2022 is off to an exciting start for ILF as we continue witnessing God’s vision unfolding in ways beyond our imagination and strength. Earlier this month, (February) we visited the communities in Mankneh and Mamansu in Sierra Leone. Witnessing how ILF Africa team was growing in their faith and spiritual leadership was a testament to God’s holistic vision in action. From the new partnership with Branda Medical center (to perform extensive lifesaving hernia surgeries), to working with local spiritual strength SOJO Ministry and Reverend Sidie Papayo to strengthen ILF’s Holistic Outreach. Working together, led by the Holy Spirit to form a deeper and more relational connection with surrounding communities. We also were excited to meet the new Revive Africa Jr. High students for the first time (the only free Christian secondary school in the region).

ILF has been active in Sierra Leone since 2016 and as we serve these communities in the past 6 years, we continually are reminded that community transformation is a relational process rooted in care, grace, love and most importantly patience. That God is in no hurry and when we rid ourselves of the desire to achieve, to arrive and to measure based on our earthly standards, He will start a revelation in us, through us and by us… one layer at a time, one hope at a time, and one life at a time.

And you are a very important part this relational process. Your prayers, support and your partnership are all instrumental in our journey. With you alongside, we feel privileged to be a part of this global community that is set to

Empower, Engage, Equip and Serve in the name of Jesus.

We are grateful.

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A holistic ministry that:

Engages LF’ Soccer program was created in 2019 by volunteers and since, it has become an important part of our ministry to engage the youth in the communities. Record juggle today was 102 from a child close to 10 years old! Read more Get Involved

Empowers ILF’s secondary school is the first in the area and serves students from ILF’s primary village but also surrounding areas. Read more Get Involved

Serves A new partnership! Branda Hospital will be completing 10 new hernia repair surgeries per week as our wait list has increased due to the significant need in the country. Read more Get Involved

“Be the Doers of the Word and not Hearers only.”

James 1:22

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Holistic Education This episode: “Leadership” Throughout the New Testament, we see the principle of leading by example being taught and demonstrated by Jesus and the Apostles. Hear More

Health & Wellness A third of West Africa’s population are between the age of 10–24. These youth are growing up in an environment plagued by poverty, limited educational opportunities, health threatening diseases, and weak social control Learn More

ILF’s holistic ministry entails more than sponsoring a program. It goes beyond short-term, relief-oriented aid. It is a promise of hope, it is a confirmation of God’s grace. Thank you for helping us to make an impact.

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Last month we reflected on the many things that God accomplished through ILF during 2021! Each year we look back and thank Him for His provision over this ministry and the direction He provides!

As we start 2022, we are excited to let you know that in just a few weeks, the members of ILF’s Board, along with one volunteer will be making a trip back to Sierra Leone to spend time with the communities we serve. The team will be gone for 10 days, with much of our time spent engaging with and equipping the ILF staff and local leadership. There are a number of projects that we are considering this year, but as as a Holistic Ministry we believe that any projects we pursue should be organized and led by local leadership and community members. By engaging with the community, equipping and empowering community members with the tools and resources they need, we know that true transformation can happen!

Just like each year prior, we know that God has specific plans for ILF in 2022! We ask that you would come alongside of us this year in prayer. Pray for clear direction, for safety during our travels, for strength and perseverance for the Sierra Leone ILF team and that God would continue to transform hearts and minds for Him!

Sincerely,

ILF Board of Directors

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A holistic ministry that:

Engages LF puts strong emphasis on engaging with the community during our visits! Child Sponsorship is one of the ways that YOU can engage with the children of Sierra Leone! We ask that you prayerfully consider sponsoring a child today. Get Involved

Empowers The ILF Team in Sierra Leone has created a Brick Making vocational ministry that is empowering members of the community to provide for their families, while creating a product that is helping literally “build” communities! Get Involved

Serves Through ILF’s Holistic Outreach, a message of love and hope is being shared with neighboring communities that no other relief has been able to reach. Get Involved

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ILF Podcast: “Integrity” “Integrity… is one of the most important pillars for a believer.” Hear More

Christian Education “Education is one of the most powerful ways to reduce poverty and improve health…” Christian Education is an important part of ILF’s holistic ministry. Learn More

ILF’s holistic ministry entails more than sponsoring a program. It goes beyond short-term, relief-oriented aid. It is a promise of hope, it is a confirmation of God’s grace. Thank you for helping us to make an impact.

