By: Pastor Ezekiel A. Koroma
On Sunday, April 7, 2024, I began my ministry at John Obey Village Church. This marked the start of a journey filled with both joy and challenges. To help reduce transportation costs, I was provided with a motorcycle, which made it easier for me to travel around the village and reach people with the Word of God.
On my first Sunday, only six people attended the service, including myself. I later learned that the church once had many members, but the number had declined over time due to various reasons. Initially, I focused my sermons on the importance of having strong faith in God. However, after preaching for a few weeks, I realized that many of the attendees were not saved. They primarily came for the free healthcare, clothing, and other services provided by Safe Place Outreach Organization. I understood then that they needed to hear the foundational message of salvation before anything else.
Just as newborn babies require milk to grow before they can eat solid food, these new believers needed simple teachings of the gospel. As the Bible says in 1 Peter 2:2: “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.” Therefore, I began teaching about salvation, faith in Jesus, sanctification, baptism, repentance, restitution, Christian worship, and how to find answers to life’s problems through God.
Throughout this first year, I faced many challenges, which I categorized into two groups: ministry challenges and personal challenges.
Ministry Challenges:
The challenges I encountered included a low number of church attendees. Some members had relocated, while others became preoccupied with sand mining. A few only attended during free clinics or clothing donations. Due to these circumstances, the church was struggling to grow both spiritually and numerically. Nonetheless, I continued to pray, preach, and love the people, believing that, by God’s grace, the church would flourish.
Personal Challenges:
On a personal level, I faced moments of tiredness, discouragement, and loneliness. However, I grasped onto God’s promises. As stated in Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
To address these challenges, I took practical steps by establishing cell groups for fellowship and Bible study. We organized regular prayer meetings and baptism classes for new believers. Additionally, I initiated seminars and conferences to help individuals grow in their faith. To support the members physically, we encouraged participation in an agricultural project and a Village Savings and Loan (VSL) program to promote self-reliance.
These initiatives brought hope and growth. They also helped shape the vision I now have for the church: “Rooted in Christ, Growing in Faith, Transforming Communities.” This vision signifies that we are deeply connected to Jesus Christ, are growing in faith, and are dedicated to bringing about positive change in our community—both spiritually and physically.
From this journey, I’ve learned many valuable lessons that I hope others can embrace. Start small but remain faithful—God honors that. Understand the needs of the people you serve. Teach according to their spiritual level. Always pray, for prayer brings divine guidance. Show love to the community not just through words but through actions. Trust in God’s timing—growth takes time, but God is always at work.
I kindly ask that you join me in prayer for the following:
- That every church member comes to know Jesus personally.
- That the church grows spiritually and physically.
- That God sends more workers and leaders to join the ministry.
- That the VSL and agricultural projects empower families.
- That I remain faithful, humble, and strong in my calling.
This first year at John Obey Village Church has been a time of learning, testing, and blessings. I have witnessed how God works through challenges, and I believe that the best is yet to come. Though we started with few, I trust that through prayer, love, and faithfulness, we will become a strong and fruitful church.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I pray it encourages you to keep trusting God in your own journey of faith.
