At Impact A Life Foundation, our focus is to come alongside communities to raise up local leaders and build self-sustainability. This means that when we travel to Sierra Leone, our trips look different than the typical missions trip you may be familiar with. You will not see pictures of volunteers building a home or presenting a western solution because as we’ve developed as a ministry, we believe God has called us to something different. We feel called to be alongsiders, supporting and giving the resources for their communities to “do” for themselves. This has built a sense of community ownership and self-sustainability, allowing local communities to thrive.
So when we sent one of our board members to Sierra Leone this last month, the purpose was more relational than project driven. While checking in on projects, problem-solving and planning are a part of our time in country, the main focus is discipleship, relationship building, and ensuring Christ-centered projects. This is what makes a holistic ministry. The social and spiritual aspects of ministry go hand in hand.
Upon his return, we asked our board member what was the most impactful moment of his recent trip to Sierra Leone. This is what he told us:
“After our Sunday service, there were 8 new believers who wished to be baptized. ILF’s local pastor led the baptisms in the local river while I assisted, and it was truly beautiful to watch each person, with a new understanding of the God who loves them, being baptized as a symbol of their new faith. It was when 8-year-old Abass stepped into the river that tears filled my eyes. I recognized him as the student that my children began sponsoring 2 years before. I was later able to share with my kids that the prayers, letters and investment they have made into his life was making a difference, and he had given his life to Jesus.”
- Britan C.
Upon his return, we asked our board member what was the most impactful moment of his recent trip to Sierra Leone. This is what he told us:
“After our Sunday service, there were 8 new believers who wished to be baptized. ILF’s local pastor led the baptisms in the local river while I assisted, and it was truly beautiful to watch each person, with a new understanding of the God who loves them, being baptized as a symbol of their new faith. It was when 8-year-old Abass stepped into the river that tears filled my eyes. I recognized him as the student that my children began sponsoring 2 years before. I was later able to share with my kids that the prayers, letters and investment they have made into his life was making a difference, and he had given his life to Jesus.”
- Britan C.
Get Involved!
Over the years, ILF has been able to bring volunteers from many backgrounds to volunteer in Sierra Leone and perhaps you might feel a stirring to participate in what God is doing there. The greatest asset you bring is a love for the people and the ability to spend time engaging with them. If you cannot travel to Sierra Leone to do this, we have other opportunities to engage with the community through child sponsorship, becoming a prayer partner, or volunteering.