Sierra Leone Free Ministry Training
According to Wikipedia, Sierra Leone is a West African nation founded in the colonial age by Great Britain as the “Province of Freedom.” Many resettled slaves from London formed a colony in the late 18th century.
In 1961, Sierra Leone became an independent nation. Civil war broke out from 1991-2002. Over 50,000 people were killed. The nation’s infrastructure was seriously degraded. The nation has peace now. This nation is largely Muslim (78 %) but the minority Christian population is free to exercise their faith. In fact, it is said that Sierra Leone is one of the most religious tolerating nations in the world.
Patrick Williams grew up as Christian. He tells his story of how he needed to launch his ministry dream with this Sierra Leone Free Ministry Training offered by Christian Leaders Institute.
Church Planting Dream
My name is Patrick Williams. I grew up in a church setting in my country, Sierra Leone. My parents were churchgoers and took me to church regularly in my early years. In my teens, I had the opportunity to attend other Christian programs organized by Youth For Christ. It was in these meetings I was introduced to Christ, as my personal Lord and Saviour. I gave my life to Christ at the age of nineteen years. Shortly afterward, I was accepted to the university in October 1988 to read mechanical engineering. I became part of the Christian fellowship there, and I received discipleship and was nurtured in the Lord there. I had the opportunity to attend several Christian conferences, workshops, retreats, and leadership training.
During my university study, I had the privilege to lead the fellowship as president in my final year in the university. I returned home and became part of a Bible-believing church in the neighborhood. This is where I received training and was ordained as a pastor. Several years along the way, the Lord led me to start a fellowship in 2003. Currently, the church has grown and we have two daughter churches in other locations.
I got married in 1995 and we are blessed with two sons. They are currently at the university. My wife and sons are supportive of my ministry work.
At this time, I pastor the headquarter church, I, therefore, felt the need for further training so that I can train and build more pastors for the work of the ministry. I have some ten pastors that serve together with me and the need for formal training has become a real need. This ministry training at Christian Leaders Insitute, therefore, will give me the opportunity to replicate what I have learned to the team of pastors making them enabled for the work of the ministry.
Minister Training Call
My name is Dora Lou Vanscoy and I have a minister training call. I am from the state of Arkansas in the United States of America. I came to know the Lord after a turbulent childhood and dabbling in the wrong side. I was invited to a Christian concert at a church a friend attended. I was sitting on the floor and felt someone push me. I looked around and there was no one there. It happened again and I realized it was the Holy Spirit. So, I went to the altar call and gave my life. I would like to say I was faithful. But I was not decided and did not have a clue how to live. For many years, it was up and down, but He never left me and now I am at a point where I have a very intimate relationship with Him.
My ministry dream is to ensure others are discipled and not left to fend for themselves. I also have a heart for children, to show them Jesus and simply love them. This class at Christian Leaders Institute is renewing my desire to be part of a ministry team. I believe I identify more with an evangelist.
I would have to say the key experience prompting me into ministry would be the fact that I was not discipled and I believe if someone had taken time to show me the ropes, I would not have stumbled in my walk so much.
The unique challenges that I have to face are that so many people call themselves Christians but it is just a word to them. They do not know Jesus personally. My local church is all for discipling people and growing people so we can bring more into the fellowship. My family has pretty well been non-existent in my life, except for my Christian family, and they are very supportive. We as a whole, encourage and motivate each other to do all God would have us do.
This scholarship at CLI is important to my ministry dream because I know I could not afford to go to college. This is a huge blessing for me.
Learn about local ecuministry ordination at Christian Leaders Alliance.