – it will take many times in person to explain this trip and what God has allowed us to learn and the doors that He has opened. More doors are opening each day.

It has been a day unlike any other in the pages of history of the Lord’s work in the Freetown, Sierra Leone. We have no idea of what the page that is written tomorrow will look like – could it even be a better day that today? Only God knows!

Victor Puts on Christ!

2010-11-08T08:39:00.002-05:00

Victor was baptized today after a study with Steve & gang which took place at Priscilla Street. Victor, you may recall, was one of the most receptive and knowledgeable students last November. We were all impressed by his good heart and depth of Bible knowledge. He also attended every class that Mike Willis and I taught in April of this year. Finally, today Victor approached the team and asked to be baptized.

Victor was a war refuge during the Sierra Leonean Civil War. During that time he had some horrific experiences. Those experiences helped him to take the study of God's Word more seriously and he joined a denomination working faithfully with them. He was resistant to the notion that there could have been anything wrong with his initial baptism, but that wall of resistance has been broken down.

Victor is a dear sweet man. He is diligent in his study, out spoken about his faith and lives his faith everyday. He will be a great addition to the Kingdom of God. He will help open new and exciting doors for the Gospel.

When Steve writes his blog entry for today he will have more to say about Victor and the events of their first day at Priscilla Street. I do not want to steal his thunder, but I must mention that the building was packed and Christians had come from ALL over Sierra Leone.

Day Nine

2010-11-07T19:20:00.001-05:00

It is Sunday night here in Freetown, Sierra Leone – it is 9:07 P.M. – we split up to day and taught at four congregations. Dan and Dan at Calaba Town – Jimmy at Wellington – results 6 baptized at Calaba Town – 14 at Wellington. They met up after services at each place at a creek not far from each the congregations for the baptisms. We pray to God that these babes can be taught the milk to grow. Dan and Dan and Jimmy used our normal two vehicles to go do their teaching – I was picked up by brother Christian Asgil to go speak at Priscilla Street. I spoke at the Bible Study and the worship period – the house was packed – every seat taken it seemed and they listened great! What a group we have as we had discussed what needed to be done at each congregation and we followed that plan – you can see the results of the plan for Dan, Dan and Jimmy – God gave a harvest. My plan? Start teaching about how Christians should be clothed spiritually and where do we sees Jesus. It is very unfortunate but the institutional folks have taught some perverted things. However, these folks have good hearts and told me today that we teach differently – we are not afraid to stand up and confront the issues of perversion.

This afternoon we all met back at the hotel for just a quick period of recollecting ourselves to go to Garrison Street (Youth Center) - what a service! About 9 men – then the crew with us and us – all men. When we arrived we found out that they did not have any items for the Lord’s Supper. Mohammed (yes Mohammed) who was just baptized Friday (but had been teaching at Garrison Street – a sad story that we are having to deal with that all of us feel better explaining when we are home) came to us and stated that it was out of his control about the Lord’s Supper as the items were to come with another individual and that individual was not here. Immediately John Kabul and Augusine (yes – he was just baptized last Tuesday) sprung into action and left to go find some bread and fruit of the vine.

Mohammed, a humble man, was a former Muslim who converted to Pentecostalism a few years back and works as an interviewer at the radio station where we met him when we first arrived. As I mentioned he had been teaching at Garrison Street but through the teaching last week and two on one sessions with Dan and Dan he obeyed the gospel. Well folks we walk in there tonight and after finding out about the Lord’s Supper issues and getting those in a position to be solved – Mohammed shows us his outline for service and says to us “Would you teach us tonight how to worship so we will know how in the future?” What a heart?

Dan Byers taught the Bible Class – he sat down and every one of those men leaned forward the whole time he was teaching – he had them to read scriptures – to answer questions and the other three of us assisted with comments – his subject? Proper worship! Jimmy led us in songs – it was such an emotional outpouring of their hearts into the songs – could they all sing good – not really but they sang from their hearts and the auditorium rang out with this beautiful offering of song. Jimmy and I then served the Lord’s Supper and made comments about the meaning of the supper and what we should do during the supper. John Kabul wanted to take the plate and serve but I said we will serve. I have served the Lord’s Supper many times in my life – it is an honor to do such – but to see these men and the looks on their faces concerning the reason that they were taking the supper was so emotional. Dan Barker then had the sermon on being saved from our sins. The men hung on every word. It was getting dark – we had been there about two and a half hours into the Bible Study and worship – we taught them about an invitation song and we sang Blessed Assurance and the hall rang out with just these few voices. Then we took up the offering after some comments concerning our responsibility to give. It was getting darker and darker. Outside was noisy and we had to overcome this to sing and to teach and try to concentrate on the Lord’s Supper. Jimmy chose to sing Amazing Grace as our closing song – it is now really about total darkness – no electricity – you could barely see the song book – made no difference – the four of us have never sung Amazing Grace that way – it was chilling to the bone to hear these African men blend their voices with four Americans – the outside noise was drowned in the sea of voices singing praises to God about His Grace. About the time the song was over – John Kabul got a candle – lit it and heated the bottom of it and put it on the table – I was to lead the closing prayer – tearfully I commented on I wondered how many times our Lord taught in the darkness with only one candle if any or if when Paul taught until midnight at Troas was there a candle? I do not mind telling you that God has humbled me again and again and tonight was another lesson – noise from the outside – hot as hot could be – nine African men at worship –darkness comes and they stay seated – to do what? Worship in Spirit and Truth.
Tomorrow starts our teaching at Priscilla Street – we are not totally sure what to expect because that congregation has invited EVERYBODY to come and study – we are tired but phase one is now behind us – we planted and we have watered – God has given increase – 42 new babes in Christ. Now tomorrow we start edifying – we have all come to appreciate our New Testament examples of teachers who taught and some were baptized – the teachers left to go teach more – yet they came back and found Satan busy trying to take away the babies they had taught previously – we see this here – in the states we lose patience with new born babes at times – here we need patience – just as our New Testament examples taught us in the scriptures.

We pray that all had a good day of worshipping the Lord back in the USA. We did here in Sierra Leone – you can see the fatigue on the faces of all of us – we have battled through some tough issues (I haven’t even told you about us dressing down the Col. over all the chaplains) and I have not mentioned much about some issues with our stomach’s – but not a complaint from any of us – just a word of thankfulness to you for the opportunity and most of all to God Almighty for letting us be His messengers.

Day 8

2010-11-06T15:16:00.000-04:00

The group is tired!!!! We went to the Crown Bakery for breakfast and then to the African Market – it was so HOT as all the merchants just surrounded us and smothered us – yet after about an hour we were able to leave after getting things for our families back home. We came back to the hotel for some rest this afternoon – we have a very busy schedule tomorrow (Sunday) and then next week.

It has been a good week – one of the purposes of this trip was to position our future teaching to be one on one and in the congregations that are here. Day classes in the congregations and gospel meetings in the evenings. This has been accepted and now longed for by our brethren here in the Freetown area. We knew when we first came over last year that we would did not want to be long in teaching like we had to at first. We knew that we would have to tolerate to teach to get to the point of where we needed to be – the point of where we could come and edify the saints here to go and teach – we are there it seems – about a year or two earlier than we thought – to God be the glory of this!

There are many new Christians who need to be fed and we see some of that happening. We are so impressed with some men of the congregations started by those of the institutional belief years ago. They are so open to the discussion of human institutions and eager to know more about this. We will be addressing these things next week in our classes. I will tell you there are good hearts here among the brethren and yet they are all at different stages in their growth just like back in the USA.

This will be short blog (I didn'y know Steve knew how to be brief- JAS) – we pray all is well and that all have good worship services Sunday – I know at least four individuals who will be very busy moving from place to place to teach and yet their thoughts will be back home with their home congregations.

Thank all again for the prayers and support – please continue remembering us in your prayers for this next phase of our trip – the teaching at Priscilla Street.

Day Seven - The Family Keeps on Growing!

2010-11-06T10:52:00.001-04:00

Today was our last day of teaching at Ebenezer Hall. We had another short night as we were up at 6:00 A.M. to be ready to go at 7:30 A.M. We went directly to the Hall and when we arrived there were just a few there as we arrived at 8:30 A.M. Now folks by now you should understand that there are three time zones in Sierra Leone – the one that is recognized all over the world G.M.T. Time – there is the W.M.T. which is what is called white man time and it agrees with GMT – then there is B.M.T. and that is black man time – which simply means – a starting time of 9:00 A.M. on BMT can mean it is 10:00 A.M. according to GMT or WMT – in other words a starting time means nothing to the Sierra Leonans.

What happened next was just outstanding – because only a few were there the four of us were able to actually sit with different ones and ask them about their story of when they were baptized – into what were they baptized – what church they attended, etc. There was Dan Byers in a discussion with a fellow from a local Bible School who had two Masters Degrees – there was Dan Barker with two and sometimes more military chaplains who were part of a denominational group – there was Jimmy Lee moving from one person to the next sometimes running into me doing the same. As the crowd grew Dan and Dan were in intense teaching and Jimmy and I made it to as many as we could and sat down with them to reason with them. This is called personal evangelism – was it working?

Yesterday, Jimmy and I had the assignment to talk further with John Kabul and Dan and Dan had the assignment to talk with Mohammad – a Pentecostal who had been doing some teaching – he was a former Muslim and works part time at the Radio Station as an interviewer. He called himself Rev. Mohammad. I had talked with him about the title Reverend and Jimmy hit this in one of his lessons – as a result he dropped the name Reverend. We knew he had a good heart to that so we agreed that Dan and Dan would spend time with him while we worked with John Kabul on some edification issues – he is such a great learner and he is doing such a good job of teaching. Again, personal evangelism and personal edification – would it work?

For one hour and forty-five minutes we taught one on one or one on two or one on three or sometimes two of us one or two of us on two and so on – we were really doing teaching – it was one of those experiences that you never forget. However, we needed to get started because we had to be out of the hall by 2:00 P.M. We agreed that each of us would only speak 30 minutes so we could be done on time. Dan Barker started and he picked right up where he left off yesterday – knowing Jesus through faith which is developed by hearing and then believing and then repenting and the confessing and then being baptized – not only did he say it he stopped and had them write down the steps and the verses to back up the steps – then he closed and stated “Now you cannot say on the Day of Judgment that no one ever told you the plan of salvation given by the grace of God.” You can say that you heard the plan of salvation and even wrote it down BUT decided not to follow it. The room was quiet.

Dan Byers follows with his last lesson on the family – Dan has had to have great patience this whole week – he had to humble himself to stay focused on the issues of the family when all around him was the teaching of first principles and the constant teaching about one baptism, one body, etc. I know of no one who could have stayed as focused as he did in his subject matter. He did a great job of bringing out points about how to raise children as God would have them to be raised – just as newborn babes in Christ are to be raised. He brought his series to a close with great points – and several scriptures to back these points up – again the folks in the room sat somewhat quietly.

We did not take a break and Jimmy then started his lesson on “How to Change a Church”. Jimmy did what Jimmy does – preached his heart out – he kept driving home the points he had been making all week that there is but one body – and this body is where the saved are and that body is body of Christ – if you are in a “church” that is teaching another doctrine – worshipping improperly – etc. then you are not in the body of Christ. Jimmy relates so well to these folks over here – they were again “glued” to his every word – they were quiet just as with the other two lessons – were some getting this?

I NEED TO SAY SOMETHING BEFORE I GO ANY FURTHER ABOUT MY LESSON – DID THE PERSONAL EVANGELISM WORK – YES! WE HAVE FOUR WHO WERE BAPTIZED TODAY – WE ACTUALLY STOPPED THE LESSON BECAUSE THREE HAD STATED THEY WANTED TO BE BAPTIZED AND ONE OF THEM WAS MOHAMMAD WHOM I MENTIONED EARLEIR – CHRISTIAN ASGILL CAME TO THE FRONT AND TOOK THEIR CONFESSION – ONE A TIME AND OFF THEY WENT TO BE BAPTIZED!

It was decided that I should adjust my lesson to actually summarize our lessons and then bring out the points that I had prepared about apostasy for today. This I did and closed us out with who makes what we are – what makes us what we are – who are we – all a review of the week’s studies.

After my lesson more personal evangelism started – the result one more soul baptized – at least three more seriously considering their conditions. We will continue to monitor them because we are to see some of them Sunday in the different congregations where we are to speak.

