Sierra Leone National Convention

Greetings! Heidi and I were thrilled to be invited back to Sierra Leone, this time for UPC Sierra Leone National Convention, November 2-5. What an opportunity, honor, and absolute pleasure to be a tiny part of the great big things that happened that week! To God be all the glory for the things He has done! 

Final convention numbers:

1300+ in attendance!

297 received the Holy Ghost!

29 baptized in Jesus name!

Below are some pictures from convention week.

View videos at our YouTube channel: click here

 Second night of convention. Speaker: Global Missions Director Bruce Howell

Africa Regional Director Randy Adams preached the first night.

Donald & Abigail O'Keefe, Missionaries to Sierra Leone from 1974 to 1995. Here they are greeting the convention on night one. What a wonderful welcome they received!

 Bruce Howell dancing with the congregation on night two.

Pam Sisco teaching the children during the day sessions outside under a tent. Heidi assisted her all week. Nick & Pam Sisco and family are Missionaries to Ghana and they are wonderful people.

 Some of our group posing for a "snap" with our military escort.

Our Sierra Leone National Convention 2017 ministry team. (left to right) Rev. Wayne Miraflor, Missionaries (Sierra Leone) Rusty & Adriane Riddick, Rev. Donald & Abigail O'Keefe, Global Missions Director Bruce & Diane Howell, Africa Regional Director Randy & Carolyn Adams, Missionaries (Ghana) Nick & Pam Sisco and family, Heidi and I. What a marvelous opportunity and dream for us to be a tiny part of this week!

Donald O'Keefe praying over the Riddicks (Missionaries to Sierra Leone) and the Turays (National Superintendent of UPC Sierra Leone).

 Global Missions Director Bruce Howell preaching on Sunday morning.

 The Howells praying over the ministry of Sierra Leone.

 My brothers.

 Such beauty.

 A selfie with Global Missions First Lady Diane Howell.

So wonderful to meet and spend time with the O'Keefe's and Wayne Miraflor of California. Such wonderful Kingdom people!

Sunset at River #2 Beach.

Last Weekend

This past weekend again was very busy and fruitful for the Kingdom. Heidi and I are very privileged and humbled for the invitation and opportunities shared with us to be a part of something this wonderful. We are in great anticipation of what God is going to do in the country of Sierra Leone.

This past Saturday

We visited and prayed over a brand new church building project in central Freetown. There we beheld labor and unity like we have never seen. Such beautifully spirited people of the Kingdom.

Sunday

On Sunday we visited three churches. These visits would be our last until the Riddicks come back from deputation in the states which is scheduled for 2 years. God has favored and blessed our meetings. Our desire is that these beautiful people be encouraged, strengthened, and renewed of the Lord. 

Monday

On Saturday we had purchased fabric so on Monday we ran to the tailor shop to have some clothes made. Sierra Leone is known for their wonderful fabrics and design. Also on Monday evening I attended a National Board meeting and 2 motorcycles purchased for presbyter transportation in the provinces were presented. These motorcycles will help our ministry commute the rough roads and conditions of those remote areas.

 The need and harvest is great in Sierra Leone. 

We need laborers in the field.

Into The Provinces 2

Yesterday we again traveled deep into the provinces of Sierra Leone; the town of Bo in the Southern Province, and Kenema and Daru in the Eastern Province close to the Liberian border. Again another 12 hour round trip and visits all in 1 day. These areas are rich in West African tradition and culture, yet known for diamonds, corruption, and some of the hardest hit during the civil war and Ebola crisis. This visit again was to greet and encourage village pastors, congregations, and schools that had not seen a missionary in 12 years. The people are so beautiful, welcoming, and very thankful to know of our support. These are our brothers and sisters. We are all a part of God's Kingdom and family!

 

Just an ant hill.

Today is a much needed day of rest. Saturday, Sunday, and Monday we will remain in the Freetown region for visits to church/school building projects, church services, board meetings.. oh, and maybe a couple beach trips to take a dip or two. We are safe and healthy. We love you. - Jeff