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The above picture is the ILF leadership team. It represents different tribes, backgrounds, and stories of teachers, nannies, security guards, directors and cooks. All these people work towards the same goal because of what Jesus has done for them and what they are seeing God do in Sierra Leone. What God has and is doing is simply miraculous, and our hope is that over the last year you have seen a glimpse of this as so many of you have sponsored a child, been a prayer or financial partner or have listened to ILF stories over a cup of coffee.

To quote one of the above leaders, “Jesus gave himself for us and continues to show [His] love for us by providing food, school, a place to worship. I will serve Him because I love him, and because He first loved me…”

With Christmas just a few days away, we are reminded that all ILF has done and will do is because Jesus first loved us. We want to wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas as well as a heartfelt ‘thank you’ for your partnership with us over the last year. We are thankful for the family of ILF supporters and volunteers, and we are humbled that we can stand together alongside communities in Sierra Leone with you all.

Sincerely,

ILF Board of Directors

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A holistic ministry that:

Engages Connecting with One Another Child Sponsorship is a way to connect with, pray for and grow with children in Sierra Leone. If you and your family are interested, please consider sponsorship! Get Involved

Empowers Building Community Leaders ILF’s sustainability program is teaching all ages the importance of health, nutrition and farming. This is holistic ministry in action! Get Involved

Serves Did You Know? Impact a Life foundation (ILF) was started in 2007 as a humanitarian outreach to underprivileged areas in India and Nepal. Pictured is Cyrus Mafi, founder and current Chairman. Hear more of our story here. Get Involved

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Holistic Leadership Training

Humility

“The Christian tradition unequivocally affirms that humility is a virtue. Christians did not invent humility as a virtue ― it is there in the Hebrew scriptures already ― but Christian scripture and subsequent Christian thought put humility at the center of the moral life in an unprecedented way…”

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Holistic Ministry Education library: Click here

ILF’s holistic ministry entails more than sponsoring a program. It goes beyond short-term, relief-oriented aid. It is a promise of hope, it is a confirmation of God’s grace. Thank you for helping us to make an impact.

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In a season that is filled with uncertainty, we certainly can choose to have much to be grateful for. Today, because of your dedication, support, and trust, ILF continues to promote a message of hope to those who God has called us to serve.

Since ILF Started its ministry in 2007, thousands of lives have been impacted through God’s holistic vision in our ministry.

• Many remote communities in India, Nepal and Africa are transformed and now have access to clean water
• Children who once had no hope in their future, now have the opportunity to receive free education and have access to free medical care
• 100’s of life saving hernia repair operations have been performed
• Over 500 free nutrition rich meals are currently served through Revive Africa Christian schools
• By the grace of God, we have witnessed over a thousand salvations in Sierra Leone Africa
• During the pandemic, thousands of home-made masks were distributed
• Through the ILF Holistic Outreach, a massage of love and hope was shared in the remote communities that no other relief agency was able to reach.

During a season filled with uncertainty, we would like to invite you to join us and choose “gratitude” to be the message of Thanksgiving this year.

Gratitude for those opportune moments when in God’s grace, together, we can be the salt and the light of hope shining through the clouds of hopelessness.

Gratitude for what your encouragement, generosity and faithful presence have meant to the lives that are impacted by it.

Gratitude for the holistic vision in which, we are called to Empower, Equip, Engage and SERVE!

On behalf of the ILF family, we hope you and your loved ones are filled with gratitude, as you celebrate Thanksgiving this year.