We got back to the hotel after a lunch at a restaurant called Delightful – which it wasn’t! Anyway we were all so tired that a shower felt good and a nap. Later then a snack and our prayer together and now it is 11:02 P.M. and we are truly winding down.

One week of teaching publicly in an open hall – several hours of personal evangelism – several hours of edification – what does God do – gives an increase of 22 souls. Three of those baptized were teaching at Calaba Town or Garrison Street. Why were they teaching there if they needed to be baptized? All of them had been “immersed” but not “baptized correctly” – that is something that we found out on this trip – the babes that we left here last year were just that – babes – they did not think through that an immersed person could actually not be a scripturally baptized person. As a result they met men who had been baptized and did not study baptism but studied about proper worship. Now I must tell you John Kabul knew this as no one at Wellington was teaching who was not scripturally baptized. Do you remember the concern we had last year that those who had obeyed the gospel were being left to be devoured by Satan? Well Satan has tried but thanks be to God folks like you helped send men like us over here to be messengers to edify and teach further. As a result spiritual growth and more knowledge have occurred.

Tomorrow (Saturday) is a preparation day for all the places we will be going on Sunday – Jimmy will be at Wellington – Dan and Dan at Calaba Town – I will be at Priscilla Street and then we are hoping to meet up at Garrison Street. It will be a long day – and then off to start phase two of our trip – the teaching at Priscilla Street.

Thank you again for your support and your prayers which we need very much.

Note from Jimmy "Abu" Lee

2010-11-05T09:37:00.001-04:00

Steve "toots" our horn [Proverbs 27:2] but does not mention what an outstanding job he is doing.

I just want the folks reading the blog to hear how important he is to us.

Let me tell the readers of this blog about how valuable Steve Niemeier is. We all know how terrific Steve is in encouraging folks either in words or in action. We all know his love and devotion to his Lord and it shines forth. But here also is a man who is selfless and loving to his brethren. He is an outstanding leader (now he doesn't like to be called that), but he is so structured and organized in his role that it makes our day a success. One has to look long and far to find a man of God so full of stamina. What courage he displays in his stand for the truth. This man does not back down! WOW, I have seen him in action over here. He is determined to please God and "let the chips fall where they may", and that is as it should be. I will tell you, his good Momma and Daddy trained this boy right. So much more could be said about Steve and how he has influenced my life but I just wanted to "toot" his horn because he is always praising the good work of others...see Proverbs 27:2

Day Six

2010-11-04T19:20:00.001-04:00

Please read Day Five before reading the post for Day Six.

I pray that we will have internet service to get this through to you. As of now we have been without the service for two days so we have not been able to bring you up to date on the events here. Please read Day Five Blog before reading day six blog.

Another very short night of sleep – we needed to leave this morning at 7:00 A.M. to get to the military base to speak and pray with the military unit where Samuel is based as the chaplain. This we did! We then came back to the hotel to pick up something that we needed but had forgotten. Then off to the Crown Bakery for breakfast and then we had just a few minutes and we went to the African Market – always an experience – if you ever feel no one likes you just come to the African Market where all are you friend – friends you did not even know that you had.

One of the “shop” owners who last year was drunk when we went to the Market and was told last year that nothing was going to be bought from him because he was drunk recognized me. He stated he was not drunk this year (what a memory and I thought he was way too drunk to remember me) and that he had changed because “he was wasting his life” which is exactly what he was told last year! Of course we took the time to talk with him about really changing his life.

From the African Market we went on to the studies. We were there by 10:45 A.M. and some were waiting for us even though the starting time was noon. We started with questions and answers and the Colonel in charge of all the military chaplains (he has been in most of the studies) interrupted both the question and answer sessions several times with questions that he thought would trick us (how was the thief on the cross saved because he was not baptized – why are there no apostles and prophets today since Paul said there were in Eph. 4:11 –these type of questions.) Of course we answered them and he just went to the back of the room and sat and listened – either he is struggling with the fact that what he has been taught is wrong and he is now hearing the truth or he is just trying to disturb us.

Dan Barker started – another great job – today he took the approach “Do You Know My Jesus” – it was powerful as many did not know some basic facts about Jesus. Dan Byers followed – another great job – he spoke on the subject of wives today and again both male and female were listening well –then Jimmy Lee followed—another great job—he spoke on Is “One Church as Good as Another” and really drove home the point about the name – baptism – doctrine, etc . I then followed with the second of a three part lesson on church history – today I taught how the apostasy started and gave information about where different groups started from. At the end of the day several stated “We have heard things today that we have never known.” This is good!

We had many questions today and that was good. OH YES – FRANCIS A YOUNG MAN OF THE PENTECOSTAL CHURCH WHO RECENTLY JOINED THE AFRICAN METHODIST CHURCH SENT US A STATEMENT STATING HE WAS WRONG AND WHAT MUST HE DO TO CHANGE. JIMMY AND I TALKED WITH HIM AND THEN WE TALKED WITH CHRISTIAN ASGILL ABOUT IT AND IT WAS SOMETHING TO SEE CHRISTIAN TALK WITH FRANCIS AND THEN ASK FRANCIS TO STAND IN FRONT OF THE WHOLE ASSEMBY AND MAKE THE CONFESSION THAT JESUS CHRIST WAS THE SON OF GOD – WITHIN MINUTES CHRISTIAN HAD HIM AT THE NATIONAL STADIUM POOL AND BAPTIZED HIM – BROUGHT HIM BACK TO THE STUDIES AND WE WENT RIGHT ON – ANOTHER NEWBORN BABE TO FEED! Christian is working out with Francis where to assemble so he can grow – it is a true blessing to see good and honest hearts that are so tender because they have been misled by a perverted gospel.

The four of us divided up into two teams to fulfill some assignments that we knew we needed to take care of. Dan and Dan talked with a fellow by the name of Mohammed tonight who is preaching at Garrison Street – we have been concerned about whether his baptism was correct – they found out that he was baptized into the Pentecostal church – so they encouraged him to think about what we had been teaching and he said he would. Jimmy and I needed to have some conversation with Joseph about some things of concern. He seems to have a good heart but is still learning – we considered it to be a positive conversation.

Tomorrow (Friday) is our last day at Ebenezer Hall – on Monday we start teaching at the Priscilla Street congregation and will have many members of the church there to strengthen – we are looking forward to it.

By the way Dan and Dan have new African names – I cannot spell them and can barely say them but they have them! Jimmy and I maintain the names from last year – Abu for Jimmy and Shaku for me.

If I could again say thank you on behalf of all four of us to those who have helped to send us over here – we are beginning to see that we are getting to the point where in the near future the ones coming over here will be holding day classes at the congregations and gospel meeting lessons at night – this is how it should be – assisting the brethren here so they can go teach their fellow countrymen. Thanks again!

Day Five

2010-11-04T19:15:00.002-04:00

I want to start by just saying – WOW WHAT A DAY!

Last night the four of us met and discussed what we have observed and made some adjustments to our lessons. We have been observing that some that we have much work to do but we have found a base to that work with. John Kabul has a heart that is made of compassion for truth. He is but a babe who has been put into a teaching position. Yet, in private conversation with him today that Jimmy and I had we found him to be further along than we expected in his knowledge and his wisdom of what is happening here in Sierra Leone among those who have been baptized is just great. Christian Asgill and Theopolis have proven to be very knowledgeable (they were taught the gospel by those who uphold institutionalism several years ago) and eager to learn more about the way to do the proper work of the church and to assist us with information about different congregations set up by the same folks who taught them years ago.
We had hoped and prayed that we would be able to study with these good brethren one on one and in the last three nights we have had two in-depth conversations with Christian and Theopolis. We have now had several discussions privately with John Kabul and they have been very profitable.

Tonight I was extended an invitation to speak Sunday at Priscilla Street (a congregation started by those of the institutional teaching years ago). Also, today Dan Barker received an invitation for us to go to a congregation started by the same ones years ago that is just over the mountain a congregation of about 50 people in Wilberton. The Lord is opening doors all around us and we are trying to adjust our schedules to get through everyone of them. Of course Satan is working hard against and we have to deal with that also.

Dan Barker started us off with his best lesson yet and he has now had three good ones – but today he was so intense with his teaching that you would have just had to be here to feel the intensity. He really got into what makes one a New Testament Christian – it was powerful and yet he just taught and taught and taught – he did not let up at all and the audience was with him all the way – Dan is a former basketball player and coach – folks he had the full-court press on today and he was trapping the unbelievers at every corner. What a lesson it was. WOW was the only word I could come up with as I was just speechless (and you know that does not happen often).

Jimmy and I were just slobbering all over ourselves about what a great lesson Dan Barker gave when Dan Byers got up to teach. Well, folks the slobbering had just started!

Dan Byers gave the best lesson I have ever heard on Husbands as God would have them to be. While Dan’s two previous lessons on the family had been just fantastic – today’s lesson had the whole room in awe – both men and women. He walked us through the idea that God made woman from the rib and then gave the rib back to the man in the form or woman to make him complete – it was beyond words the points he made and how he made – also it was such a powerful lesson that Dan Barker who worships at Fayette said “This is the most excited I have ever seen him get.” As we were looking at Dan Byers during this lesson sweat was pouring from him – he was working folks and he drove home his points – WOW is about all I can say.

Well since I was still in the state of slobbering Jimmy decided I guess that I needed to stay there. Here he came after a short break after Dan Byers lesson starting with Jesus’ prayer for unity in John 17. He then went into a brief study of how apostasy came about to set up his main thoughts of what the church of Christ is and how can we fulfill the prayer of unity that Jesus prayed for. He walked the aisles – he had the audience to answer questions – he drove home points from the scriptures that he knew were points of contention for many in the studies –he never let up – now folks I am sitting there in the state of slobber thinking Dan Barker hit a home run – Dan Byers hit a home run – Jimmy Lee has hit a home run and I am on deck – it was an overwhelming pressure – they had taught their hearts out and while everyone of them had been teaching great they raised the bar today – WOW is all I can say.

I followed these three great lessons with a lesson on church history (part one). I gave a history of how the world had changed from when the Old Testament was completed and we pick back up with the New Testament. My goal was to bring them along that Jesus came into the world that was full of religious confusion and that it was a world of different religious sects. Then I walked them through how Jesus was the Messiah that had been prophesied and that He Himself spoke “prophecy” we stated I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. Also how he spoke about ones who would use His name to do things but that He would tell them He never knew them because of the iniquity they worked – in other words they were not doing the will of God. The audience stayed with me even though we were approaching the 5 and ½ hour mark of our studying and teaching.

We had started the study an hour earlier than normal today because of so many questions – we answered questions for an hour and a half before we started teaching. At the end of my lesson (our last lesson of the day) we went back and answered more questions – total studying time at Ebenezer Hall today without stopping – about 6 hours and 45 minutes! It then took us about an hour and 20 minutes to get through traffic to get back to the hotel – we were sweaty – stinky and hungry!

We decided to eat first and then shower. While we were eating Christian and Theopolis came to the restaurant to talk with us – we were so thankful for their visit – then we came back and had our nightly prayer and discussion – the other three have had their showers – it is 11:28 P.M. and I am really “cruddy” from all the slobbering during their lessons – the sweat from the heat and the work – not to mention the normal layer of dirt from just the traveling the streets of Sierra Leone.

All I can say is today was a WOW day – who knows what God has in store for us tomorrow?

Pictures from Tuesday, Nov. 2nd

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Folks who were baptized today.

Dan Barker

Please look closely at Jimmy! That is too funny!

Day Four -- 18 baptized!!

2010-11-02T19:15:00.001-04:00

KEEP ON READING TO READ OF 18 SOULS BAPTIZED!

We had a very short night of rest (not sure any of us really slept well). The long day of Monday and all the events were just almost overwhelming to us – yet we were ready to go this morning at our given time.

We were able to have a very good breakfast at Crown Bakery before we went over to Ebenezer Hall for teaching. We had good conversation with our “crew” and really enjoy our “down time” of about an hour with them before we taught. They take good care of us and watch over us extremely well. However, we understand the society here and are very cautious with what we have and do.
We started our session today with a question and answer period. This lasted about an hour and ten minutes and we still had a number of questions to deal with. However, we came to teach and to answer questions – so we started our lessons at 1:15 P.M.

Dan Barker (What is a New Testament Christian) went first as was our plan. Words cannot describe the great job he did. They were attentive – they were looking into the Bible (the ones that have one) – they were taking notes and they were really into the lesson. He gave some great illustrations and he really challenged them on whether they were a Christian according to the New Testament.

