Sierra Leone Eyeglass Team
March 25 - April 8, 2008
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Ethnic Groups:
Twenty African ethnic groups 90% (Temne 30%, Mende 30%, other 30%), Creole
(Krio) 10% and a small number of Europeans, Lebanese, Pakistanis and Indians.
Languages:
English (official, regular use limited to literate minority), Mende (principal
vernacuar in the south), Temne (principal vernacular in the north), Krio
(English-based Creole)
Religions:
Muslim 60%, Christian 10%, indigenous beliefs 30%
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FACT- LCMS Missionaries based in Sierra Leone, conduct agricultural training in Sierra Leone as well as in Liberia and Guinea. They share, "The Word not only reveals the way of salvation—Christ—but also guides us in our daily walk. With that confidence, we train about agriculture as a gift from God to mankind."
FACT- Freedom of religion has allowed the steady increase of Islam.
FACT- Sierra Leone is an extremely poor nation with tremendous inequality in income distribution. While it possesses substantial mineral, agricultural, and fishery resources, its economic and social infrastructure is not well developed and serious social disorders continue to hamper economic development.
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PRAY- LCMS mission work began in Sierra Leone in 1983. Before the Liberian civil war in 1990, there were 85 churches in both Liberia and Sierra Leone. It is estimated that now there are more than 400 Lutheran churches and preaching stations. Pray for the ongoing spread of the Gospel in this war-torn nation.
PRAY- Praise God that people in Liberia and Sierra Leone are coming to faith in Jesus Christ. Pray for these new Christians who face sever pressure from traditional believers, secret society members and local religious leaders and their followers.
PRAY- For the supplies and luggage to arrive with the team.
PRAY- For team members as they prepare spiritually, physically and mentally for the work.
PRAY- For the host as they prepare for the team.