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A holistic ministry that:

Engages Community transformation Holistic transformation of the life of a child is a community effort, but it starts one day at the time. Join us to connect with and support children in Sierra Leone Africa, pray for them and help them build a more confident and successful future. Get Involved

Empowers GIVING TUESDAY 11.30 is Giving Tuesday. Every year ILF receives needed funds towards specific projects and this year is no different. Our hope is to expand our feeding program, providing necessary nutrition for children in multiple villages. We need your help! Please consider us as this special day approaches. Get Involved

Serves Community Partner Highlight Meet Jacob (pictured left). Jacob has been a supporter of ILF for several years through prayer support, financial giving, encouraging the team and he was part of 2017 volunteer team in Sierra Leone. He is humble, generous and engaging and we are so grateful for the time and support he has invested in ILF! Read more here. Get Involved

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Holistic Leadership Training

Dependence

When we talk about dependence, we usually think about strong characters in our lives who we often rely on. To describe their strength, we use phrases like self-sufficient, independent, capable and often idolize people who poses such qualities, like our parents, our political heroes, our friends, our spouse or even ourselves at times. And when they fall short of our expectation, we often plea our disappointment to God and pose the question “why?”…

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Holistic Ministry Education library: Click here

ILF’s holistic ministry entails more than sponsoring a program. It goes beyond short-term, relief-oriented aid. It is a promise of hope, it is a confirmation of God’s grace. Thank you for helping us to make an impact.

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Since first coming to Sierra Leone in 2016, ILF has seen remarkable changes in the lives of those we have encountered. Lives that were once riddled with illness from a contaminated water source, now have access to clean drinking water from a well built by the community. Hundreds of lives that suffered from life threatening hernias, have now received the necessary surgeries and are hernia free. Lives suffering from illnesses common to Sierra Leone, such as malaria, typhoid, and diarrhea, now have access to medications to make them well. Lives are being changed…

These positive changes in physical health within the communities ILF serves have brought about remarkable changes in the mental health as well. A community that once embraced a mindset of poverty, is now working to create a brick-making business to employ members of their community. Two communities that once had very little access to education, now have a primary and secondary school that was built by members of the community and is educating grades preschool through grade seven. As we shared last month, children at Revive Christian School have embraced their education and have hope for their future. Lives are being changed…

As we have watched physical and mental health improve, we have also seen lives transformed spiritually. A community that was once predominantly Muslim, has been touched by the love of Christ and now calls the majority Christians. We thank Jesus for all He is doing in the hearts and minds of our friends in Sierra Leone!

This month we CELEBRATE all that God has done and continues to do in Sierra Leone and we thank you for your prayers and continued financial support!

“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only…” – James 1:22

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A holistic ministry that:

Engages ILF Sustainability Program ILF’s sustainability program aims to come along side members of the community to flourish and become pillars of strength, inspired leaders, and faithful providers through the following programs: Adult Vocational Program Literacy program Sustainable farming programs Community hygiene education Get Involved

Empowers Brick Making Program A vocational ministry empowering people to provide for their families and build their communities for and by locals communities. Get Involved

Serves Child Sponsorship At ILF, we believe that children in developing communities like Mankneh, Sierra Leone need to be cared for holistically in order to thrive and flourish! Child Sponsorship provides these children with opportunities to learn and grow physically, mentally and spiritually. Get Involved

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Holistic Leadership Training

Courage

What is courage? As a Christian, courage is the willingness to set fear aside and say or do the right thing regardless of the earthly cost. Courage involves taking a risk and it is always produced by faith. As Christians, we are called to be courageous for our faith…

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Holistic Ministry Education library: Click here

ILF’s holistic ministry entails more than sponsoring a program. It goes beyond short-term, relief-oriented aid. It is a promise of hope, it is a confirmation of God’s grace. Thank you for helping us to make an impact.

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This month, ILF celebrates over 200 students returning to school after summer break. Nearly all of these children are the first in their family lines to attend school of any kind, with the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty for their families and communities. While last year presented many challenges due to Coronavirus, we come into a new school year full of excitement, and much to celebrate!

Revive Christian School students who took the national exam scored an average of 98%, processes and curriculums have become more refined, and staff report an increased determination and unity amongst each other and for their students. We also enter this new school year with the opening of the first secondary school in the area. This allows our graduating students to continue in a gospel centered school setting as well as giving more communities access to our school programs.

This last May, our Board of Directors were able to attend the primary school graduation ceremony in Mankneh. They listened as each student shared what they wanted to be when they were older: “teacher,” “doctor,” even the “President of Sierra Leone” were shared by the proud and enthused students.

