Discipling New Believers

For the last several weeks I have had the opportunity to visit and teach nearly twenty young adults at the School of Champions Bible and Leadership Institute (SCBLI) in Monrovia, Liberia.  SCBLI is a ministry developed and introduced by Velma, a Cameroonian missionary who has a heart for the young adults of Liberia.  SCBLI incorporates a discipleship model similar to that of Discipling the Nations Ministries which has over 70 Bible training centers in five countries throughout Central and West Africa.  The mission of SCBLI is 1) to educate young adults with sound Biblical training and Leadership development through a two year certificate program; 2) to empower young adults to use their newfound Biblical knowledge and practical life skills to better their community; and 3) to mobilize the young adults to make other disciples through outreach and evangelism strategies. I believe this is a wonderful growing ministry. 

During today’s four-hour session, which addressed the themes of Salvation and Righteousness, five youth gave their lives to Jesus Christ. Pray with me that their journey in Christ will be fruitful.

As way to assist this wonderful discipleship program, I am requesting that at least 20 persons commit to support $20 per 16-week term. Your $20 will assist one student.  Please email me at Sightbeyondmysight@gmail.com if you are interested in receiving more information about the program or the students. 

Velma, the director of the SCBLI assists her students as they search for a passage of scripture during their weekly training. Photos by: Gabriel B. Tait 

A student makes notes while studying about the biblical doctrine of salvation.

Velma asks the students for clarity while discussing the topic of righteousness during training.

Lousine, a youth leader from Monrovia listens to biblical teachings about righteousness.

Students work together to gain clearer insights on how the Bible can direct them in their discipleship.

Five students gave their life to Jesus Christ during the SCBLI training in Monrovia.

God has a sense of humor

Preaching & Singing (the life of a missiologist)

This post is two-fold so please stay with me and keep moving.

Keep Moving

On Sunday, I visited and preached at the New Jerusalem Baptist Church, an African Independent Church/African Indigenous Church (AIC), in the Pipeline community of Monrovia. During the sermon, “Keep Moving, Don’t Lose Your Confidence” (Hebrews 10:35-39), I talked about the believers’ need to keep moving despite the challenges they face.  I told them not to throw away their confidence because in due time they will be richly rewarded.

Silas, right, serves as my Bassa interpreter as I deliver the Sunday morning message.

The congregation’s response to the message was astonishing.  Two persons gave their life to Christ, five women came forward to express their marital problems and asked for prayer, and five men came forward and confessed that they were living a wayward life and had been trying to destroy the church with their words against the church.     When the Pastor William Boen shared this information with me, I cried.

Members of the congregation watch as parishioners stand in the front of church following an invitation to the faith.

The researcher in me did ask Pastor Boen if this was a typical response from the church?  He said no, the outpouring of people coming forward to acknowledge their actions was uncommon for this congregation.  He said they would be planning a prayer meeting in the next couple of weeks to address the issues that were brought forward by the people.  This is the first time I have seen a congregation focused more on the maintenance (at least in the immediacy) of the church, rather than the persons who have given their lives to Christ.  Perhaps their discipleship classes will speak to the issue of new membership.  More research is needed, but not on this assignment.

 

Leader of the Singers

I can’t sing a lick.  In fact, I can’t even hold a note if given a bucket.  So one can imagine the shock and amazement I had when Pastor Boen asked me to say a few words and lead the robing ceremony for their young adult choir. (It was the first ceremony of its kind.)  I laughed (I was partly embarrassed and partly wondering if he was serious).   He looked at me with a stern face. I smiled.  He raised his eyebrows to suggest, “I’m serious you are going to lead the group”.  The negotiation was finished.  I thought to myself this is participant observation never mind your giftedness. I submitted and did as I was asked! Yes, God does have a sense of humor! 

The senior choir director and I assist a young lady with her robe as Pastor Boen works in the background.

What an amazing experience, robing seventeen young adults.  In New Jerusalem, they have contextualized the robing ceremony as a way to set apart the members of the choir for leadership and special service. It’s like Joseph receiving a robe from his father (Gen. 37:3).  “This robe is a symbol,” Pastor Boen said in Bassa.  “You are being called to leadership and to honor the church through your songs and worship,” Boen exclaimed. 

