Romantic Music Gala

By the Sierra Leone Home

We had been longing to "break the silence" amongst Homes within West Africa. With virtually no contact and almost no fellowship at all, Homes here often go for years without fellowship with other Family members. True, it isn't easy to travel to and from West Africa; the state of roads makes driving near impossible, and visas and flights are expensive and inconvenient. Still, something had to be done. We felt that being on the mission field shouldn't hinder us from privileges that are considered normal in most parts of the world. No matter what the cost, we were ready to challenge the odds.

We set out on yet another pioneer project. We put some dreams into action, which resulted in the "Romantic Music Gala."

We invited the Home in Senegal to come to Sierra Leone to host the gala, where we sold tickets (US$100 per person) to all the top executives and businessmen in the country. The buffet dinner and music was to be held in the most prestigious location in Sierra Leone. Not only did all the flights, hotels, visas, as well as meals and travel costs get sponsored, but advertisers also paid for the entire gala dinner and complex costs, as well as raffle prizes of over US$5,000! During the whole gala preparations and ticket selling, we witnessed to top people in the country, and met people that we might never have otherwise reached. At the same time we had a lot of fun, fellowship, and excitement.

The performance, slide show, music, speeches, and entertainment were all geared to bringing love and emotion into the lives of people who are usually under the rush and tension of the difficult life in Sierra Leone. Our kids performed live, which was a great surprise to all; we had a famous Sierra Leonean singer to perform with our dancers; and even our out-of-practice girls sang in Japanese. The girls from Senegal were also invited to a special sponsor's house where they sang for diplomats and high-ranking officials of the country.

At the end of the gala, people commented: "I've attended many shows at this hotel and felt empty, but I felt such joy and peace at your gala." "Your music brings tears to my eyes." "When are you hosting the next show? I guarantee you ten tickets on my behalf." We are still seeing the full results as we continue to follow up on our contacts.

This gala has helped us to make a bigger impact in our area. A big thank-you to the Crescendo team in Senegal; your team was great!

By the Crescendo team, Senegal

 "Tell them it is impossible, and they will prove to you that indeed with Him, all things are possible!" And that's exactly what happened!

When Matt and team proposed to us the idea of going to Sierra Leone for a "Charity Gala," we didn't expect it to happen. We agreed, on one condition––that the team there would take care of everything. But who can stop the people of faith, the children of a living God, the power of the keys at work, or the Lord waiting to surprise His pets? Well, nothing! As the blessings began falling on the Sierra Leone team, and as the Lord began moving and supplying all the needs, we realized that we wanted to be a part of the action!

We will cherish the memories of our time there and we pray that the Lord will continue to help the brave pioneers in Sierra Leone to reach His sheep. What He has started He is well able to finish, even though it is a rough field. Thank you for joining us in the prayer chain for them.

My Best Friend         

Leah (13), SEA: While walking down the riverfront one afternoon, I handed a poster to a middle-aged mother sitting on the curb with her baby and young daughter. The mother glanced over the "Helper from Heaven" poster. 

"What's this about?" she asked.

I explained to her the meaning behind the picture, gave her a little more info, and then asked her if she'd like to pray. She was hesitant, hemming and hawing over it, obviously not entirely convinced. 

Finally I told her, "You know, Jesus is not a religion. All He wants to be is your closest Confidant. It doesn't matter how many mistakes you've made in the past, how many wrongs you've committed. If you're truly sorry for what you've done, He will forgive you, and He'll never ever let you down." 

With that she started and then said quickly, "Is that true? If so, then yes, I do want to pray with you!" 

After she prayed, I was just about to leave when she called after me, "Wait, can you please pray with my daughter, too? I want her to have the same Best Friend that I now have!"