Dan Byers followed on his assigned subject – the family as God would have it – yesterday he went into detail concerning marriage – today he went into detail on divorce. Let me just say that Dan did a great job of almost creating a riot!!!! We give them 3 x 5 cards to write their questions on and I can attest to the fact that there were 3 x 5 cards flying everywhere with questions. One of the saddest was on the subject of incest that seemed to come from one who may have either been a victim of this or very close to one whom was. Dan did another wonderful job of presenting his lesson. Dan and Dan have really adapted well are just great Bible teachers – the congregation at Fayette is fortunate to have both of them in the same congregation.

Jimmy Lee spoke again on The New Testament church – and of course again he was just great! He really got into some issues today and he did not back down from challenging the audience on the name of the Lord’s church – who built the Lord’s church and whose body does a New Testament Christian belong to. The material that Jimmy has put together really compliments what Dan Barker is doing and what Dan Barker has put together really compliments what Jimmy is doin. In between of course Dan Byers is leading them right into the fact that the having a family as God wants physically relates to having the “family of God” spiritually as He wants. These three fellows are teaching their hearts out over here.

Jimmy Lee writes - I can’t speak for the other guys, but I’m not getting much sleep. It seems that Steve is coming over earlier each morning to wake us up. I wish he would oversleep in the morning. Anyway the day began with breakfast at the delicious Crown Bakery. It is owned and operated by a couple of Brits and the food is simply terrific. I had my favorite…a good size cinnamon roll, as did Dan & Dan. But Steve had to be different and ordered Eggs Benedict… after all he is the Big Boss this year.

There was another large crowd today to listen to our topics. Index cards have been passed out to write their questions on. We were just swarmed with questions mostly due to Dan Byers’ topic on divorce. These folks are suffering in their home life in so many ways. We could not answer all the questions, so our plan is to begin earlier tomorrow in hopes to answering their questions. In closing, I really miss my wife! I love you Sandi.)

I followed up my lesson of yesterday on the Bible and how we got it and who wrote and facts about it with a lesson on the importance of the prophecies found in the Bible. Many here do not understand the importance and the great comfort of knowing the prophecies found in books of the Old Testament like Isaiah and that these prophecies were fulfilled.

Oh yes, I need to tell you one important thing – THERE WERE 18 SOULS BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST TODAY! As you know it seems that when one wants to be baptized in Freetown there is always an issue about transportation or something that is so frustrating – not today – we knew that some wanted to be baptized so we mentioned this to a good man Christian Asgil. When it was known that we had these folks wanting to be baptized he took it upon himself to take them with the assistance of Theophilus and another gentlemen to the national stadium pool right then and baptized them – to God be the glory of this great event!

We again have to tolerate to teach – but we are thankful that God is granting us the courage to be bold and address these issues right up front. Our prayers are that as we continue to teach on this trip and on trips to come that many of these issues will disappear. Part of it comes from ignorance and some from stubbornness of not wanting to change their old denominational habits. However, many issues are being addressed and we are seeing great progress.

One individual who continues to impress us is John Kabul. The spiritual growth is being seen on a daily basis and oh how he has grown in the last year and how he is such a sponge to learn again this year. You might remember that his wife died in January of 2009 of a heart issue. He mourns for her and yet he knows he is young and needs to move on in his life. He has met a young lady by the name of Ieginia (pronounced Egenea). She has never been married but like many young ladies over here has had a child out of wedlock. Her little boy’s name is Jessie. She is a very pleasant young lady who was raised a Methodist. She has been absorbing the material that we have been presenting and after our studies today told John Kabul that she was thinking that she needed to be baptized into Jesus so she could be added to His church. Folks when we heard this need I tell you that there were wet cheeks? All of her thoughts are not based entirely upon our teaching – we are just re-enforcing the great teaching that John has been doing with her. We pray that she continues to study and comes to the conclusion to obey the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Tomorrow morning will come soon enough – it is close to 10:30 P.M. here now and there is much studying to do before our teaching tomorrow. Thank you for your prayers and we pray that all is well with each of you – WE COULD NOT BE HERE WITHOUT YOUR SUPPORT!!!!

2010-11-02T11:57:00.000-04:00

Jimmy "Abu the African" Lee

Pictures from Teaching at Ebenezer Hall

2010-11-02T09:27:00.004-04:00

Review of 1st Day of Public Teaching

2010-11-01T20:31:00.001-04:00

Day Three Blog

Where to start? We were to be ready this morning at 7:00 A.M. for our crew to pick us up. Already we have had some travel issues here in the country. Last night to save fuel they left one vehicle here and they all went to their places of rest in the other. For some reason only the driver of that vehicle came back this morning to get us – it seems that he made a mistake.

Anyway without breakfast we were off and hurrying to the national television station for an interview on the Sierra Leone version of the Today Show. Upon our arrival we were told that only one would be interviewed (I had anticipated that from last year). Jimmy, Dan and Dan were all thinking that I would do the interview – at the last moment I told Jimmy to go in and do the interview. Needless to say there was not much color in his face for a brief moment or two but as usual he went in and hit the homerun.

We then went to the Crown Bakery for some breakfast. I needed to go with John Kabul to see about a portable internet connection as we have had such a terrible time trying to get connected so we could communicate with you back home. Jimmy, Dan and Dan went on down to the Crown Bakery and started eating. John Kabul and I found that the whole country evidently had been having some internet problems but they would be fixed later – so for the second time we failed to get a portable connection.

We also needed to top off the phone with more units so we could call back home if needed. What an adventure – the fellow on the street we were dealing with (now folks I do not know how to even explain how they do business over here and use every square inch of the sidewalk to do business and how many people are involved in talking to you about the business you are trying to do) quoted us a price that was different than the sign. John Kabul talked with him and was getting nowhere and he was getting frustrated. I stepped up to this fellow and his two partners and asked them if they knew what the word cheating meant. They said they did – I said good and asked are you cheating me? Of course they said no. I said that God knows if they are cheating me and if I found out that they were cheating I was really going to be upset because several people had sacrificed to send me and my colleagues over here to teach the un-perverted gospel and if he was cheating me then he would be cheating them and that could not be. About the time I said “If you are cheating me – and I find out – I will come back to face you” – Samuel our military guard from last year walks up and asks “are they cheating you?” – you talk about some scared Sierra Leones – those boys were petrified – they went and got other prices with Samuel and Samuel found out they were okay – needless to say I was chuckling and when we go back later to do business of getting more units I have no doubt that they will not even think of cheating us.

After a good breakfast of two chocolate croissants we then went on to Ebenezer Hall for our teaching. We were to start at 12:00 noon and folks we actually started at 11:45 A.M. – you talk about shocked! Jimmy and I had prepared Dan and Dan that we would not get started until about 30 to 45 minutes late. Well that was just the first shock – the next shock came when we found chaplains upon chaplains coming into the hall – three different branches of them – the army (including the head Chaplain himself Col. Kargbo) the head Chaplain of the Fire Force (national fire department), and the head Chaplain of the Sierra Leone National Police force. They had all instructed (under Col. Kargbo’s orders) to have many of their Chaplain’s to leave this week open and attend our studies. Col Kargbo even made a public statement that the country had benefited so much from the impact of last year’s studies that he expected every one of the chaplains to go back to their regions after these studies and tell all in the country about this un-perverted gospel that has now come to Sierra Leone and the impact it had on the area around Freetown since last year and the impact it will have this year – we were stunned – much work to do to with him and these chaplains but it seems he is interested in the teaching of the Bible on the one church and the instructions pertaining to this one church.

Dan Barker started us with an exciting lesson about a New Testament Christian (his theme for the five days at Ebenezer Hall)– he is a good teacher and he laid out the foundation for his next four lessons on this subject well. As a result of his good lesson many questions came in pertaining to his lesson. It is going to be good to see him develop this as we go because of the confusion over here (and in the USA) about just who is a New Testament Christian.

Dan Byers was next and just as he did in Moldova a few years back he did a great job also. His theme is on the family as God would have it (both physically and spiritually). He started in Genesis and covered the issue of how there was no mate suitable for Adam so God made him one. He went in to the importance of understanding the concept of marriage as God created it – not as man has perverted it. Dan will continue to build on this foundation and he also had many (and I mean many) questions on his lesson.

Need I say anything about Jimmy Lee? His theme is the New Testament Church – for those who know him know that he has the ability to bring lessons with a unique technique. This he did again – picking up where he left off last year down in the audience teaching them and getting them to participate – much confusion about the term “churches” used in the New Testament and why those cannot be different churches (such as denominations) today. He will no doubt have many questions when we return tomorrow on this subject.

My theme is Apostasy. I started with the simple question “Do you love truth” in my introduction to our lessons today (before Dan, Dan, Jimmy and I gave our lessons) and told the audience I would ask them again after the lessons. When I asked it before the lessons they all said yes. Look below for what they answered after all the lessons.

I then was the last speaker and started building the case of just why we should follow the Bible. I gave basic information of the Bible such as a breakdown of who wrote it – how long it took – the languages it was written in originally – the dates of some of the books – the purpose of it and the inspiration of it. I had to go slow because they were writing down every slide – this was very new to most of them. When I finished I showed the Plan of Salvation slide that I show at the end of every one of my lessons when I use the power point. As I explained this slide I finished by asking “Do love the truth now?” Many just sat there in silence – the Lord allowed Dan, Dan, Jimmy and I in this first day of teaching to challenge their thinking enough to question what they believed.

As I was about to finish this epistle we had a knock on the door. It was Christian and Theopolis from the Priscilla Street congregation. We had a wonderful two hour discussion concerning the Lord’s work here in Sierra Leone. Many issues were discussed and their love for the Lord and His word came through loud and clear. As a result of this discussion we understand some of the culture of Sierra Leone better and the history and impact of those Americans who believe in sponsoring churches and human institutions have had in Sierra Leone. This discussion tonight was one of those “impact discussions” that will have lasting impact on those that were participating – it is now 12:09 A.M. and I venture to say sleep will not come easy tonight as many thoughts are going on in our heads.

Again – thank you for your prayers and support – we look to update you about day four.

Day Two- Worshipping God!

2010-11-01T17:15:00.001-04:00

Day Two – 2010

The day started with a hard rain shower – then it became partly cloudy to mostly sunny and warm – humidity was high. We had our “wonderful breakfast” here at the restaurant. Only two days of the breakfast and my memory is full of my long missed Cini-minis at my local Burger King back home. We were told to be ready at 7:30 A.M. and we were. However one of our vehicles broke down and it was 9:00 A.M. before they came and picked us up in ONE vehicle. John Kabul had to sit in the luggage area of an old SUV that could barely make it up the incline just outside of the compound here at the Lighthouse.

Dan Barker and I were let out at Wellington where John Kabul preaches. Jimmy and Dan Barker went on to Calaba Town. Here is Jimmy’s report on the services at Calaba Town:

It was a glad day this morning at Calaba Town church of Christ. It has been almost a year since I was last here and my heart was made to rejoice to renew old acquaintances and to meet some new ones. Augustine led the bible class and did a fine job. I was given the opportunity by the local evangelist, brother Joseph Bangura to address the congregation this morning. The topic was “How to become a New Testament Christian”. Our text was from Acts 2. The audience was very focused on every word. An interpreter was needed and this brother did an excellent job. ( I enjoyed his delivery more than my own.) The Calaba Town church is on its way in spiritual growth. Last year the congregation would clap their hands during the song service, the women were vocal. This year there was no clapping as they were singing from song books from the states. The women were silent during the service. Please keep this young church in your prayers as it continues to develop in spiritual growth.

At Wellington Dan Barker and I were able to listen during the Bible Study period to a man with the last name of Congley teach about evangelism and the evangelist. He did a good job of speaking and used most of the scriptures he chose correctly. There were a couple that he took out of context and of course that is something that we know happens – they are but babes in Christ. I then spoke on the topic of “Perverting the Gospel” and used examples of conversion to state what a New Testament Christian looked like spiritually. I compared that to what the world states that a Christian looks like today. I mentioned several denominations by name and there was a man of the Pentecostal church in the audience as a visitor and he made an objection to my statement that the worship, teaching, work, organization, name, etc. of each local congregation is to mirror the example of what we find in the congregations in the New Testament. I used the names of T D Jakes and Benny Hinn as ones who were teaching a doctrine unlike Jesus taught. We discussed this for a moment or two and then he brought up he would come to the studies on Monday so we could talk further. It was very pleasing to see them partaking of the Lord’s Supper – it is very difficult for them to do so because of the cost of the bread and fruit of the vine. We found some grape juice on Saturday and John Kabul was so excited that we were able to find some. The reception was great and the work is growing in Wellington – we will be back there in the evenings some to teach more just as we will be a Calaba Town.

