On Sunday October 31st, Hope International Church, based in Dallas Fort Worth with a Sierra Leonean pedigree, made yet another historical landmark when it surprised its Senior Pastor, Emmanuel Kwasi Botchway (top photo), with a brand new Suzuki Sports Utility during its first pastor appreciation day service.
The 750-seater church was crammed to capacity last evening by members of the Hope International congregation, neighboring sister churches, family and friends to witness history.
Indeed, it was reassuring to Sierra Leoneans and Liberians especially in the HEB community to see how much of a difference their community is making relative to other communities around.
It will be recalled that this church was established on the 17th of January, 2010 and ten months later, with God’s favor, it proudly stands now as the biggest Sierra Leonean church if not the biggest African church in the Metroplex.
Since its inception, Sierra Leoneans are beginning to reclaim some of the spiritual glory that the nation was well known for. This latest public display of reverence to God is unheard of anywhere among Africans in Texas.
It is Biblical for a church to recognize and honor the godly ministers who serve faithfully the flock of God. Paul wrote the following words to the church at Thessalonica:
“Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work...” (I Thessalonians 5:12-13)
It is clear from scripture that the faithful and dedicated ministers of our churches are worthy of appreciation and honor.
Following what we witnessed last evening, Hope International Church has proven to be a beacon of pride and hope for Sierra Leoneans, Liberians and all hopefuls in the metroplex and beyond.
If Pastor Appreciation Day is held to provide an excellent opportunity for a church to affirm her love and appreciation for those who are called by God and the churches to lead us in fulfilling the Great Commission, then we can say without any reservation that Hope International Church has raised the bar higher.
In his reflection of the pastor’s vision for the church, the Church Administrator, Christian Foday Sesay, spoke on the vision of hope for the hopeless.
“Pastor Botchway’s vision is a holistic one which concentrates on the total man - a vision that transforms hopelessness into hopefulness. Our support for the pastor is premised on the belief that he has a space in his heart for everyone in the congregation regardless of your situation or circumstances in life”, he said.
In making the presentation, Doris Bangura, fondly dubbed “Church Mother”, thanked the pastor for his faithfulness to God and the people he oversees. “Pastor Botchway, your faithfulness and sincerity towards your sheep has earned you this modest token of appreciation which should be used for the expansion of God’s kingdom”.
In receiving the keys to his new sports utility vehicle, Pastor Botchway was overwhelmed at the generosity of his congregation. As he was literally dragged outside by Sis. Maria Jobe, Hope’s Financial Secretary and Doris Bangura to see his new found treasure, tears of joy flooded his face. In his remarks, he said, “I came to this ministry to help the hopeless but little did I know, that I was planting a seed for myself.” He went on to say that, “Whatever the kind of car that God will bless me with in the future, this car will still be labeled as the best thing that ever happened to me.”
The service ended with a dinner in the exquisite and well decorated fellowship hall in the church.
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