When a child who once had little hope, can stand tall and share his or her ambition to be a president or doctor, we know God is doing something significant, beyond what we could have planned or imagined. We know that being a prayer focused ministry, paired with the support of volunteers and financial givers, God will continue to move greatly through ILF. So, we continually thank God for directing us, and thank each of you for your investment in this ministry.

“Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6

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A holistic ministry that:

Engages ILF Sustainability Program ILF’s sustainability program aims to come along side members of the community to flourish and become pillars of strength, inspired leaders, and faithful providers through the following programs: Adult Vocational Program Literacy program Sustainable farming programs Community hygiene education Get Involved

Empowers Brick Making Program A vocational ministry empowering people to provide for their families and build their communities for and by locals communities. Get Involved

Serves Child Sponsorship At ILF, we believe that children in developing communities like Mankneh, Sierra Leone need to be cared for holistically in order to thrive and flourish! Child Sponsorship provides these children with opportunities to learn and grow physically, mentally and spiritually. Get Involved

Check out what’s new!

Holistic Leadership Training Commitment The subject of commitment runs through the whole Bible, and it lies at the heart of our relationship with God. As we learn of Jesus’ love for us, it will draw into further commitment to Him. This will impact the way we love, lead and respond in daily life. Click Here to Hear More Holistic Ministry Education library: Click here

Community Partner Highligh Meet Jemina! Jemina has been parterning with ILF in raising funds through social media, encouraging the ILF team and through personal giving. Due to her generosity, ILF was able to clear the waitlist and allow for the completion of over 200 hernia repair sugeries. Her generosity and care for people has made a huge impact in the lives of others.Thank you, Jemina, for all you do as we partner together to end poverty and lift people up in Sierra Leone. Get Involved

ILF’s holistic ministry entails more than sponsoring a program. It goes beyond short-term, relief-oriented aid. It is a promise of hope, it is a confirmation of God’s grace. Thank you for helping us to make an impact.

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Click to download the audio version of “Holistic Education: Christian Priority”

This week, we shall be discussing on “priority” in our ILF Holistic Christian Education

Many young Christian men and even some older Christian men struggle with knowing what things in life should be important to them.

What should your priorities as a Christian man be?

Even if you think you know what God says your priorities should be – how do you order your priorities as a Christian man?

First, let’s look at what a priority is….

What is a Priority?

A priority is something that is important to us, something that we care about.

If something is important to us, then we will show that by our deeds. For instance, the Bible tells us that if our faith is truly important to us, we will demonstrate that in our works.

“Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. – James 2:15-18

To place God as the number one priority for our lives means that we make a conscious decision to set aside our own selfish desires and distractions and focus on the love and grace of Jesus Christ.

A formal analysis of the Gospels yields 8 priorities to emulate:

1. Healing
2. Love
3. Prayer
4. Confidence in the treasures in heaven
5. Oneness with God
6. Spreading the word
7. Innocence
8. Humility

With this in mind, here are some tips that can help you make God your first priority:

1. Start Each Day in the Word. Spending time in the Word each morning can help you to set your intentions for the day and align your plans with God’s.
2. Get Involved in a Christian Community…
3. Rest in the Lord.

Discipleship is learning from the One who called us to join Him on this journey; called us to learn, on this journey, how to live life in the Kingdom and seek ‘his righteousness’ (Mt 6:33) as the priority in life.

In reflecting on your Christian priorities, please tell us…

How do you order your priorities as a Christian?

Roland

ILF

Click to download the audio version of “Holistic Education: Obedience”

Good morning friends.

Whenever the apostle Paul would write a letter to a church, he began with this greeting: “grace and peace from God our father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” I would like to begin our time today with the same greeting, because in Jesus we have grace and peace in our lives! So grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ to each one of you!

Last week, our brother Anthony shared with us the importance of leadership and 7 principles of effective leaders based on the life of Jesus. One of the Bible verses he shared was John 13:15, in which Jesus says, “For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done for you.” This is such a powerful verse and I would like each of us to memorize. Why? It because it is important and relates to every single topic we share in these leadership trainings! It is also important today for our topic as well.

Today we are talking about the topic of obedience.

I often think of children when I think about the need for obedience. In Ephesians 6:1, it states: “Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” I can picture the children of Revive Christian school the many times I have visited when they come to the chapel and much like I see in so many of you, I remember Ms. Kadiatu powerful presence. I have never seen so many obedient children when someone enters a room!

