Before we hear from Jonathan in Sierra Leone, we want to hear from YOU.
Hit reply and tell us - we read every response.
Focusing on ministry instead of survival
In many rural communities across Sierra Leone, pastors faithfully lead their congregations with very few resources.
They preach, pray with families, and serve their communities, often in remote villages where churches meet in public gathering places instead of buildings. In some areas, congregations gather in simple community structures called court barrays. Because membership is small and resources are limited, the offerings pastors receive are often not enough to provide for their own families.
For many pastors, ministry happens alongside a quiet but constant worry: How will we feed our families this season?
During the lean months of the year, this pressure becomes especially difficult. Families must make painful choices between sustaining their ministry responsibilities and putting food on the table. This choice sometimes leads pastors away from their ministry into far away places to find work, just to feed their families.
Yet across these same communities lies fertile swamp land - land capable of producing rice, the staple food of the region. The problem was not the land itself. The problem was the lack of resources to cultivate it.
Jonathan Titus-Williams, Country Director for African Leadership in Sierra Leone, saw both the challenge and the opportunity.
Inspired by the courage of pastors serving in difficult conditions, Jonathan launched a swamp rice farming initiative designed to help pastors become more self-sufficient. Instead of providing short-term aid, the initiative equipped leaders with the tools they needed to grow their own food.
Thirty rural pastors received swamp rice seed and support to cultivate land that had previously gone unused.
Swamp rice was chosen intentionally. Unlike upland rice, it thrives in the local environment and produces more reliable yields. The vision was simple but powerful: pastors would grow food for their families, sell surplus rice for household needs, and save seeds to plant again the following season.
For many participants, the results have been remarkable.
Winnie M. Koroma, a church leader and lay evangelist in Lunsar, remembers the moment the project began.
After receiving two bushels of rice seed, Winnie and his family mobilized together to begin farming their swamp land.
“Seeing the fresh green rice growing in the field brought great joy to my heart and renewed my hope for a good harvest,” he shared.
Their hope was not misplaced.
By February 2026, the harvest was complete, and the results far exceeded expectations. Winnie's family harvested seventeen bushels of rice, enough to feed their family of seven for months.
Some of the rice will go directly to their table. Some will be sold to help cover school fees for their children.
For Winnie and his family, the harvest brought more than food. It brought peace of mind and renewed dignity.
The impact of the project has already spread beyond the initial group of pastors.
Some leaders have begun sharing rice with vulnerable families in their communities. Others are distributing saved seeds to fellow pastors so that more farms can begin next season.
As household food security improves, pastors are able to remain more present in their communities - focusing on ministry instead of survival.
Jonathan says this shift has been the most encouraging part of the project.
“Seeing pastors able to put food on the table for their families while continuing their ministry has been deeply encouraging,” he said.
When leaders are supported, entire communities benefit.
• 30 rural pastors directly supported
• 30 households experiencing improved food security
• Harvests providing 6 - 9 months of rice for many families
• Surplus rice generating income for:
School fees
Medical expenses
Ministry needs
Seeds already being shared to start new farms with additional pastors
Reflecting on the project, Jonathan shared an important leadership lesson:
“As leaders, we must not only focus on ministry, we must also care for the needs of those doing the work.”
In other words, hope is not just something we talk about.
Hope is something we cultivate.
Leaders like Jonathan continue serving their communities because people like you stand with them.
Field Updates
Field Updates
📍 South Sudan
For Cosmas in South Sudan, ministry continues to move forward even in the midst of deep challenges. Recently, students in Juba stepped out in faith to host a three-day crusade in an area without a church, bringing together teachers, leaders, and soon-to-be graduates to share the Gospel. At the same time, a class of Sudanese refugees celebrated graduation, while others in Uganda continue preparing for theirs. Yet alongside this progress, the reality on the ground remains difficult. Ongoing violence and political tension have created instability, with recent conflict resulting in significant loss of life and continued uncertainty for many communities. A lack of available training materials has also made it difficult to maintain consistency in teaching. