Discipleship and Evangelism Training

I wanted to share with you a short write-up I did for our Discipleship and Evangelism program recently:

“Go tell it on the mountain
over the hills and everywhere
Go tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is Lord.”

Sixty-four lower level graduates proudly sang these words in a hilltop church of Vahun on their graduation day, May 5, 2009. Excitement was in the air as the participants waited patiently for their certificate and Bible, marking their completion of the discipleship and evangelism course for 2009. Among the sixty-four graduates were three women, a new and exciting concept for the church in the Vahun District of Lofa County.



The Vahun district is no different than the other areas in Liberia that are receiving this same program, for the whole country of Liberia has experienced unbelievable heartache and turmoil. In 1993, six Senegalese Peacekeepers, doing their best to protect the citizens of Vahun, were caught in the middle of Charles Taylor’s forces and were brutally murdered. The people of Vahun refer to it as the “day of terror.” But they have moved on. They have moved on and are moving forward. Residents have returned after fleeing for their safety, rebuilding their churches with the help of Samaritan’s Purse. Rebuilding their congregations, rebuilding their leadership.

A. Francis Brima

When A. Francis Brima returned to his home in 1991 and again in 2005, he stated, “I know God is present in Vahun. I just know it.” He, along with sixty-three other participants, chose to build their foundation further. But this time it is a foundation that will last for eternity. “I needed this course to help me trust in the Lord. I needed it to build my foundation of faith. There are villages around Vahun that do not have any Christians at all. They need to know about Christ too. They need to have their frustrations forgiven also.”

Gabriel Ansumana

Twenty-two year old Gabriel Ansumana held his certificate and Bible proudly after the ceremony, although he could not see them. Gabriel lost his sight in 2001 after having a dream about a snake attack, which left him blind. When asked why he wanted to attend the leadership classes, he responded, “The Gospel of Christ needs to move and I want to be there. I want to teach about love, and the love you need to have for your friends. I want to share with others, what I have learned myself.”

The Vahun district was not in the original plans for the program this year. But because of the dire need for leadership training in this district, an additional Lower Level class was added. This increased the original number of 1080 to 1144 persons attending Lower Level Training.


*** On a total side note... after the graduation ceremony, I was looking for certain participants to interview. I saw Gabriel and approached him about going outside where the noise was less, so I could ask him a few questions. He quickly agreed. So I held his arm and led him towards the frond door of the church, where there were three steep steps down. We were on the top step when I turned to him to tell him that we were going to take our first step downward. At this same time, someone came on the other side of Gabriel to help, but there was not enough space for all three of us on the step. Thinking there was enough space to my right to move over, I took a step.... and fell down three more! No worries, I had let go of Gabriel's arm so I was the only one who took the fall... but talk about the blind leading the blind!