But we can see that throughout the Bible, the topic of obedience is not just concerning children, but every one of us.

In Colossians 3:18, wives are also called upon to be submissive to their partners as this is fitting with the lord.

Husbands are asked to treat their wives with respect in 1 Peter 3:7 which says, “Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as partners and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers”

We see in Philippians 2:8 that even Jesus himself showed obedience when it says “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death even death on a cross.”

So let’s take a moment and talk about obedience in the Christian faith:

At the heart of what it means to be a disciple of our Lord is living in loving devotion to God. But if such love is real, the true test is obedience. Jesus says, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Genuine love for Christ will always manifest itself in obedience to his will.

Now, does this mean that a Christian can and or will live a sinless life? Certainly not!  Neither does it imply that a believer will never disobey God again. Acts of disobedience will still occur. But the new birth as a Christian does give a new heart that desires to obey the Word. this is what God says:

And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. (Ezek. 36:26–27)

Let’s call this a heart transplant, because now God causes the believer to pursue Spirit-energized obedience rather than sin. The Apostle John agrees when he writes, “And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments” (1 John 2:3).

When Jesus preached, “Repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:14–15), this was issued as an urgent obedience. The gospel is more than an offer to be considered—it is a word from God to be obeyed. John writes, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life” (John 3:36). I want to be clear, our obedience of faith is not what saves us, faith in Jesus Christ is, but obedience reveals our faith to be genuine.

At the moment of conversion, we transfer our allegiance from our old master, sin, to a new Master, Jesus Christ. Paul explains this truth: “You who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, became slaves of righteousness” (Rom. 6:17–18). What this is saying is that everyone is a slave, either of sin or of righteousness. Before conversion, we were slaves of sin and lived in obedience to sin. But in accepting Jesus, we became servants of Christ and live in obedience to Him.

Throughout one’s Christian life,  the apostle John says that believers should continue to “keep his commandments.” the word “Keep”  indicates an ongoing obedience throughout the entirety of a believer’s life. All who are born again will pursue obedience to the end. And John did not just say keep one commandment, he means obedience to the full spectrum of the God’s requirements. Following Christ does not allow for selective obedience. Rather, we must obey all the commandments of God, not merely the easy ones.

When John says believers “keep” the commandments, I picture a guard or watchman watching over a priceless treasure. In like manner, the one who knows God will keep a sharp watch over all that His Word requires. The bible tells us that “his (God’) commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3), but they are a blessing (Ps. 1:1). Every step of heart-prompted obedience leads to experiencing abundant life in Christ. Conversely, every step of disobedience takes us away from the joy of divine goodness.

Now my friends, I know this often feels like a difficult task.

The main problem with obedience is that it is often viewed negatively. We view obedience as a forced, unwilling decision to do something we don’t want to do because we’re afraid of punishment. But that’s not the kind of obedience that’s in God’s Word. Obedience in the Bible means this: love + trust + action.

“If you love me, you will obey what I command.” (John 14:15)

Obedience becomes easier with relationship. In fact, obedience is defined by a relationship, especially with God, built out of love. When a relationship is built out of love, it has trust that is sustained and nurtured by relationship.

I would like to offer two ways to grow in obedience to Christ. These are useful to me as much as anyone else as I am nowhere near perfect.

1. The first is that we need to abide in Christ, maintain our first love for Him. Abiding simply means having a life-giving connection to him. A branch is connected to the vine, and a vine to the branch. My favorite way to abide in Christ is to memorize scripture. At any moment I can take those bible passages from my memory and apply them to my circumstance. This is so helpful as I try to be obedient to God’ call on my life!
2. The second way to grow in obedience to Christ is to use the gift of the Holy Spirit. As you continue to walk in your faith, the Holy Spirit will guide you in making the most important decisions of life. He will also guide you in the daily, moment-by-moment decisions and actions of your life. All we have to do is ask.

Speaking of the Holy Spirit, Jesus says, “When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth…and he will tell you what is yet to come” (John 16:13). So the key to walking in obedience is through to the guidance of the Holy Spirit of truth. If you are willing to trust and obey God, God will reveal Himself to you more and more and direct your steps as a way of life.

