Sierra Leone

Overview

Sierra Leone, a nation of West Africa, has a population of about 6 million people. English is the official language, but Krio (the more commonly spoken language) is the one that unites the countries many people groups with their diverse ethnicities and languages. After becoming an independent nation in 1961, government corruption and mismanagement of natural resources led to a bloody civil war from 1991 to 2002. The war devastated the country, leaving 50,000 dead and 2 million displaced as refugees. Since then, the Ebola outbreak in 2014 greatly burdened the weak healthcare infrastructure and led to a negative spiral of economic downturn. Despite the country's rich natural wealth, 70% of the people live in poverty.

Freedom of religion in Sierra Leone has given opportunity for the church to grow, but has also allowed for the growth of Islam (about 60% of the population) as well as the introduction and spread of cultic religion and teachings. There is also a significant spread and acceptance of false prosperity gospel teachings. In addition, many people have syncretistic systems of belief that incorporate animistic and Islamic elements into their own forms of Christianity. Pray for more laborers to be raised up who deeply know God and his truth.

                                                             Sources: Wikipedia, Joshua Project, and Operation World

HeartCry Missionary

Emmanuel Komba

Church Planter - Freetown, Sierra Leone

Emmanuel is a 2015 graduate of Kabwata Baptist Church's internship program and has an associate's degree in theology. He returned to his home country in September 2015 ... read more