We were pleased to have our evening conclude by worshipping with the church at Garrison Street. This was to be a 4:00 P.M. service. Unfortunately several of the members had to miss because it was their scheduled time to have their inoculations from the government. We had an assigned subject for each one of us with Dan Barker starting on the subject of “What is a New Testament Christian?” Then Dan Byers continued to flow with “Being in the Family of God”. Jimmy Lee then picked up with “The New Testament Church” and what it is and how that lively stones make up the church. I then followed with “Apostasy – What Does it Look Like? The four of us were to speak for about 8 to 10 minutes, but we all exceeded that. The church here was very appreciative of our efforts. They have a long way in their spiritual growth to go, so please pray for them also.

We have found that those that have obeyed the gospel are growing slowly but steadily. There is still much to work on such as everyman now wanting to be an elder - some (few compared to what we found last year) want to be known as Pastor. We will be addressing this all this week in our teaching.

Jimmy Lee has picked up right where he left off last year – full of energy and eager to teach. His choice of clothing is suspect – he wore a bright orange shirt today with a multicolored tie. He is truly African as they call him over here. Choosing Dan Byers and Dan Barker to be a part of this trip was the right call. They have both adjusted well – observed well – and this evening taught their first lessons well. We are really looking forward to their lessons for the next two weeks. Here are some observations from them on the first two days of being in Sierra Leone.

Dan Barker writes – “My first impression of Sierra Leone is that it is a beautiful country located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean in West Africa. Although it is beautiful the abject poverty hits you right away. The roads are terrible and people are everywhere! Walking in the streets – working trying to sell anything they might have so they can just eat! The young to the old are on the streets, many are homeless. One brother stated that the people of Sierra Leone never sleep; they are always in the streets! My first impression of the saints here is overwhelming. They are a beautiful people with a desire to know more about our Lord. They are so glad and thankful that we have come to help them learn more about God’s word. They are full of desire to know more about Jesus and equally desirous to know how to teach others. They have a deep love of God and a deep love of their country. The opportunities here are unbelievable and we are so thankful to be a part of this trip.”

Dan Byers writes – “My first impressions of Freetown, Sierra Leone. The last leg of our flight was along the west coast of Africa from Dakar to Freetown. As we approached Freetown and descended below the clouds you could see a beautiful green forested land that was relatively flat with numerous streams flowing into the ocean. On arrival at the airport it became apparent that the infrastructure is almost nonexistent. The road from the airport to the ferry is in a worse state of repair than any construction or mining road that I have ever been on. The water taxi was minimal with the crossing being better at night so we could not see the waves. The many streets in Freetown are in a similar state of repair, in many places and the speed limit is determined by how fast you can drive without busting a tire. Many people do not have cars so there are lines of people walking along each side of the road. Housing for many of the people is minimal shelter. Much of this is the result of the long civil war and oppression from the past. All this said there are signs of improvements in housing and roads starting to be visible in the city.

In contrast to the streets and houses the people we have met are as nice as any people that I have ever met. Our escorts and our drivers’ treat us like we are special and are real servants wanting our stay to be good. Sometimes they hover over us like “mother hens”. The Christians we have met today at the three congregations we were able to visit are truly interested in the Lord, Their favorite phrase is “God is good, all the time”. I wish that I could transport each of you past all the bad roads to sit in a congregation of people who are learning of the Lord and seeing hope in their lives as Christians. I am grateful to each of you who has contributed to this trip to make it possible for me to be a small part of something good. “God is Good, all the time.”

Tomorrow (Monday) we have a live interview with the national television station at 7:45 A.M. Our DVD’s have been broadcast several times in the last two days. Then on to Ebeneezer Hall to start the classes – we were told that the hall will be full of military chaplains – many denominational “leaders”, common people just interested in the teaching of the Bible and members of the Lord’s church. It should prove to be a very interesting audience.

We pray all is well on the home front.

Day One in Freetown

2010-10-30T18:29:00.002-04:00

The flights from our various origins arrived safely in Chicago. Our trip was starting off great. Then it was discovered that Dan, Dan and Jimmy were able to get boarding passes all the way to Freetown but for some reason I was only given a boarding pass for the trip from Indianapolis to Chicago and then from Chicago to Brussels. I was told to check in at Brussels for the boarding pass to Freetown.
Seems simple I thought – but then again I made a mistake – I should have known through the experience of the traveling overseas that nothing is simple in a foreign land for an American who needs assistance in a timely manner. As it was, the other three were able to get through the gate at Brussels okay but I was told that I did not have a ticket to Freetown for some reason – yes I had a confirmation number and yes I had a receipt for payment for the ticket and I had the electronic number for the ticket but it had been canceled by someone. Not a simple thing to handle when you are in Brussels and find out that for some reason the ticket agent in Indianapolis canceled the Brussels to Freetown portion of my trip.
After about 40 minutes of going from one place to another, finally an agent for Brussels Air picked up the phone and called United Airlines in the state of Conn. USA at 2:45 A.M. Conn. time – that person then called someone in Indianapolis at that hour and found the mistake – problem over right? Wrong. They could not assign a seat to me – so I have to go downstairs to get a boarding pass just to catch a bus to the terminal where the plane was to load – they gave be a boarding pass with no seat assignment – they said the seat assignment would be given at the gate. Problem solved? Nope!
At the gate they said I would be stand by – now folks we have had these tickets for about 3 or 4 months and they were not stand by tickets! After several minutes of “encouragement” they assigned me a seat – in row 13! Problem solved? Nope! I am sitting in row 13 very comfortably thinking the issue is resolved and I am going to make it after all. Then I am asked to move by the parents of a teenage daughter who had been moved from row 13 for some reason (which they were in row 13 also) to row 22. They wanted me to move so their daughter could sit by them. Well I did this and this finally took care of the issue.
Enough of those woes – when we arrived at Freetown Joseph and Richard (military chaplain) greeted us. We were taken immediately to a VIP section and told to sit down and a young lady took our credentials and our luggage tags. About 20 minutes later we were taken through the luggage security and told to move on as we were approved. Talk about royal treatment – Joseph had it all taken care of for us. Then a water taxi ride over to the hotel and of course they could not find our room reservations. Not unusual the same thing happened last year. However, we were able to get two rooms side by side and will make it work – we just had to change the room around a bit. We are so blessed in America and to be very clear we are blessed just to have these rooms here in Freetown.
Today we were treated with another blessing – a different way they fixed the eggs from last year. Orange juice was bitter – everything else about the same. Then we were able to spend about two hours collecting our thoughts and here came John Kabul and the crew to whisk us away. Downtown we went to secure a phone and some portable internet connection – we struck out on both things until Monday. Our internet service here at the hotel is basically non-existent. As it would be we met a young man who tried to assist us by the name of Adrian. He did his best but could not get us up and running – he was invited to come to the studies on Monday and accepted.
After this we were able to go to the National Christian Broadcasting radio station. We had an half an hour program – Jimmy was great as normal – Dan and Dan picked up and just did a tremendous job with their portion. John Kabul and crew were so excited about the program as when we came out of the studio they were shouting and carrying on of how good it was and how God has blessed Sierra Leone with the un-perverted gospel.
Here at the hotel we met the Chaplain in charge of Fire Patrol. He came last year to our studies and he has 12 of his chaplains coming this year. Colonel Kargbo has given orders to 20 of his national army chaplains to attend the studies because of the impact the studies had on him last year. Then we understand that the Sierra Leone National Police is going to be sending their chaplains to the studies also – there will be 10 of them.
Sunday will find Jimmy speaking at Calabatown. I will speak at Wellington. Dan Byers will go with one of us and Dan Barker the other. This will give them an opportunity to see the flow of the teaching with a translator into Krio. Then tomorrow afternoon we will all speak at Garrison Street (Youth Center). We saw Harry the waiter tonight and will be working with him to get to his place of worship to speak the next Sunday.
Well this report is a bit long but let me tell you the folks are eager to get to the studies – we had many questions today from the crew helping us and we have been just overwhelmed at the attitude of wanting to know more of the un-perverted gospel. We pray that we are able to post this blog in a timely fashion.

Arrived!

2010-10-30T16:14:00.001-04:00

Just a quick note - internet problems - can not get a cell phone until Monday - we are safe - had some issues in Brussels with ticket to Freetown - lodging was messed up when we arrived - all in all we are good - had a good conversation with the folks who met us last night - one of our drivers is a recently converted muslim - I will try to write a blog tonight - just wanted you to know we are safe - getting ready to go for radio interview - will fill in more later.

Steve

Fall 2010 Trip Under Way!

2010-10-28T11:57:00.002-04:00

Steve Niemeier wrote:
The long awaited trip now has begun. After months of planning and hours upon hours of studying and preparation the time has come to depart for Sierra Leone. I am in the Indianapolis Airport writing this and will meet up with Jim Lee, Dan Barker and Dan Byers in Chicago. We will then fly from Chicago to Brussels and then on to Freetown via Dakar. Senegal. We should arrive in Freetown around 2:05 P.M. Friday afternoon Indianapolis time (6:05 P.M. Sierra Leone time).

Words will not express the gratitude for all who have made this trip possible. Financially many have contributed to the four of us and we could not do this with your help. Prayers upon prayers have been offered and will continue to be offered and for that we are so thankful. The sacrifices of time made by our families for us to do this have just been tremendous. Each of the congregations that we serve has extended the great hand of assistance to each of us. Other congregations have also supplied for this trip. Again words cannot express the feelings that we have.

This trip finds us with one of the busiest schedules of any trip I have taken. Public teaching Freetown and Makeni, teaching in the Priscilla Street congregation, preaching in as many congregations as we can not only on Sunday’s but in the evenings and the one on one teaching that we will do every spare minute we have. On a trip such as this rest will come when we get home – our time in Sierra Leone is limited and we must prepare plant and water as much as we can while there.

I appreciate John Smith and his willingness to take our comments for the blog and post them. John has been a tremendous part of the start of this work in Freetown and made the initial trip last and then went back this past spring for some follow up work. We will build upon our trip last November and John’s trip this past spring. Jimmy and I are looking forward to going back after a year away and Dan and Dan are looking forward to their first visit.

It seems the Lord has opened the door (and challenge) for us to teach the un-perverted gospel in Sierra Leone and He has provided the opportunity for us to change a nation. We understand the huge responsibility upon our shoulders to do His work in His way.

We will do our best to send John a post each day (depending on the internet service) to keep all posted.

Now – to the task at hand – getting the different planes over to where they need to go in the time frame they need to do it in – not much we can do about that but don’t tell us cause we think we can!

Group heading to Freetown & Makeni

2010-10-06T12:24:00.003-04:00

L to R Jimmy Lee (Dayton, Ohio) Dan Barker (Lexington, KY) Steve Niemeier (Greenwood, IN) Dan Byers (Lexington, KY)

Trip to Sierra Leone - end of October 2010

2010-10-05T15:43:00.002-04:00

The end of this month brothers Steve Niemeier, Jimmy Lee, Dan Barker and Dan Byers will leave for Freetown, Sierra Leone. They will conduct public lectures and classes for those who are or want to preach. They have a very ambitious work schedule and let us pray for their success.

In advance of their trip they have sent a series of video taped lessons that will air on the National TV station and sent throughout the entire country. In addition, radio interviews have been arranged in which they will be able to promote the public lectures. Many, many fliers have been provided which have been distributed throughout Freetown. These public lectures are receiving much more publicity which I pray will result in even larger crowds and conversions.

Dan and Dan will be in Freetown for two weeks and when they return home Steve & Jimmy will head up to the largest city in the northern portion of Sierra Leone, Makeni. At one time there was a church meeting in Makeni but it has died off. Efforts will be made to contact these folks as well as conduct public lectures. The mayor of Makeni has been very helpful in making arrangements for the public lectures. Much of the work in Makeni will be "fly by the seat of your pants" work and they have never been to Makeni, don't know what to expect and will have to determine topics as the week progresses.