After receiving their robes, the Sr. choir serenaded the newly decked out young adult choir with songs in Bassa and a series of harmonic hand-claps and foot stomps.  The young adults then stood in front of the altar and were honored by the congregation. 

The senior choir signs a hymn of tribute in Bassa to the young adult choir.

Some choir members are over taken with emotion as they are ceremonially pinned in their hair and on their lapels with gifts of candy, scriptures, and money.  The ritual is a way for the congregation to show its support for the person in the group.

A small girl watches as a family member sings during service.

 

History of the Church

Without being to technical, the church is an offshoot of early Baptist missionaries therefore; it is Baptist by denomination and follows a Baptist doctrine. However, the church maintains their independent role because they are self-supporting, collecting 95% of their financial resources from within the congregation. They are self-governing, in that they have developed their own systems of biblical governance and “traditional” order. They are self-propagating, in that the church promotes activities that will grow the 500-member congregation through schools and community development. They are self-theologizing; Pastor William Boen is one of the leaders that translated the Bible into the Bassa language, the indigenous tongue of the congregation. The congregation maintains its indigenous identity because 99% of its members are from one ethnic group, the Bassa ethnic group. The Bassa people are the second largest ethnic group in Liberia.

Riding on the Roller Coaster of Life with Dirty Feet

Several weeks ago I preached a sermon entitled, "Dirty Feet" during a revival and 10th anniversary celebration at the Empowerment Temple AME Church in Congo Town, Liberia.  The sermon looked at the passage found in Romans 10:11-15.  I then highlighted three ways you can tell when people have Godly “Dirty Feet.”  Here are the points:

1. They are people that “Walk by Faith and Not by Sight” --You must believe in the faith that you profess and be willing to be obedient to God’s voice. 
2. They are people that are “Truth Bearers/People with a Purpose”   
3. They are unifiers. 

Members of the Church of the Lord-Aladura in Monrovia, Liberia pray without shoes.  It is their belief that when a worshiper enters the sanctuary they are standing on Holy ground (Exodus 3:2-5).  Photo by: Gabriel B. Tait

 In giving these points I did not realize that I would be tested by God on all and my feet would be soiled.  I guess it's the quintessential question, do you practice what you preach?

One prayer partner even noted:  "Your life is a real roller-coaster:  Visiting a paralyzed student and then meeting two Nobel Peace Prize laureates, celebrating your birthday alone and
then having your chapter published!  So glad SBMS is going well!  :)"

Thanks for the encouragement everyone!

Remembering a budding photographer

On last week I sent a note requesting prayer for Mitchell Roye, a young photographer I was mentoring here in Liberia. He was involved in an auto accident where the driver lost control of the taxi in which he was riding.  Sadly, I received word earlier today that Mitchell died over the weekend.  While I am sure his passing is a tremendous loss for his family and the newspaper, I pray that his legacy in photography and his passion for photographing life will offer some comfort. 

In a bit of irony, in September following an assignment where we were both exhausted, I stopped in the first open building to take a rest.  Unbeknownst to us it was a casket making company.  As we sat watching the crowd passing, drinking water and talking, Mitchell shared how he was uncomfortable sitting in the casket making company. We briefly talked about a life in Christ and watched the two young boys continue making the wood caskets.  Before leaving he joked, “Those caskets are very expensive, thank God I don’t need one.” 

Mitchells’ untimely death is a keen reminder that none of us knows when its time to go.  Today, hug someone important to you, share a kind word with someone you have been unpleasant to, and ask Jesus to come into your heart if you have not.  

SBMS goes into the community to learn

Last week I spent three days presenting my "Sight Beyond My Sight" (SBMS) methodology to a Liberian ethnic group. I am here testing SBMS to see if it is a viable tool for understanding people and their cultures through photography. It was a tremendous experience.

Below please observe some of the photographs the participants made while testing the cameras. Only one participant had ever used a camera. These photographs are not apart of the research but do offer a glimpse into how these people see the world.

Amos shows a photo of two of the community members.

Andrew photographs a reflective instructor (me) as he listens to a question from one of the participants.

Andrews takes the view into the community.

Communication

Olenson shows two students standing in the doorway of the church as the senior pastor of the African Independent Church takes a break.

Olenson photographs a participant as he shares a folktale.

