The poorest country in the world
For the last ten years the United Nations has given this dubious status to Sierra Leone. Eleven years of civil war have had disastrous effects – economically, socially and spiritually.
Islam is increasing its hold, with new mosques built in many places. Although many of Sierra Leone’s churches (and there are hundreds of different types) are full, what is preached in them is usually ‘the prosperity gospel’.
This brings disappointment, disillusionment and then rejection of not only the false, but also the ‘truth that is in Jesus’. The people view the church not as the proclaimer of the glorious gospel of Christ but as the purveyor of a money-making racket to enrich the powerful within its ranks.
Against this dark background PTI (Pastor Training International), with the cooperation and help of UFM, held a series of conferences for pastors in four strategic centres.
The aim was to stress the authority of God’s Word, the awesomeness of God, the centrality of Christ and the need for integrity in believers.
Many pastors have no training and few resources to aid them; some, sadly, do not realise the biblical standards required of elders (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9).
Over 200 pastors attended these conferences. Attendees also received packs of books and were encouraged to correspond with UK ‘mentors’.
How we need to pray that the Holy Spirit will teach these men the truths of his word and make them able expositors of it. Oh that Sierra Leone – ‘the poorest nation in the world’ – may become rich in the grace that is in Christ Jesus!
Alan Levy