Please join in praying for the success of their work and for their safety.

john

Leaving Monday, April 5, 2010

2010-04-02T11:34:00.002-04:00

Lord willing, Mike Willis and I will be leaving Monday morning to begin our journey to Freetown, Sierra Leone. Please partner with us in this great work in your prayers. We are scheduled to make stops in Chicago and London before we arrive in Freetown about 7:45 pm (their time) on Tuesday evening. We need your prayers for our safe travel, good health and, much more, the progress of the Gospel in Freetown.

I hope to provide frequent updates on this blog site and encourage you to check back on a regular basis to follow the trip. Perhaps, I can even get Mike to write an entry or two to treat you to a post with correct spelling and grammar.

We have done all we can do on this end and pray that all is ready for our arrival.

Return Trip Planned for April 5th

2010-03-08T10:35:00.002-05:00

In about one month, Mike Willis and I will be heading off to Sierra Leone to work among the new Christians in Freetown. While I am excite, I am also a bit over-whelmed by the enormity of the work that needs to be done. I pray that God will give Mike and I the strength, stamina and health to make the most of this trip.

Lord willing, we will arrive April 6th and begin an intensive session of classes for the men who are or are wanting to preach in the Freetown area. What started out as a small group of men has grown to over 20 men who want to participate in these classes. We will conduct these classes from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm each day and then hold a series of 4 night "Gospel Meetings" in 3 different congregations.

I got word from Bro. John Kargbo that 20 souls from Wellington were baptized yesterday. It is so encouraging to see the increase God is granting. Please pray for these babes in Christ.

Once again, I hope to use this blog to chronicle our trip in Sierra Leone. I pray you will follow our progress and mention our work in your prayers.

john

2009-11-20T07:45:00.001-05:00

We are Home!

2009-11-20T07:43:00.003-05:00

I am sitting at my dining room table as I write this blog entry - that means we are all home! We thank God for our safe travel and for this opportunity to plant and sow seed in Sierra Leone. In a few days I hope to post a final blog summarizing our trip.

Thank God for all your prayers!

Formal Classs Com eto an End

2009-11-17T15:56:00.000-05:00

What a wonderful way to bring our formal teaching sessions to a close. This evening after classes, we drove to Lumbly Beach where 4 precious souls were baptized into Christ. This brings the total number of baptisms to 25. Praise God! I wish you could have seen what these precious souls endured to make the trip to Lumbly and back. We did not get there until after 7:00 pm and it was very dark. The four plus four others rode in Joseph’s old Ford Explorer. Two of the men sat in the back with the hatch open with their legs hanging out. To endure that drive through Freetown all the way out to Lumbly in those crowded conditions is testimony to how badly they wanted to be baptized. We could not have ended our classes on a better note!

As mentioned today was our last formal day of teaching. Steve led off today talking about “How to Plant a Church.” Two gentlemen are very interested in planting a church in their neighborhood of Kissy. Steve did a great job helping explain what steps would led to the planting of a church. Jimmy then taught a lesson on the coming of Jesus in judgment. I closed out the day with a lesson on “What God Really Wants from Me.”

It was obvious that we were not the only ones tired and worn out. It has not been easy on the students to sit through 5 hours of classes each day. While they classes have been well attended and the attention great, it is clear that folks are ready for a break. I pray the lessons we have taught will now sink deeply into their hearts and be digested.

Tomorrow we will pack up, say our good-byes and head for home. We will meet with the students at 1:00 to say our farewells and then catch a ferry over to Lungi Airport. Our plane does not leave until a few minutes before midnight but in order to take the ferry and get checked in we will have to leave Freetown around 6:00 pm. It will be a long wait, a long plane ride, but it will end, Lord willing, with us in the arms of our wonderful families.

We spoke briefly with Sid and Phil. They have made it safely back from Bo and are resting at the airport hotel. One was baptized last night and 3 were baptized who had attended their nightly Bible classes. I do not have any other details but as I get their report I will share it on this blog.

Where has the time gone? It has passed so quickly. The people from Freetown with whom we have studies are fine, fine people. They have proven to be honest and hospitable people. They have a great thirst for Bible knowledge. More, much more, needs to be taught and these babes in Christ need to be grounded. Through the Internet classes that John Gentry conducts and our email conversations, I pray that some of the needed grounding can take place.

We have tried and tried to make copies of our lessons to leave, but have frustrated at every turn. To get them printed here is outrageous. It will be cheaper for us to copy them at home and mail them over. Why didn’t we bring copies with us? Well, we had to change lessons so often and make new lessons that even if we had made copies to bring with us many of them would have been useless.

We have been invited back at our earliest convenience. We have made no promises. We need time to reflect upon this trip and pray fervently about any future. Please join with us prayer as we pray and meditate on any future work.

Last formal day of teaching

2009-11-17T02:17:00.001-05:00

I apologize for not posting a blog before I went to bed last night, but I was simply too tired to do anymore. After a night’s rest, I am more inclined to write a reflection upon yesterday’s activities.

It was another long, hot day of teaching. I spoke on the work of the church; Jimmy spoke on what do I do now that I’ve been baptized, and Steve spoke who is REALLY a Christian. Afterwards, two other people indicated that they were giving serious consideration to being baptized. If so, we will take them to Lumbly Beach (near our hotel) and baptize them, if indeed they make that decision today.

Also, following our two students talked us for a long time about how to plant a church of Christ in the Kissy area where they live. One of these men are a school teacher and I know precious little about the other. They seem intent upon starting a church in the Kissy area. They seem to have a genuine interest and were excited to learn they could just start one in their own home concentrating on teaching their neighbors. Today, Steve is to preach a lesson on how to plant a church. Pray for these two good men.

During our conversation with Frederick, he informed us that I speak like an English man, Steve speaks like an American and Jimmy speaks like an African. I’m not sure what to make of that ,but it was the first time that Jimmy had ever been accused of speaking like an African. Now I know why he’s so hard to understand.

We have been trying to copy all our notes and slides to leave with the students. We have tried and tried to make our computers talk to the printer Joseph gave us to use. It just won’t work. We will leave all our material on a flash drive and hope that one of the students can get them copied. There is a great interest in these notes and the students really want them to study more.

Today is our last formal day of teaching. The responsibility is weighing heavily upon each of us. We pray for the wisdom to make prudent choices about our topics today.

I will try to write a summary blog entry later on tonight if time and energy permits. I did not expect the heat and humidity to zap our strength the way it has. If we can survive another day with a little energy left, I will write again tonight. But, we have to begin packing tonight and that may take priority. If so I beg your understanding and patience.

Last formal day of teaching

2009-11-17T02:17:00.000-05:00

The church of CHrist at Wellington

2009-11-15T15:05:00.002-05:00

Our day began early, way too early and after a light breakfast we were off to what was to become the Church of Christ at Wellington. Our dear friend and new brother in Christ, John Kabul preaches at this church. We wanted us to accompany him and give him support as he announced the changes that they needed to make. He is a courageous man who loves the Lord and wants to honor Him and Him alone. After some “Praise”, Steve spoke of people in the Bible who had to make changes in order to serve the Lord pleasingly. He did a masterful job, even if he spoke too long. Jacob O. Sesay who works with the World Bible School, translated Steve’s lesson in Krio, the common language of many of these poor people. After Steve’s powerful lesson, John Kabul rose to read a statement about a change in the name of the church and the worship of the church. While he read a portion of the statement that we helped him prepare, it was when he spoke from his heart with passion and zeal that he was most effective. After making his statement, men went out and took down the banner reading “Light of the World Church.” It was a powerful beginning.

The church of Christ in Wellington joins the church of Christ Calabatown in turning to God and the NT pattern for the church. Praise God!

These people are just beginning, but they have taken an important first step. Now that John Kabul is fully committed to New Testament Christianity, his preaching will change. As his preaching changes, more and more of their practices will change, and they will turn to resemble the New Testament Church more and more.

In the afternoon, I was asked to speak to the students and their families, on the subject of excellence. I took advantage of the opportunity to call people back to the Bible. I spoke of worship that could only be excellent if it was the worship desired by God. I admonished those in attendance to put away man-made practices, man-made worship and man-made churches and return to the Bible and the Bible alone. Steve and Jimmy also spoke what was supposed to be brief statements. Although, they were not so short they were timely and needed. It was a long a tiring afternoon, but I pray that good was done.

At supper this evening one of the waiters came up somewhat sheepishly and told me “I saw you preaching.” He had been watching TV this afternoon and saw the TV broadcast that we recorded yesterday. I pray that many people saw it along with this man and will have their hearts turned to investigate the Bible for themselves.

Jimmy has been given the African name of “Abu”. Steve is “Shaku”. I am just simply “Big Boss.” I will leave it to you to draw your own conclusions.

Tomorrow will be our next to the last teaching day. I pray the Lord will bless us with good health, keen minds and the wisdom to speak those things most needed. Prayers have been answered and those answers have been more powerful than we could imagine. Good things are in store for this country religiously. Pray fervently that this interest and willingness to humble themselves under God hand will continue.

Oh, Happy Day...It was a glad day when I was born again

2009-11-14T15:53:00.003-05:00

Tonight's blog has ben written by Jimmy Lee"

Members of the Lord’s church will often sing the song “Oh Happy Day” following the witnessing of a lost soul being baptized…and a happy day it is when this occurs. However, across the mighty Atlantic in Sierra Leone when one commits themselves to Christ in baptism, the song is “It was a glad day when I was born again”. I am thrilled to share to our blog followers that Steve, John and myself witnessed 21 precious souls baptized today! After each baptism, the others would begin singing, “It was a glad day when I was born again.” The enthusiasm these individuals shared with one another is like nothing either of us ever witnessed.

I want to note that one of those who put Christ on today was John Kubal, our Protocol Man. Each of us has been encouraging him due to his tender heart. While witnessing all those baptisms, John Kubul was sitting up on the rocks by Steve and John, as I was down by the ocean video recording the baptisms. Steve spoke to John Kubul about being baptized and he replied he would wait until we came back to the hotel and be baptized in the bathtub. Steve encouraged him by saying, “see here is water…” John Kubul confessed that he was afraid of water but Steve assured him that there was nothing to fear. So in order to calm John Kabul’s fears, Steve asked John Kubul if he trusted him and John said “yes”. Steve asked John if he could baptize him, assuring him that he would hold on to him. What seemed like an instant, here came Steve down the rocks towards the ocean and John Kubul with him. What a sight to see Steve go in with his shoes and white flat golf hat right into the ocean. He took John Kubul’s good confession and immersed him into Christ! We are so happy to lift God’s name up in honor and give Him the glory for His mighty word, and we are so humbled by the fact that we, as the earthen vessels have had a small part in all of this.

The journey to Kent Beach was nearly an hour drive from town. Upon our arrival we were questioned as to our purpose for being there, and after getting clearance to continue on, we drove down towards the beach. It was such a beautiful, picturesque scene. Following the baptisms, we were served some chicken and couscous along with vegetables. All three of us nibbled at it and decided to give it to those who needed it more than we did.

Our journey back into Freetown took about an hour. We were scheduled at the T.V. station at 5:30 where John was scheduled to go on national TV. John‘s topic for the broadcast was “What we bring to Sierra Leone”. Steve and I were just outside the recording room watching the monitor. I’m telling you that John would pass for a Television Evangelist, with one exception…he didn’t beg for money! John was cool, calm and in his element. The members at Lafayette Heights and her elders would be mighty pleased with their preacher.

On our way back from the interview we stopped at a local grocery and picked up some goodies to finish our day out.

Tomorrow we are scheduled to attend where John Kubul used to be a pastor. He now realizes and calls himself John the Evangelist. He has a huge task tomorrow in addressing his congregation. He will be telling them that he has learned from our series of studies that the name they are wearing is not found in the un-perverted gospel and that the new name will be the church of Christ in Wellington! We have drawn up a statement for John Kubul to read to the congregation. Steve will deliver a condensed (can you members of Greenwood believe this?) sermon on the need for change and John Kubul will follow with a reading of the statement.
Our brothers & sisters in Christ, our God has opened up to us so many doors by which to enter through. Your prayers have been heard and they are being answered. God bless you all.

It'a beautiful dayin Freetown!

2009-11-13T17:05:00.001-05:00

It has been a wonderful day in Freetown. A day full of blessings – good health, good traveling companions, good friends, safe travel and excellent classes.

