LIFE APPLICATION BIBLE SEMINAR
REPORT SIERRA LEONE, WEST AFRICA 1997
Thank you for your prayers and generous support. Our mission trip to Sierra Leone was more successful than we could ever have imagined. God continued to provide mightily even up to the day before we left. We received a donation of $100,000 worth of antibiotics and anti-malarial medicines, enough to bring healing to 7,000-8,000 people. It was distributed between 3 doctors in the 2 largest cities, Freetown and Bo.
We conducted the Life Application Bible Seminar in those two cities. At the Freetown seminar we expected 50 pastors-170 arrived to participate. They were from other areas of the country but because of the war were forced to move into the "safety" of the city. Their hunger for God and His Word was unbelievable. On the 2nd day of the seminar, we divided into groups of 4 pastors. Together they used the LAB to research and prepare a teaching on faith. As they searched through the many features a great excitement spread among them. They never dreamed they would have in their hands a study tool so rich in character studies, footnotes and background material. They raised their hands and one after another, with joy, expounded upon the treasure of God's Word they had discovered and the depth of new understanding they had received. It was a marvelous moment.
We had a similar experience in the city of Bo with 70 pastors. A tremendous spirit of unity developed among the denominations represented. In each location citywide church councils were established for the purpose of unity, co-operation and the sharing of resources. The pastors made a decision to start Bible study groups in the churches using the LAB so that it could be shared with assistant pastors, youth group leaders and others with a desire to go deeper into the Word of God. (This unity among previously disassociated Christians was a vital element of survival in the months that followed as the country was plummeted into a brutal civil war.)
The puppet ministry provided Christian performances using skits, song and dance to bring the joyful message of Jesus to over 5000 children, including 1500 orphans.
Team members were given an opportunity to share the Gospel at church services attended by several thousand people. Despite the poverty and desperation of the country as a whole, the team found the people to be loving, kind, friendly and eager to receive the Gospel.
As we ended our trip God gave us new insight into Psalm 140:7 "The Lord is my strong deliverer. He shields my head in the day of battle" and Isaiah 52:12 "You shall not go out in haste nor go by flight, for the Lord will go before you and the God of Israel will be your rear guard." Two days after we arrived home, the government of Sierra Leone was overthrown. There was bloodshed, widespread terrorism and looting. The borders of the country were sealed and the airport closed. We didn't know it at the time, but ours was the last commercial flight to leave Sierra Leone. Other Americans still in the country had to be rescued by airlift in a Navy helicopter to the aircraft carrier USS Kersarge. God had delivered us and shielded us from the day of battle and was our rear guard!!!
We rejoice at the great things God has done and we believe that another door of opportunity will once again be open wide in Sierra Leone.
Sincerely in Christ,
Jim Moffett
Creator-Coordinator
Life Application Bible Seminar/Household of God Community
202 Cinnaminson Ave.
Palmyra, NJ 08065
Office: 1-856-829-2448
Fax: 1-856-303-8883
Email: Momdad04@aol.com
www.lifeapplicationbibleseminar.com
