God got His hand on this!

This week I want to share a little story about how God works. 

I got an update from Paula Miller, who is with Rick at a Bible Telling conference in the states this week. They sought out an author they admire who writes about large movements of Muslims coming to Christ. When they told him that they work in Sierra Leone, he said one of his protégés is from Sierra Leone, and he happened to be there at the same conference. 

So, Rick and Paula were introduced to this man who has a pretty amazing story by its own merit. He gave up being a paramount chief, which is a high position in tribal government in Sierra Leone, because it would mean renouncing Christ. What a bold statement of faith in a predominantly Muslim culture! This guy is cool! 

But it gets better. It turns out, he is very good friends with one of the Lifegate pastors, Jonathan. This man, who just started more than 450 churches in a very "hard-core"  Muslim area of Nigeria, will be returning to Sierra Leone in December, according to Paula. 

They are hoping he will come visit and partner with Lifegate to inspire and encourage their pastors for continued growth of Christianity in the region. How awesome is that! Praise God for that divine intervention! 

I was so excited when I read this update from Paula that I just had to share! Will you please pray alongside the Millers that this will be a valued partnership leading to exponential growth to their ministry that can only be of God? We know all things are possible for Christ, so make this your prayer for Lifegate this week! 

Making headlines

If you haven't seen it yet, check out the latest Springfield's Own magazine featuring Rick and Paula Miller on the cover. If you don't live close enough to buy one (SJ-R office and Barnes and Noble), you can read the story online HERE.

This was not the point of my mission trip to Sierra Leone, but because of my connections to the State Journal-Register I pitched the story. I prayed, held my breath, and the editor replied asking for a cover story, sidebar and lots of photos. Praise God! What an amazing work he did with one small, short trip. I continue to stand in marvel at it! 

Please pray that this story reaches many, that it would create additional supporters and investors for this ministry, that it would result in salvation for even one more lost sheep. 

Meet Alieu

This is Alieu Sesay. 

He is a fisherman in Brigitte Village. In fact, he just came ashore when we ran into him. It had been a rough couple of days. The boat he was fishing in broke down, and he'd spent the night in the sea. His catch, as you can see, was rather small. 

And yet, he was joyful! What a great illustration of James 1:2-4 in action!

Pastor Justus Koroma first witnessed to him when he moved to Brigitte about a year ago, relocating from the much larger community of Waterloo -- about halfway between Brigitte and Freetown. 

"Jesus has done so many things for me. The church has done so many things for me," Alieu said. "I have peace, joy, happiness."

Before coming to Christ, he reported feeling frequently sick and had no peace of mind. He is hoping fishing is a temporary stop for him, as he said he'd like to do something else to sustain his life. 

Please pray for Alieu, that he may find purpose with Jesus and perhaps even a new calling on life through Lifegate's Bible Telling School!