Our day began once again with a trip to Crown Bakery. Today, the waitress didn’t even ask Steve to order she just automatically brought him a chocolate covered donut. It is a serious joy to take our driver and “mother hen” to the Crown Bakery and watch them enjoy a club sandwich. The bakery is owned by a British man and caters to the foreign crowd. You can even have a soft drink with ice there and not worry about what’s in the ice.

We made a short visit to the market at Victoria Park. Every vender has “excellent price” and the “best goods.” Everyone was willing to make us good deal. It is hectic and hot, but a blast if you like to bargain.

Our teaching day began as usual with questions. Today’s questions were even more serious and indicative of serious thought being given to yesterday’s classes. We were asked again about infant baptism and whether or not they needed to be baptized. The name of the church was questioned once again. They were challenged to find the name of their church in the Bible. They grew very silent after that challenge. Questions were raised about how to bring someone to faith in the existence of Jesus, particularly relevant in light of the large Moslem population in Sierra Leone. We were asked how to love our enemies and to once again explain the significance of baptism.

After an hour and half of questions our teaching began. The overall theme of today was change. Steve led off with a history lesson explaining where all the denominations came from. The challenge was if your church didn’t start in Jerusalem in 33 AD, whose church is it? I followed up with a lesson how to change a church and if it couldn’t be changed what to do. I tried to preach with passion and zeal calling on those in the audience to make the changes they and learned about – to turn their churches back to the NT pattern. Jimmy closed the day with a lesson on “Will you change?” He got right in their faces and challenged them to change if they loved the Lord and wanted heaven.

At the close of our lessons, as usual Joseph offered a great “invitation.” Once again we say “All to Jesus I Surrender” and he called on the audience to surrender all the way, with all their mind and all their heart. He asked, “What do you have left that needs to be surrendered to Jesus? Surrender is not easy, but with God’s grace surrender is possible.” It was a powerful and moving invitation.

This is the first night we have been here that we have not had to prepare lessons. Yes, we had lessons prepared before we left home, but most of those were scraped when we arrived and new ones have had to be prepared. Since we have no classes tomorrow, tonight we can breathe and relax (But for some reason we are all 3 sitting with laptops working away).

Tomorrow should be a great day. 24 people have requested to be baptized. I know they have been taught right. Joseph has encouraged them in the right way. I pray their conversion is genuine. As explained earlier, it’s not as simple as turning to the changing room beside the pulpit and using the baptistery. We have had to secure transportation, as the people do not have their own cars, in order to transport all of them to Kent Beach where they will be baptized in the ocean. Yes, it would have been great and more appropriate for them to have been baptized today and not wait till tomorrow. But, this is West Africa the things are unspeakably more difficult. Even the simplest of tasks requires more thought and preparation. I pray the Lord will withhold His return till these precious souls are joined with Christ in baptism. Among those who have asked to be baptized is John Kabul our “mother hen.” He has been our constant companion and protector. He is a beloved friend and soon to be our beloved brother. “Oh, happy day.”

Tomorrow, I have an appointment at 5:00 to preach on Sierra Leonean TV. The ½ hour program will air all over Sierra Leone. Pray that I will speak with boldness and wisdom and take full advantage of this incredible opportunity.

Sunday, we have appointments to preach in a church wanting to return to the NT pattern. We have been asked to explain why this is necessary and what changes need to be made.

As I write this, I realize that this time next week I will be safe in my own bed (and hopefully full of a Cracker Barrel meal). We have just a few precious days left and opportunities to teach. It is at this point in a trip that I often find myself torn. Torn between the need of these precious souls with an awareness of how much more needs to be taught and how they need to be fed and nurtured, but at the same time I miss my wife and family and want to be at home with them. Unless, you experienced something like this I’m not sure you can appreciate how torn our hearts are. Our work here is not close to being finished. We cannot leave these precious spiritual babes to the wolves and devices of Satan. We have an obligation to continue providing them spiritual food for their growth and maturity. I pray fervently and with great passion the Lord will continue to give me strength and good health that I might return and continue the great work that has begun.

If the Lord should so bless me, I cannot think of anyone I would rather travel and teach with then Steve Niemeier and Jimmy Lee. They have been pleasant traveling companions and wonderful Bible teachers. They are powerful preachers and are loved by the Sierra Leoneans with whom we have worked. I pray for their continued good health that it might be possible to enjoy this great blessing together again.

Thursday, Nov. 12th

2009-11-12T17:32:00.000-05:00

Day 9

The day started as normal – getting up – going over to the restaurant for the same breakfast we have now had for 9 days in a row – it is getting just a bit old – what we would all give for a Burger King cini-mini! We have found a place called Crown Bakery that is not bad – not quite like a bakery at home but for here it is good. We stopped there this morning and it does our heart good to see John Kabul our protocol and our driver Azul eat – they get a club sandwich – this would not be food they would buy as it would be more than they could afford – they would normally eat rice and they would try to eat two meals a day if they could. They work so hard for us and we have grown to love them as dear friends.

As we were on our way to the Crown Bakery John Kabul started asking questions – you could see in his eyes a concern – a change was taking place – eyes that were seeking the Truth – eyes that carried the thoughts of repentance – even though he thought he was right with the Lord. Question after question he asked – Jim would answer a question – John would answer a question – Steve would answer a question – more questions – even when we were at the Crown Bakery – questions from a man with heart that is seeking as it hears more about the unperverted gospel.

Questions and answers – that again started the day. Many questions on some miracles – some on just one church – some on baptism – the Sierra Leones in our studies are not a dumb group – they are unlearned in the Scriptures and want to know more – they have heard and are set in some of the perverted teachings of men from denominations and Catholics. Some are really coming around – some are getting it and they are asking questions which show they are getting it. Private studies during our breaks are going on among the group and then with us as we are asked questions in private.

John started us off with a great and powerful lesson on “What If I Haven’t Been Baptized?” John taught this lesson as forcefully as I have ever heard him teach. In fact he preached and preached – I could only imagine how hard it was for him to bring forth this energy but he found the strength to do so. He has taught some great lessons and preached some great lessons during this trip – it would be hard for me to imagine how he could ever top the lesson he gave today – yep ole Possum who is known over here as “The Big Boss” really preached today!
Jim changed his lesson during John’s lesson. He entitled it “IN” and he preached about being in Christ – in the body – in the church – in the kingdom. We are getting accustomed to Jimmy getting among the folks and he did it again today. Sweat rolled – words of the unperverted gospel flowed from his mouth – scriptures were quoted – hearts were listening – in fact he taught this lesson which just complimented John’s . You could see the people stirring and during the break folks were opening their Bibles and studying. Again, John and Jim did a masterful job of teaching.

I was going to continue with the final lesson on the qualifications of elders. The day of course was again difficult and John told me to take the day off because of my emotions concerning my dear mother in law. However, I could not do so because I was not raised this way by my parents and I knew my mother in law would not want me to miss teaching if there was an opportunity. For any of you that do not know my wife let me just say – she is a true helpmeet and support – I am to stay and teach - I changed my lesson and spoke on “True Conversion”. I tried to compliment the two lessons by John and Jim by challenging the folks if they were truly converted into the body of Christ.

The audience was stirred today – it was a pivotal day in our teaching – the Lord wore us out in His service today and now we know why. Hearts are changing – false doctrines are being exposed – traditions of men that are of darkness are being overcome by the Light of the Word. Get ready for the increase because God is going to bring it and when He does it will not be small!

Our protocol John Kabul that I mentioned earlier preaches at a church called “Light of the World”. He knows this name needs to change. They do not use instruments and he knew this was not right. He was confused about baptism but sees the light on this. I believe he will be baptized in the next 48 hours. He asked us to write up some instructions for him on how he is to tell the congregation – we did better than that we told him that we would come and be at the services on Sunday – he was so pleased. We have told our waiter that we will have to make other arrangements because of this. Our feelings are that this could very well b e the second group the change the name and have a man preaching for them that has repented and been baptized for the remission of his sins. Remember the church where Joseph preaches has already done that and has about 9 others in the congregation who has done this.

Friends, this work is just starting – now the questions are coming by those looking to change – how do we answer all the questions after you go home? Notice they did not say for us to stay – they have been taught their duty is to carry on – however, get ready – there are going to be quite a few phone calls for a long period of time when we get home.

Pray for us as we are physically tired – emotionally drained – yet spiritually renewed. We were looking forward to a day of rest on Saturday but that is changing to where we will be busy – our rest will come we pray back in the states. Thanks for all you prayers and support!

Wednesday in Freetown

2009-11-11T16:26:00.001-05:00

Today was a great day. We were alive, safe and blessed with a good attentive audience.
At the end of classes yesterday Joseph said, “I know that change is not easy, but with His grace we can put changes into action.” What a wonderful declaration. The people of Freetown are hearing things that they have never heard before. They are searching Scriptures that they had never searched before. They are having their eyes opened to truths that they did not know existed. It is so refreshing to see their willingness to study and accept the truth. To witness their desire for and love for an un-perverted Gospel, bring tears of joy to our eyes. At one time or another, each of us have been a blubbering mess as we watch their reaction.

Today I taught a lesson on the silence of women and the role of women in the church. I did not know how it would be accepted. After the lesson, many of the ladies thanked me for the lesson that opened their eyes to truths that they did not know existed. Rather than being stoned, I was thanked.

Jimmy pounded a lesson on the gospel of greed and prosperity at the request of the Sierra Leoneans. He didn’t preach, he pounded. It was well received and appreciated. Even if he had “Benny Hill”, rather than Benny Hinn preaching such error.

Steve taught the 2nd lesson on elders continuing to draw a contrast between what the NT calls pastors and what men call pastors. Several of the “pastors” acknowledged that they need to cease using that term.

Several are on the verge of being baptized. Some dozen or so have spoken privately about their consideration. May God be patient and give them time to come to repentance and obedience. Even though we are surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean baptizing someone is not as easy as in the states. There are no baptisteries in Freetown. Arrangements have to be made to transport people to the Ocean where they can be baptized. We have started setting those plans in motion just in case that decision is made.

[Steve just got off the phone with his dear wife, Connie. Her mother has passed on to be with the Lord and all those righteous saints who have gone on before. Steve is confident of her soul’s salvation, but the reality of the loss and inability to hug his grieving wife is a terrible burden. Please make a special point of remembering Steve and Connie in the time of grief.]

Questions continue to come on the role of the Old Testament, the existence of revelation through dreams and visions and other such things. But, their questions are not frivolous or silly, but come hearts that are sincerely trying to understand the truth.

I wish I could communicate the joy that we are experiencing seeing the people soak up the truth like sponges. It’s true that some are struggling to hold to the current beliefs, but we can see them struggling and agonizing as they try to reconcile what cannot be reconciled – their false beliefs and practices with the truth. Elmer is one such man. He has such a good heart and studies with passion. Please say a special pray that the Gospel might breakthrough Elmer’s good heart and bring him to repentance and obedience.

Tuesday, Nov, 10th

2009-11-10T18:40:00.002-05:00

Today's entry was written by Steve Niemeier

Hello to all!

We left the room about 10:15 A.M. today after our breakfast and some private studies. We knew today would be another tough day of teaching. It was much hotter than yesterday as there were no clouds today. It had to be about 105 it seemed inside the building. When we speak they try to put a fan on us but it blows our Bibles and causes more chaos. John and Jim leave it on them and certainly it is needed. I admire them for being able to do this. I have them turn it away from me when I am teaching and man do I get hot but at least it does not blow the pages from my Bible. In fact when I finished (I am usually the last one to speak which is fine as John goes first and then Jimmy and then I finish) and we get in the car to come home I actually get Jim wet as he is sitting close to me and my clothes are just soaked in the sweat. There is a question that we always wonder about and that is who “stinks” the most and let me tell you there are three S L citizens in the front seat and we do not know if it is us them or all of us!!!

We went back to the African market today on the way to spend a little more time in looking at what these carvers and locals including women make – it is really amazing. They follow you around and they make most of their items – some are really talented and yet they are so in poverty. The ditch along the side of most streets seems to carry the sewer. We actually saw a pig in a stream in the middle of town along with trash everywhere and yet people were washing themselves and their clothes in the same stream. Little children are happy playing but not with toys – they play with items they find laying around such as a stick or a rag or some trash – people are literally everywhere you look – on top of each other – crowded together – streets are mostly dirt and rugged except for a few paved that need repaving – most streets are full of people and the cars have to honk the horn to get through – chaos is everywhere and just when you think you have seen everything you see 4 Sierra Leones on one motorcycle!