Would you take a moment, pause the audio or stop reading for a moment, close your eyes and take a deep breath. Take a moment to remember that the Holy Spirit is living in you. You have access to everything you need to obey Christ in your life!

Thank you friends. I want to conclude this lesson by talking about how this applies to us all as leaders.

When Jesus began his ministry, Jesus began the recruitment of his disciples in a very simple and straight-forward manner. He said “follow me.” There were no discussions of rights or money, no arguments about who was in charge. Jesus led, and they followed. He asked, and they obeyed. As leaders, we have a God who is trustworthy, someone we can follow as we lead others. As we lean into him, we will have confidence instead of fear, we have a source of truth rather than simply our own opinions, and we have the power of Christ to love others we may not otherwise want to love. I am so proud of who each of you have become as you have grown in your faith in Jesus. Let us continue to strive to serve our wonderful God by walking in obedience to him, which the world will see and do much the same.

This has my prayer today, would you pray it with me?

Lord, help me to hear Your word and stay obedient to Your will. Like a Father helping his child cross the street, take my hand and guide me. When I fail, correct me; and forgive me so that I can grow to be Your faithful follower and a leader who reflects your character. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

We love reading what God is teaching you, Please respond with what God is speaking to you this week and we look forward to another lesson next week.

Click to download the audio version of “Holistic Education: Leadership”

Hello Friends,

This is Anthony.  Can I first tell you that it is such an honor to be in a group such as this, that is seeking to grow in the Lord and draw closer Him.  My prayer for this community is that we would all grow closer to Jesus and put our full trust in Him.  That as we grow in our relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ, we would take all that we’re learning and all that Jesus is revealing to us, to go be a witness to the communities around us.

In today’s lesson we will be focusing on the topic of leadership.  Some of us are natural leaders while others are natural followers.  Regardless of what may be natural for you, each of us will have opportunities in our life to take on roles of leadership.  Some of you will take on the role of a Pastor, some may manage a business, some of you are, or will become Teachers, and many of you are parents or will become a parent someday.  In each of those roles there is either an individual or a group of individuals that need to be led or are looking for leadership.  The question then becomes, how will you choose to lead?  Today I would like to focus on 7 different leadership principles that Jesus Christ demonstrated during His ministry on earth.  I’m sure there are many more leadership principles that we can pull from Jesus’ ministry, but I think the following seven principles create a good model that we can all follow.

First, when we look at the life of Jesus, we can see that He led by example.  Jesus always led by example.  As a leader, it’s important to remember that the people you lead are looking for an example.  The further you go, the further they will go.  In John 13:15 Jesus says, “For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done for you.” (ESV).  What Jesus is saying here is, follow my lead!  You have seen what I have done, now you go do the same.

Throughout the New Testament, we see this principle of leading by example being taught and demonstrated by Jesus and the Apostles.  In 1 Timothy 4:12 Paul is writing to Timothy and says, “don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love and in purity.’  And in 1 Peter 5:3, Peter is reminding Pastors to lead by example.  It says, “not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.”  In other words, he’s reminding leaders in the church that it is their responsibility to lead by example.

The second principle we see when we look at the life of Jesus is that He helped those that followed Him find a greater purpose.  As we look at the life of Jesus, He seemed to touch people in a way that brought them to a new level of purpose for their life.  As a leader, we need to consider how we can work with those around us to help them find greater purpose.  You see, Jesus tended to stretch his followers and encouraged them to think bigger than what they even thought possible.  In Matthew 28: 19-20, Jesus says, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  Jesus is clearly asking His disciples to think BIG!  Bigger than their village, bigger than their nation.  He is asking them to reach ALL nations, but not by themselves.  He reminds them that He will be there to help through His Holy Spirit.  As a leader, helping those you lead find greater purpose and supporting them through their journey is so important.

The third leadership principle we see when we look at the life of Jesus is that He affirmed and encouraged people to reach their full potential.  Proverbs 12:25 says, “Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.”  Jesus always saw people for who God created them to be.  He spoke encouragement and affirmation to His followers and reminded them that through Him, they have potential for great things.  In John 14:12, Jesus says, “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”  Can you imagine the looks on each of the faces of the believers that heard Jesus say this?  I don’t know for certain, but I can imagine they must have thought, “How can I do greater things than Jesus?”  Jesus was telling the believers, because you believe in Me, you will have access to so much more.  This was a promise and a word of encouragement to the believers then and believers today.  In the same way Jesus encouraged and offered affirmation, as leaders we want to make sure that we are also affirming those we lead.

