Kuranko (August 2012)
“This area is really remote and needy as far as the gospel is concerned. Our target isto saturate it with the gospel because it is the Islamic entrance into Sierra Leone. We need to block it now with the gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,” said Pastor Musa Sewa of the Missionary Church of Africa in Yiffin Town located in the chiefdom of Nieni. In fact, that whole region of Koinadugu District is largely Muslim due to its proximity to Guinea in the northeast from which the influence of Islam comes. “Actually we have been praying for such a program and I believe this is an answer to prayer,” he added.
Some pastors have already been seeing the fruit of the church planting strategy. Pastor Kalie Mansaray in Kabala, the capital of Koinadugu, was one of them. “We know that this church planting strategy is already having an impact in this district. We want to thank you for the work you are doing and hope that we will be able to continue to work together for years to come.” Pastor Mansaray is also with the Missionary Church of Africa.
In Gbawurai Kabala, Pastor Edward Marah said, “The Wesleyan churches in Koinadugu District are working with this strategy. We have clearly seen the positive impact it has had on the lives of the people. It was a blessing to work with you as we have already planted several churches in this district. Thank you for your partnership.”
The Christian Reformed Church in Kabala town has also planted several churches in the district, according to Rev. M B Jalloh. “We really appreciate your team and the great work you are doing. I believe with your help we will continue to accomplish much in the name of Jesus. Your church planting manuals and the action group training have helped us to develop more bible teachers among our members,” he said.
Word about the JESUS Film Church Planting Strategy continues to spread around the region. Some pastors have been looking forward to meeting the JESUS film team and are ready to partner with them. Such was the case with Pastor Matthew Koroma of the Church of Pentecost in Gbawuria 2. “I have heard about your church planting strategy and I was eager to meet with you,” he said. “Other pastors that I know have praised this strategy especially the training of the action group members and the provision of training materials. I thank God that you are now here.”
Pastor Santigie Sesay of Kabala town had also heard about the strategy months back. He was eager to learn how it worked. “It seems a wonderful strategy which will really help us plant churches throughout the Koinadugu District. I look forward to partnering with you,” said Pastor Sesay.
In the last four months, 70 more people, including those in the photos above, were trained from various churches. They were able to start eight new church plants in the villages of Kapendijorkor, Heriko, Dodoya, Saymamia, Krutor, Kamasaypain, Bumba, and Soya.