John taught about the Lord’s Supper to start us off today and it was an excellent lesson. John worked so hard in his lesson and the sweat just poured off of him. John is a great teacher and yet his physical condition gets to him at times – he taught his heart out today and it was very effective. Jim taught “Why we are not converting the lost” and drove home the point of teaching the unperverted gospel is much different than trying to convert the world to a perverted gospel –many like to hear a perverted gospel because it allows them to do what they want. John and I are so pleased with him. John and I have traveled together before of course and we get along like brothers - fight and tease and hug and cry together – Jimmy Lee has become the third brother it seems as he takes no slack from us and yet gives us so much of himself – he is a good one!
Today he had to stop right before the end of his lesson as he just preached until he was exhausted – he slowed down and made a closing statement that was very good to close his lesson. Both of these men literally wore themselves out for the Lord on this hot and humid day.

One of the things we are faced with is that we are trying to “un teach” the perversions of men they have listened to in the past. They have women “pastors” young men “pastors”, etc. So today I started the study on the eldership. I explained the Greek words to them. I explained the work to them so they could understand why there were qualifications for such a position. I explained Eph. 4:11 to them and that we do not have apostles or prophets today. I then started with the fact that it had to be a man, had to be a husband. I asked the women “pastors” if any of them were a man or a husband – this brought a laugh out of them but it quickly changed when I briefly taught what Paul stated to Timothy and the Corinthians the role of a woman was (John will now drive this home tomorrow). I then asked the men “pastors” how many were husbands – about one half raised their hands – I then asked do they think they are still qualified – in fact I did more than asked I called a couple of them by name and stated you call yourself a “pastor” and yet you are not a husband – I also asked one of them to read the first part of the qualifications so that all could hear it from a S L citizen – the audience got real quite – I got down on one knee ( which getting down was not a problem but getting up was) and told them I loved their souls but we came with an unperverted gospel and we were reading it from the scriptures and they were turning a deaf ear to it – I then called for them to repent. I finished with this and the audience was still in silence.

Afterwards many came to John, Jim and myself and had some questions – folks , the Lord is doing wonderful things here – this world of perversion in S L is being turned upside down by the unperverted gospel and Joseph made that statement at the end of the session.

Thank you for your prayers and support – please keep praying for us – the work in Moldova can be tiring but it is a different type of teaching – a sitting down and teaching for hours in cool temperatures – this is teaching that is more like preaching – standing and driving home point after point – fluctuating your voice on points – getting in the audience to make sure you put it on their level and then trying to maintain your strength in the extreme heat. I am not sure I will ever complain about the heat in our building at Greenwood again!!!!

Techincal difficulty tonight

2009-11-10T18:25:00.001-05:00

Today's entry will be delayed due to techinal difficulties

God is goot...all da time!

2009-11-09T16:49:00.002-05:00

As every teaching session begins the folks repeat "God is good...all the time." He has certainly been good to us. Steve, Jimmy and I are exhausted but other that that we are healthy and safe. The poverty of Freetown is overwhelming. I do not understand how people live in such conditions. Shacks made of scrap wood, a little tin and not much else. It is a sight you have to see in order to understand. Jimmy has shot some video that if I knew how to attach it to this blog I would.

John Kabul is with us nerly constantly. He comes with the driver and accompanys us wherever we go during the day. He neglotiates money exchanges, the price of trinkets, phone cards and other things. He is a former Muslim. He has a generous and kind heart. He is in his early 30's and a widower. If anyone is looking for a good husband you could do no better than John Kabul.

Our classes continued today and the crowd maintained. I gave my second lesson on authority. That is such a novel idea to the "pastors" with whom we are studing, but an idea that is growing in acceptance. This lesson was exceptionally well received. Jimmy preached on what God has and has not done to keep you out of hell. Steve did a lesson off the cuff on the end of miracles. Several of the "pastors" come out of a pentecostal background and beleive that miracles are not only present but needed today. Steve did a good job showing that the purpose of miracles have ended and do not exist today. I pray that we made some breaks in resistent hearts.

Today's blog entry will be short. We had to come up with a new game plan for the week and I need to study.

Continue to pray for the sucesssof our labor and the safety of our families.

All to Jesus I Surrender!

2009-11-08T11:57:00.003-05:00

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!!

"Oh, happy day!"

2009-11-07T16:44:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, we faced the vocal opposition of a false teacher who attempted to hijack our meeting. Today, Jimmy Lee was stoned. Now, before anyone gets excited let me explain. Our day began with a trip to the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary outside of Freetown up in the mountains. Just as we were being warned to stay behind the netting, “Jimmy” the chimp checked a rock at our Jimmy hitting him in the chest. Yes, you read correctly the chimps name was “Jimmy” – couldn’t have been any better.

The ride up to Tacugama was literally UP. The roads, or at least I think it was a road, was little more than a dirt path up the side of a steep mountain – a path that showed the ravages of the summer rains (several summer rains). The car in which we were riding overheated and had to stop clogging the little path. Shortly after finally arriving at the top (via a different vehicle), two Americans from the US Embassy complained about the car stuck in the road making them walk the last ½ mile or so on foot. Glad it was them and not us.

The chimp compound was fascinating. They are attempting to rehabilitate some 90 or so chimps after having been cruelly treated as pets. It was a wonderful place – hot but wonderful.
Quietly and calmly, Steve began the teaching portion of our day teaching about the possibility of being deceived if we do not love the truth (2 Thes. 2:1-10). He and Jimmy did the teaching today and I participated in answering questions. I am grateful to these two brothers who gave an exhausted brother a breather.

I thought Steve and Jimmy shelled the corn yesterday. If so, folks they started on a new ear today! Jimmy delivered a powerful and pointed lesson on King Agrippa’s statement of being almost persuaded. He got in folks face; made the lesson so pointedly plan that no one could misunderstand their need to go all the way back to the authority of Jesus and seek His church and His church alone. Steve followed up with a lesson on whether or not one can be taught wrong and baptized right. Folks, I didn’t know Steve was capable of such powerful preaching. He challenged individuals – especially individuals who had been vocal in their opposition. He and Jimmy got right down to where folks were, addressed their specific situations and touched hearts.

At the conclusion of the lesson Joseph asked everyone in the audience to carefully examine their faith/baptism and act and act now if need be. It was a powerful call to action. He asked everyone who had not been baptized in water in the name of Jesus to stand. He personally and powerfully challenged each one to make a decision to commit to and follow Jesus through that watery grave.
Earlier in the day, they sang the song, “Jesus must be honored” as the keyboard was played. Steve pointed out the obvious contradiction in this song and how it was sung. Near the end of our teaching day, they sang the song, “Jesus must be honored” once again. This time, Joseph asked that the keyboard be silenced stating that if we are really going to honor Jesus then we must offer to Him the kind of music (worship) revealed through His will- the New Testament. When we sang without the accompaniment of the instrument, it was beautiful. Tears were streaming down the cheeks of all three of us. Those who were present sang with renewed vigor. The three of us had difficulty singing, not only because we did not know the words, but because we were fighting back tears. It appears that a breakthrough was made today. To God be the glory!

As we closed out our teaching day, we were thanked for bringing the un-perverted Gospel to Sierra Leone – a Gospel that they had never known. Folks were challenged to know and practice that Gospel. We were thanked for opening their eyes to truths that had for far too long been unknown by Sierra Leoneans. You guessed it – that started the tears flowing once again. We ended our classes with a rousing chorus of "All to Jesus I Surrender!." May many surrender to Jesus as the Lord and Master.

After our classes, several folks asked for copies of the notes to study further and for private studies if possible. Lord willing, the early morning hours next week will be spent in private/small group study.

On the way back to our hotel, we sang (and sang rather loudly with our two Sierra Leonean friends who accompanied us home), “Oh, happy day.” Yes, Lord, this has been a happy day.
We’re tired – exhausted might be a more accurate word, but what a sweet tiredness it is knowing that hearts were taught, souls challenged, men were made to think and convictions were beginning to change.

Tomorrow, I have been invited to preach in the church where Joseph preaches. What an honor! We will have our communion service among the three of us and take advantage of this opportunity to once again teach the un-perverted Gospel of Christ.

Day 3 in Freetown

2009-11-06T18:29:00.000-05:00

To use an old, old phrase, “we shelled the corn today.” We saw our first serious opposition, but also saw a serious breakthrough as well.

I began the day with a lesson on the authority of God with an emphasis on how that applies to the question of instrumental music in worship. Hearts were touched – some to try to defend their current practice and some to serious reflection. During the first q/a session, a gentleman took the mic and challenged us on the present day existence of miracles (the q/a did not exactly follow what had been taught). He was rather loud, boisterous and brash. He “healed” me – of course my legs were still weak, me feet still hurt and my back still had problems. We met him forcefully. Steve, especially, did a very direct and forceful job of responding to him with some passion (Denver you trained him well!). After a brief break, Steve delivered a powerful lesson on the work of an evangelist. He tied that in to seeking Bible authority so as to define that work.

That led us to the “revival” portion of the day. Jimmy Lee presented a lesson entitled, “Do we have a right to our own belief?” Let me tell you, that boy flat done good! (excuse the grammar) He made the lesson so practical and applicable to the folks in Freetown that it was obvious that people were moved.

After Jimmy’s lesson was over, Joseph closed out the day with an admonition to take these lessons seriously, reject the traditions of men and simply return to the Bible. He said that we have heard teaching today that can change lives forever. He said that we would never be the same after these lessons. He said that “we need a church of Christ in Freetown” – people converted to Jesus and added to His church. The three of us were moved to tears to hear the sincerity of his plea and emotion of his appeal.

I have no doubt that some of the people in attendance got the point, understood the truth, and know of the changes that need to be made. Do they have the courage to make those changes? No man knows – only God. Please pray that those who heard and understood the truth will have the courage to apply the truth regardless of the cost.

The ride back to the hotel…how can I describe it? Imagine a very narrow two lane country road littered with potholes and full of people and traffic. Now try making that a 6 lane super highway with horns having the power to move the oncoming cars, so you just go! If you have ½ inch that is enough room to pass. If you want to turn you just assume that the oncoming traffic really likes you and will let you turn. The theme song of the ride back to the hotel…”Rescue the Perishing” with a few added strains of “Lord, I’m coming home.” Thank you Lord, for a talented driver and our safe deliverance.

What will tomorrow hold? Our day is to begin with a visit to a chimpanzee compound to visit orphaned chimps. Hope Steve can leave the compound without a visitor in his back pocket.

Day two in Freetown

2009-11-05T17:19:00.000-05:00

God is good…at all times!

Multiple times today in our opening session of lessons, someone would say, “God is good.” The response of the audience was, “at all times” -- that summarizes my emotions and what I have experienced today.

We began our work in earnest today with the opening of our classes in Freetown. It was a thrilling day -- full of emotion, full of joy, full of the Lord’s Word. I do not the exact number of participants in our study today, but I know that we had 300 chairs and there weren’t many empty ones. After some opening remarks by Joseph and the head of military chaplains, we began our work of teaching the “un-perverted Gospel of Christ.” The auditorium was full of folks who genuinely seemed to hunger and thirst after righteousness. I base that assessment on the attention given to the lessons and the insightful questions asked by the participants. These were not silly or confrontational questions, but sincere questions of souls hungering for God’s truth. I do not for a moment question the sincerity or zeal of anyone there. I do call their motives into question. It was obvious that they have a zeal, but not according to knowledge. It is our delightful task during our classes to help marry their zeal with a greater and more perfect knowledge of God’s Word.

The concept of an “un-perverted” Gospel was appealing to them. They were excited to study just the Bible without the perversions of man-made doctrine.
I spoke today on Discipleship and the Cross, emphasizing the need to be willing to “take up our cross and follow Jesus”, not some man or group of men, not some man-made creed, not opinions, simply follow Jesus where He leads to do whatever He asks. Steve spoke on the origin and mission of the church established by Jesus. Each of our lessons were followed by a lively q/a session. Among the questions we fielded were: “How can we tell the true Gospel from the false?”; “What is baptism? Can it be by sprinkling or pouring water?”; “Does it make any difference who does the baptizing?”; “How and what can we do to stop the perversion of the Gospel?”among many others. One elderly gentleman didn’t so much ask a question as he made a statement comparing Satan perverting God’s Word in the garden to men who pervert the Gospel today and the certain curse upon those who do so. In the evening session, I preached on what we have to offer the people of Freetown – simple God’s road map to heaven.
All in all it was an exhausting day. I think I speak for all three of us when I say that we have discovered a new degree of exhaustion! But how sweet an exhaustion it is to have spent time with some wonderful people who hungered after God’s Word.