Family portrait!

Trees provide shade for a water well as community members walk through the village.  One community member comments sanitation issues are a major concern, but they do have clean water.

Liberian United Party and President Johnson-Sirleaf kickoff campaign

Today was another busy day.  I didn’t have any meetings or field notes to keep me busy, but I did have an opportunity to get out in the community.  I visited friends at the Liberian Observer and offered to help a new photographer they just hired.  The young man is excited about making pictures.   

Our assignment today was to photograph Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and her Unity Party as they launched their nationwide campaign, Saturday, September 17, 2011 with a parade to Antoinette Tubman Stadium football stadium in Monrovia, Liberia.   Here are a few photos from the day!

Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and her Unity Party launched their nationwide campaign, Saturday, September 17, 2011, with a parade to the Antoinette Tubman Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia. According to news reports, there were tens of thousands of supporters marching the streets.  (Above) A member of the Liberian National Police (LNP) comforts and tries to cool off a Unity Party supporter who fainted during the rally. Liberian elections are scheduled for October 11, 2011. Photo by: Gabriel B. Tait

Members of the Liberian National Police rush a Unity Party supporter to a waiting ambulance after he was overcome with excitement and fainted as Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and her Unity Party launched their nationwide campaign during a rally at Antoinette Tubman Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia, Saturday, September 17, 2011.   Photo by: Gabriel B. Tait

As the campaign parade moved through the streets of Monrovia, Liberian residents excitedly watched the procession from several floors of an abandoned building.  Liberian elections are scheduled for October 11, 2011. Photo by: Gabriel B. Tait

Members of the Liberian Ladies Brigade dance in support of their candidate at one of the campaign substations.  Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and her Unity Party launched their nationwide campaign, with dancing and cheering in the street from their many supporters. Photo by: Gabriel B. Tait

Celestine G. Sepoe, of Grand Kru leads the parade as President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and her Unity Party launched their nationwide campaign, Saturday, September 17, 2011.  The parade marched nearly six miles through the city and culminated with a rally in Antoinette Tubman Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia. Photo by: Gabriel B. Tait   

Celestine G. Sepoe, of Grand Kru making a fashion statement and show of support in the sun for  President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and her Unity Party.

Signs of support for the Unity Party prevailed in the streets. (Above) A supporter shows her UP spirit with a fashion statement!

A Liberian National Police officer keeps a watchful eye on activities in support of unity.

Liberians view the parade from various vantage points.

Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf waves to the crowd on Tubman Blvd. as she and her Unity Party launch their nationwide campaign, Saturday, September 17, Security was extremely tight for the event to ensure a peaceful event. According to news reports there were tens of thousands supporters marching the streets of Monrovia. 

A sea of people in support of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and her Unity Party march on Lynch Street to the Antoinette Tubman Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia, September 17, 2011.  Photo by: Gabriel B. Tait©

Lost in the midst of her supporters President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and her Unity Party launch their campaign with supporters in Monrovia, Liberia. Supporters made the over six mile walk through the street with their candidate to hear her speech at the culminating rally.

Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and her Unity Party members walk toward the stage to address their supporters during a rally celebrating the launch of their nationwide campaign, Saturday, September 17, 2011.

Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf dances on stage in response to supporters at a rally in the Antoinette Tubman Stadium after she and her Unity Party launched their nationwide campaign, Saturday, September 17,  2011.  Liberian elections are scheduled for October 11, 2011. Photo by: Gabriel B. Tait

Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf rallies the crowd as she and her Unity Party launch their nationwide campaign, Saturday, September 17, 2011, at Antoinette Tubman Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia.  According to news reports, there were tens of thousands supporters marching the streets of Monrovia.  Liberian elections are scheduled for October 11, 2011. Photo by: Gabriel B. Tait

Lusire Teah, 33, of Monrovia is encouraged by the crowd while doing push-ups in support of Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and her Unity Party during a campaign launch parade held on September 17, 2011.  

Jonathan who is only known as "Robot Man" does some moves while showing off his body paintings of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and her Unity Party as they launch their nationwide campaign, Saturday, September 17, 2011 at Antoinette Tubman Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia.  According to news reports, there were tens of thousands supporters marching the streets of Monrovia.  Liberian elections are scheduled for October 11, 2011.