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Dr. Thomas E. Armiger
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The Wesleyan Church of Sierra Leone
After surviving the devastating effects of war, The Wesleyan Church of Sierra Leone remains strong, vibrant, and growing. In spite of the people’s suffering, the number of Wesleyan churches has grown from 200 to 222 since 2000; the number of members has increased from 24,000 to nearly 29,000. I was privileged to witness this growth and chaired the Sierra Leone National Conference, May 14-17, 2009, held in Makeni, Sierra Leone.
A sense of celebration and unity in the Spirit of Christ permeated the entire conference. The Wesleyan Church of North American joins with the conference delegates in honoring Rev. J.Y. Konteh for his eight years of service as national superintendent. He has been the catalyst in re-energizing the church following the atrocities of war. Many Wesleyan families lost loved ones and were left homeless and without hope, yet in God’s mercy now celebrate the fruit of a peaceful and compassionate church. In his remarks as retiring national superintendent, Rev. Konteh stated, “I am leaving behind a peaceful church with loving and caring congregations. I am leaving behind a message of forgiveness and reconciliation to all, which will help you be a united and victorious church.”
During the national conference, Wesleyans of Sierra Leone elected Rev. Usman J. Fornah to succeed Rev. J.Y. Konteh. He will assume office in June 2009. Rev. Fornah served previously as national secretary, district superintendent, national director of youth and young adults, and pastor. After I formally installed Rev. Usman, the Sierra Leone Church celebrated the passing of the baton from one leader to another.
Two key components in rebuilding The Wesleyan Church of Sierra Leone are the community development initiatives and the Micro Credit program sponsored by World Hope International. One such example is the construction of a new well completed on May 15 for the amputee village of Mafokineay. I was privileged to commission and dedicate this well on May 17 to provide water for the entire village and to help communicate the Living Water that only Christ can provide. This is one of 58 wells across the country constructed through the sponsorship of World Hope. I am deeply grateful and thankful for the strength of The Wesleyan Church of Sierra Leone despite the years of terrible hardship. The church has every reason to worship and celebrate God’s gracious provision in the lives of His people. God is still building His church in Sierra Leone.
Thomas E. Armiger
General Superintendent