A fourth leadership principle we see when we look at the ministry of Jesus is that He trusted people with responsibility.  Luke 16:10 says, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”  If we want see people rise to the next level of responsibility, we need to make sure that we’re providing opportunities for people to grow.  1 Thessalonians 2:4 says, “but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.”  As believers have been entrusted with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and have been given the responsibility to share it with those we encounter.  When you think about it, that’s a huge responsibility, but God trusts us to follow through with what He has asked of us.  So just as Jesus Christ gave us the responsibility of sharing His message with the world, as a leader we also need to trust those we lead with manageable levels of responsibility.

As we continue moving along here, the fifth leadership principle that we see through the life of Jesus is that He gave people honest feedback.  In Matthew 17:14-20 we read the story of a demon possessed boy that despite their efforts, the disciples could not heal.  When Jesus arrived at the scene, he asked the father to bring his boy to Him.  Jesus rebuked the demon and the boy was instantly healed.  Verse 19 of the passage says this, “Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked ‘Why couldn’t we drive it out?’ (referring to the demon) He (Jesus) replied, ‘Because you have so little faith.  Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard see, you can say to this mountain, move from here to there and it will move.  Nothing will be impossible for you.”  Do you see the feedback that Jesus provided here?   Jesus provided some upfront and honest feedback about what the disciples were lacking to be able to heal the demon possessed boy – they had a lack of FAITH.  But instead of dwelling on their lack of faith, Jesus goes on to tell them that if they can have faith even as small as a mustard seed, nothing will be impossible for them.  Ephesians 4:29 says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”  Remember that when you choose to give feedback to those you lead, it needs to be honest, but also helpful for building up the person.

The final two principles are very simple, but no less important.  The sixth leadership principle we see in the life of Jesus is the principle of treating others as equals.  Jesus Christ demonstrated this so clearly when He said in John 15:15, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business.  Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”  How amazing is it that Jesus calls those that know Him as friends?  As a leader, it is not our role to act superior to those we lead, but instead it becomes our role to help those we lead grow into the people that God has created them to be.  We are all different and have different giftings, but in the eyes of God, we are all sons and daughters.  It is important to lead from a stance of humility, ready to walk beside and support those you lead who are on their journey.

Finally, a leadership principle that we see in the life of Jesus, but also throughout most of the books of the New Testament is the principle that leaders should pray for those they lead.  This may be the most important thing we do as leaders!  Jesus demonstrated this in the 17^th chapter of Matthew where He prayed very specifically for His disciples, but also for all believers then and now.  We also see this demonstrated in the life of Paul.  After his encounter with Jesus, the Apostle Paul spent the rest of his life in ministry leadership modeling this principle of prayer.  Throughout his writings we see prayer after prayer for leaders, for believers, for regions that Christ would be glorified through various people and people groups.  Remember, as we lead, or are being led, it is so important to lift up those we are in relationship with, in prayer.

As we finish this lesson, I thought it would be good to ask each of you to spend some time prayer and ask Jesus to reveal areas in your life where you can become a better leader?  Are there parts of your leadership approach that you would like Jesus to help you work on?

I wish you all a great week and look forward to hearing from you!

God Bless.

Click to download the audio version of “Holistic Education: Integrity”

Good morning friends and thank you for joining us for another session in ILF’s Holistic Ministry Education. I like to start our time together with a prayer to invite the Holy Spirit filling this space as we discuss today’s topic and for our hearts to be open and our minds receptive in God’s vision for us individually, for our ministry and for the communities that we server in Jesus name. God bless you.

We will be talking about *Integrity* today and why it is one of the most important pillars for a believer and for us as the members of ILF ministry.