This evening Jimmy foolishly chose to stay in the room while Steve and I went to the Sierra Lighthouse restaurant for supper. Upon arriving at the restaurant, we met a team of Americans from Colorado who were here to re-roof an orphanage. With them was a native of Sierra Leone who now lives in Colorado. Steve and I spoke with them and rehearsed with them how our respective days went. In the process I asked them, what they were eating and they suggested that their Sierra Leonean friend order for us. So, we did as they suggested and ate what he ordered (He ordered in Krio and we did not understand a word that was spoken.) I will not describe all that we ate to avoid being accused of gluttony, but will simply say that I ate lobster for the first time and that was one of four dishes brought to the table. It was an incredible meal. Nice to know that we are so close to such good food!

As we prepare for bed, we do so knowing that finally we get to sleep in tomorrow. Our driver will not come for us until 11:30. I think we will all benefit from a long night’s rest.
Please continue to pray for the success of our labors and the good people of Sierra Leone.

Day One in Freetown

2009-11-04T18:08:00.003-05:00

How can people be so poor and be so happy?

Today has been a day of high emotions nt only because we are dealing with jet lag and exhaustion, but because of the wonderful events of the day. The Sierra Leonans have greeted us with extreme warmth and love. Their joy in the midst of poverty is overwhelming. I do not possess the vocabulary or the pictures to do justice to the extent of the poverty. Yet, people seem to be happy, loving ,patient and gracious.

We have seen a depth of poverty that I only knew from pictures and movies. Believe me, it is overwhelming and no amount of preparation and prepare you for the deep poverty that slaps you in the face.

God has been so good to us thus far in our trip. He has blessed us with a wonderful host - a man of uncommon goodness, honesty and love. Joseph has been one of our greatest blessings and without his tireless work this trip would not be possible. John is our guide and constant companion. He is a Sierra Leonean who cares for us as a mother bird would care for her young. Azul, our driver, has unbelievable skill. I would ride with him anywhere. So far we have seen only ONE stop sign and folks ignored it. Traffic is truly an everyone for himself proposition. There have been many times that I have simply closed my eyes and whistled, "Anywhere with Jesus."

We met this morning with the chief of military chaplains. We could not have found a more gracious man. He is allowing over 50 military chaplains to attend our classes ... no rather insisting that they attend.

This evening, I took part in a TV interview that will air tomorrow morning all over Sierra Leone explaining why we are here and the details of our classes. After that, we all took part ion a 30 minute radio interview which was followed by audience comments. We received several calls asking for more details about our classes and our purpose. One caller could not believe that our classes were being offered free.

If you are concerned about our safety, don't be. I do not know that we are ever without some kind of guard or chaperone. But, we really do not need the constant presence of guards. I am been afraid of the traffic, but not from the people. Freetown is a hectic, bustling city, but one that is safe. The roads...that is another story. Luckily, about 30 minutes after the cars stops we stop jiggling. Many of the roada are little more than dirth paths and the ones that are paved are covered with potholes and broken pavement.

Do you know how fortunate and blessed you are for God having allowed you the blessing of being born an American? Don't take it for granted.

Our classes and thus our work begins in earnets tomorrow. Already the venu has changed in order to accomodate a larger crowd. We have been told to expect at least 150!

Steve, Jimmy and I are safe and healthy. Even well fed if you count tonights p'butter snack that was supper.

Please continue to life our work before our Father and look after our families.

Safe Arrival - Thank you , Lord!

2009-11-03T19:33:00.002-05:00

We have arrived safely in Freetown. Our flights over were smooth, on time and uneventful -- just like we like it.

In case you are wondering, yes it is hot, even at midnight I am sweating with the AC on. Perhaps not as hot as it is humid. Miserable, just as I expected.

There was a mix up at our hotel and we have separte rooms for tonight and the move into a suite tomorrow. Not sure how that will work, as Joseph as a full day planned for us starting at 10:00. SO, please forgive me if this is a short post - the shower is calling and likewise the bed.

We received a humbling welcome in Freetown. Joseph and three other men were at the airport and swept us through baggage claim and customs. It could not have gone smoother. We sat and talked for a while this evening with John (not his real name, but I can't pronounce his real name), Paul and Joseph. They are such dears. I look forward to studying with them and getting to know them better.

Phil and Sid got checked in to the airport hotel this evening and will leave tomorrow morning at 7:00 for Bo. Send your prayers with them. THey have a cell phone and we hope to keep in close contact.

I am heading to bed...it will be morning before I am ready. God has been good...very, very good.

Why are you going to Sierra Leone?

2009-11-01T13:36:00.001-05:00

“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.

16 days and counting

2009-10-15T20:18:00.000-04:00

Our trip, Lord willing, will begin in just 16 days. We have all begun packing and making a last minute check list. Nervous excitement is growing steadily.

In my conversations with Joseph Saidu, our contact in Freetown, it seems the interest in our classes is growing and their excitement is building as rapidly as ours. He has shared reports with us that armed robbery is on the rise in Freetown. The US Embassy has issued a similar warning. Thought has been given to hiring an armed security guard, but Jacob Sesay, another contact in Freetown, has advised against such. At this point, we are inclined to rest upon the Lord and His protection and not armed guards. This has to be the subject of much prayer. Won't you join us in prayer?

We have made contact with an institutional church in Freetown. When we began making plans we did not know of any churches (institutional or non-institutional) in the entire country. Since, we have had contact with a gentleman affiliated with the World Bible School and hav elearned of two institutional churches in Freetown. The offices of the World Bible School in Siera Leone are very near where our classes will take place. Tha being the case, we anticipate the involvement of some of these brethren. We welcome the opportunity to study with them.

I made a trip to the Indy airport today to check with American Airlines, our first carrier, to make sure that all was in order. The attendant checked and checked and could not find any trace of our existence. Needless to say, I was a bit alarmed. A quick call to our travel agent solved the mystery and my blood pressure was able to return to normal. All is in order after all. Whew!

I look forward to getting in touch with you all and keeping you informed of the progress of our work through this blog. After November 3rd, please check back often!

I am excited!

2009-09-12T15:05:00.002-04:00

I am pumped, jazzed, excited…get the picture?

This afternoon Steve, Jim and I met with Miatta, a project engineer with Eli Lilly and native of Freetown, Sierra Leone, for lunch and a long talk. Her discussion was thrilling to say the least. She described the Sierra Leoneians as friendly, honest, open people who are very open to religious discussion and religious differences. Her only concern with our plans was that the Freetown Youth Center would not be large enough to accommodate the crowd! Imagine standing room only!

We discussed Sierra Leonian culture, food, people and safety concerns (which by the way are no different then we would face in this country). She described the people of Freetown as generally well educated, polite, trustworthy, (especially with foreigners) and even though they face a host of economic problems that have grown worse over the past 10 years.

The three of us left our lunch with Miatta jumping for joy and extremely anxious to begin our journey and work.

(Greenwood starts a meeting tomorrow with Jim Lee and Miatta has promised to come!)

Satan is Angry!!

2009-09-10T02:21:00.002-04:00

I am convinced that Satan is angry. Angry because he knows the potential for good that can be done in Sierra Leone. The opportunities for advancing the Gospel in Sierra Leone have him shaking in his boots. He knows that when people come to believe and practice the truth that he has lost and Satan doesn't like to lose.

He has tried to derail our planning and preparations. But, he hasn't succeeded! Oh, there have been some ripples, some bigger than others, but our boat has not been capsized. He has tried to so divert our attention that we neglect the prayer and preparation that must be given to the lessons that we must prepare. He has tried his best, but has failed.

Our travel arrangements have been complicated. We have faced uncertainties and will continue to face them. We have had disagreements among the five of us, some times rather heated, but we all remain committed to simply preaching the unperverted Gospel of Christ. We may disagree in matters of opinion, but in commitment to following God's plan and preaching the unperverted Gospel, we have not disagreed. In spite of his best efforts, Satan has not succeeded in his efforts to prevent us from going.

So, how will we respond to Satan's anger? I cannot speak for every member of our team, but as for me, I am made excited and emboldened by it. If Satan has been made this angry and is trying this hard to silence us, then he has good reason. If it weren't so, he would have left us alone.

And so, as I enter into the last few weeks of preparation for this trip I am happy to know that Satan doesn't want this trip to happen and is working against it. The potential for harvest must be great!

2009-05-27T15:10:00.002-04:00

We continue to meet and plan as a team. Each member of our team has brought something important to the table for debate and discussion. Our plans continue to come together nicely. Last week, we meet with a couple who have made numerous trips into Sierra leone and their insight was most helpful. We may be on different pages religiously, but their practical advice was appreciated and helpful.

Plans have been confirmed for Phil and Sid to spend a week in Bo and Makeni. It is estimated that we can expect around 120 denominational "pastors" and religious workers at these studies. Having the potential to teach 240 people in 2 weeks is exciting.

Steve, Jimmy and I have plans to teach 5 days a week in Freetown. Joseph estimates that we can expect between 150 and 200 at our daily studies. I pray the Lord will bring increase when we have opportunity to plant and water.

Please continue to pray for our preparations and work in Sierra Leone.

2009-04-10T15:21:00.003-04:00

I suppose we have passed the point of no return. On Monday we ordered and paid for our plane tickets. With that investment none of us can afford to back out now!

I began my "medical preparations" on Monday. The travel doc suggested several booster shots and vaccinations along with medicine for malaria.

I have been in communication severaltimes this week with Joseph Saidu, our local contact. He appears to be a wonderful man with a huge heart. I look forward to working with him. He has made arrangements for Phil and Sid to speand a week in Bo and a week in Makeni. In addition, he thinks that we can have studies in different parts of Freetown to maxiize the number of people we can contact.

Continue to keep our preparations and this work in your prayers.

New Team Members Added!

2009-03-26T13:02:00.002-04:00

I am thrilled to announce that Phil Morgan and Sid Latham have been added to our team. Both of these men bring a vast array of experience, Bible knowledge and wisdom. Their addition to our team is an important one.

Through Skype contact, we have been able to continue making our plans with Joseph Saidu. It appears that we now have a place to stay, a place for our classes and travel arrangements made. The Lord is blessing our preparations as He has opened a great door for His service.

2009-03-13T15:14:00.000-04:00

Lord willing, Steve Niemeier, Jim Lee and I will depart on Nov. 2 for a 3 week preaching trip to Freetown, Sierra Leone. How did we get this contact? Sit back and allow me to tell you the story.

John Gentry of Galena, IN, was contacted via "skype" by a gentleman in Sierr Leone thinking he was contacting the famous John Gentry. He could not have been more wrong. But, from this contact a Bible study grew between John and 40-70 men in Freetown. The elders at Galena wanted to find someone who would go to Sierra Leona and teach "face to face." Who was I to say no to their offer. I contacted Steve who contacted Jim and the plan began to evolve.

Most of the 40-70 from Freetown who studied with John were denominational preachers who had a sincere love for the truth and wanted to practice truth. John studies with in some fundamental issues which led a handfull of these men to realize that their denominational organization was contrary to Scripture. They came to realize the truth regarding baptism. These are men who are seeking the practice of truth, but need someone to guide them. To that end Steve, Jim and I are committed to making this trip in November and ask for your prayers to accompany us.

We have 4-5 hours of intensive Bible studies planned for each day and then a 2-3 hour "evangelistic" type service each evening. All of the classes and services will take place in one location in Freetown so it will not be necessary for us to travel aroud to make these meetings.

Our contact in Freetown has requested that we spend 2 days in Makeni and Bo teaching Bible classes in those cities as well. I am not sure how our energy level permits this amount of work, but am convinced that God will supply what we need.

As more plans develop and as I have more information, I will share it with you via this blog.

2009-03-13T12:21:00.002-04:00

2009-03-13T12:21:00.001-04:00

2009-03-04T14:48:00.000-05:00

Blog establish

2009-03-04T14:33:00.000-05:00

This blog will be dedicated to plans and the execution of those plans for a preaching tour of Sierra Leone planned for November of 2009.

So far, John Smith, Steve Niemeier and Jimmy (Weasel) Lee have committed to the trip.

As things develop I will be posting info as it becomes available.

Please pray for this trip.