In my capacity as Executive Director of Covenant Mercies, I’m typically on the African continent three times in a year. Since 2020 was not exactly a typical year, it’s been refreshing to resume my normal travel routines in 2021. In June, I had the pleasure of visiting Liberia for the first time. It was such a pleasure to get to know Dyonah Thomas better (along with his beautiful family), and such an encouragement to see the great work the Lord has begun there through Gracelife Church and all its associated ministries.
Dyonah’s kingdom ambition seems to be wonderfully matched by the leaders and co-laborers the Lord has raised up around him. In addition to their normal church life, they are engaged in pastoral training through Gracelife Seminary, and the education of young people through Gracelife Academy. Construction is underway on an ambitious new facility for the seminary, which will position this church well for its church planting goals both in Liberia and in neighboring West African nations.
From Liberia I traveled on to Zambia, where our friends at Christ Community Church (CCC) in Ndola continue to find their footing after the shocking loss of their Sr. Pastor, Wilbroad Chanda. All things considered, the church is doing well. Wilbroad’s name comes up in routine conversations almost every day, many times through tears. But across the board – from the surviving eldership to the newest church member – our brothers and sisters in Ndola are trusting God and persevering in their mission as a local church.
The full post Moving Forward in Africa originally appeared on the Emerging Nations blog on August 2, 2021. Emerging Nations exists to serve the pioneering work of Sovereign Grace Churches around the world.
Doug Hayes is an elder at Covenant Fellowship Church and travels frequently to Africa as the Executive Director of Covenant Mercies. He and his wife, Rachel, have three daughters and reside in West Chester, Pennsylvania.