Dr. Roland shared with us about an incident that happened in Makeni a few weeks ago. The government decided to move a generator (that was the lifeline of the city) to Freetown and to power Lungi airport in preparation for reopening the airport (for air travel following the COVID-19 pandemic). This move did not seem welcoming to the locals and resulted in days long riot that costed hardship, anger, resentment and ultimately the loss of several innocent lives in the process. Even though, the act of temporarily moving the generator to Lungi seemed logical on the surface, but because of the past buildup of distrust, unkept promises and the lack of care by the officials, the end result was tragic

I’m not a Politian, nor do I want to take sides in this example Friends, but rather hoping to demonstrate the importance of trust and the value of integrity in our actions. We, as people want to know that our leaders can be trusted.  We want to know that leaders will keep promises and follow through on commitments.  *Promises and commitments are significant*, We live in a time and perception that ethics are optional depending on our current circumstances.  We often are more concerned with convenience and performance.  We talk up the importance of character, but we have the idea that when things get tough, the rules can be changed, and commitments and promises may be discarded as we will.

But the Bible makes clear just how important our promises are.  Throughout the Scriptures, *God focuses on the fact that he is a God who makes and keeps his covenants*, that he can be trusted.*1 Chronicles 16:15* says “_He (God) remembers his covenant forever, the promise he made, for a thousand generations_”.

God can be trusted because he is trustworthy.  His character is trustworthy, and his word is trustworthy. He is consistent, accountable and faithful, evident in the bible and the history of mankind. Do you think if the integrity was evident in the officials’ action in our example,  if the promises made to the people was kept in a consistent bases and if the character of the leaders had reflected a caring and compassionate leadership, would the outcome been different? I like to think it would, wouldn’t you? Friends, this example is not unique to Sierra Leone and your government officials. it is a hypocritical character flaw that we all try to overcome at times, sometimes with our good deeds, often with our good words. And that’s the point: it always comes down to the issue of character, *biblical integrity is not just doing the right thing or saying the right word*; it’s a matter of having the right heart and allowing the person you are on the inside to match the person you are on the outside.  This is how God is.  This is how his people should be. And this is what his goal is for us, nothing less. For our actions and behaviors to always match Christ’s character and nature.

Are we there yet friends? Do our actions always reflect the nature of Jesus? Does our behavior reflect Christ’s character? I don’t know about you, but (*If I’m totally honest*), *my answer is NO, NOT ALWAYS*!  *Even as a Christian, I have let more people down and have repented more often than I can count*

So, who can we trust?  We have let others down and been let down by others because there is often a discrepancy between what we claim and how we live.  *The answer is a simple one…GOD*, because he will never let us down, because he never changes.  His promises are as good as his unchanging character: “_Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever_” As the writer of Hebrews says in *Hebrews 13:8*.

Jesus does not change.  The Living God does not change.  His love, his truth and his goodness do not change or impacted by external circumstances or conditions. Therefore, God’s character and the promises he makes are always worthy of our trust and commitment.  He does what he says, and his covenant love is always dependable.

This is fundamental in order to know what we lean against, what we can trust in and what we can pursue with all our heart. *The integrity of a living God, his steadfast character and his unchanging standard*.  It is therefore for us as Christians and members of ILF ministry, to learn, understand and practice the Biblical teachings of a high and holy ethic. As Paul tells Timothy in *1 Timothy 4:15-16* “_Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.  Watch your life and doctrine closely.  Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers_”.

Friends, even though, we never attain perfection in this life, there should be a progress toward the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.  We will never attain it this side of eternity, but there should be a visible progress, evident to others.  Notice the two things Paul asks Timothy to watch for: your life and your doctrine.  In other words, we need to pay careful attention to our behavior and our belief.  Make sure they match. And ultimately *Constantly examine our self to see whether our walk matches our talk*.

Would you meditate on that? Would you take a moment and reflect on a time where you let somebody down or let down by somebody? How did it feel? How did you reconcile the guilt and the burden, and did you experience the grace of God and the freedom in forgiveness in the process?

In the end, we become what our desires make us friends.  Who we become reveals what we really desire. I pray that The Lord will plant the desire for who we become, to reflect the Character of Jesus. And that our interaction with others, individually and through this ministry, reflect the integrity, the love and the grace that God pours upon us every day. And as a result, may we sense the overwhelming holiness of our Creator, his steadfast love for us and the freedom in abiding in his saving grace.

Amen and God bless, thank you for joining us and looking forward to seeing you next week.