On Sunday, December 6, 2009, The Light of Christ International Fellowship Ministries was formally launched at Ramada Inn, Somerset, New Jersey. A spiritually-uplifting event that was attended by many Sierra Leoneans in the Somerset/New Brunswick area, the occasion was graced by a dazzling array of religious dignitaries. At exactly 10:00 am, the ceremony commenced with intensive intercessory prayers led by the worship leader, Associate Pastor Tenneh Cole.
In her welcoming remarks, Mrs. Kadie Kuyateh acknowledged and recognized the presence of patrons, visitors, Churches, and representatives of the various Sierra Leonean organizations. She also outlined the weekly activities of the Church, which include prayer meetings, Bible studies, praise and worship practices etc. “We invite you to join the Ministry in order to expand the Kingdom of God not only in New Jersey, but other states and all over the world,” Mrs.Kuyateh concluded.
The Assistant Pastor, Abu Fahbundeh, in his exhortation on tithes and offering, encouraged members to give on to the Lord. He made reference to the Book of Leviticus 27:30-31… ”Tithing is Holy to the Lord.” And he called on the congregation to obey this Biblical saying in order to tap more Godly Blessings.
Pastor Fahbundeh also addressed the congregation on the history of the Church. He furthered that the Ministry was birthed in Freetown, Sierra Leone in December 2008. In February 2009, the Church was formally incorporated by the United States Government, with headquarters established in Somerset, New Jersey. “The Church believes in empowering God’s elected and saints to get to those places where we are all in oneness as a body, to the glory of Him alone, and to live to appreciate the abundance of God’s Grace, His Mercy and Love for all souls.” He quoted Isaiah 60: 1: “Arise, shine, for the light has come and the Glory of thy Lord is risen upon us.” The young and exuberant pastor humbly called on the visitors to join in the promotion of the Church and in taking the light to dark places.
The founder and visionary of the Church is the Sr. Pastor, Kolleh Samura, and the Co-visionaries are Pastors Abu Fahbundeh and Tenneh Cole. These visionaries positively responded to the call of God to establish His Kingdom in Sierra Leone and then in the United States of America. “They are ready and determined to spread the WORD OF GOD, and would work tirelessly to ensuring that many souls are won into the Kingdom of God, “ assured a senior member of the newly-established church who asked that he not be identified.
At the climax of the ceremony, Bishop Alfred Smith from the Word of Life Church in Maryland formally ordained Pastors Kolleh and Abu Fahbundeh. Pastor Gibrilla Bangura introduced the Bishop as a true man of God who has developed love for Sierra Leone. “He has visited the country two times and opened an orphanage home in Freetown,” Pastor Gibrilla told the enthusiastic congregation.
Speaking to the ordained Pastors, Bishop Smith said that they had been chosen by God to take the Ministry to places where it has never existed. He advised them to meaningfully utilize the available resources for God’s work. “As Pastors, you should preach the truth with love, convey God’s message everywhere, and maintain unstained character; act as servants and not masters, live by good example, rejoice for the successes of others, and refrain from self judgments and praises, “Bishop Smith exhorted.”Faithfulness, humility, care, patience, peace and love, are very significant in performing the work of God, the Bishop emphasized.
The Bishop then made this pronouncement:”Well done thou good and faithful servants; you are now formally ordained as pastors of the Light of Christ International Fellowship Ministries, on this day of December 6, 2009. “He then issued them signed certificates of ordination. Other Pastors and Church Ministers joined the Bishop and offered fervent prayers for God’s anointing on them.
Before serving the Holy Communion, the Bishop dedicated the Church to God and prayed for guidance, unity, favor and everlasting existence.
The Guest Preacher, Pastor Gibrilla Bangura, was introduced by Mr. M. B. Attila, as a dynamic man of God, who first served as a Pastor of Faith Assembly Church in Freetown. He also served as Pastor of Bread of Life Church in Virginia, and is currently the Sr. Pastor of Christ is Lord Ministries in Virginia. Pastor Bangura is also a graduate student of Theology and Divinity at Howard University in Washington DC, according to A.B. Attila, who rocked the congregation with his “spiritual reggae.”
Pastor Bangura’s sermon was based on the theme: WE HAVE COME TOO FAR TO GO BACK. First, he testified about the goodness of GOD who has blessed him abundantly. These blessings could have been lost if he had decided to go back to those activities he used to do before becoming a Born Again Believer. He encouraged the congregation to hold on to the Lord and deepen their faiths, since the race is for those with endurance to the end. “Never give up or lose hope on any genuine venture you have undertaken, but to trust in Jesus Christ since your miracle is on the way,” Pastor Bangura said.
In a joyful mood, Pastor Bangura further said that he came to the ceremony to bless, uplift, and pray for the Ministry and congregation, and hence encouraged attendees to be steadfast in the Lord and support the Church. “Never allow the devil to manipulate you since you have come too far to go back.”
He justified his message by referring to the Book of 1st Samuel chapter 9: 1-10 and many other scriptures. He narrated on the blessings Saul received when he and his servant never abandoned searching for his father’s donkeys. Eventually, he was transformed into the first King of the land of Israel. “If Saul had gone back because of the obstacles they were confronted with, he would have missed those blessings from God.”
Continuing, Pastor Bangura referred to the story of Job in the Book of Job Chapter 29: 1-10. Job, he said,” lost everything he had, but never gave up even though his wife advised him to rebel against God.” As a result, Job received favor from God.
He concluded his sermon by inviting the congregation to the Altar and offered prayers for them. Also, he launched the Church building pledge by briefly delving into Exodus chapter 36:1-5, and encouraged attendees to invest in God’s Kingdom. This pledge received positive response from the congregation.
Pastor Kolleh, in his vote thanks, said that the huge turn out at the launching ceremony was a clear manifestation of the favor of God. He was very much grateful and thankful to God and the Savior Jesus Christ. He expressed his deep and profound appreciation for the support given by Bishop Smith and team, Pastor Gibrilla, Churches, other organizations, families, friends, and even the children. He also expressed his satisfaction for the performances by the Shining Stars and the shining light under the leadership of Mrs. Agatha Demby. He blessed everybody that graced the occasion and thanked God for their lives.
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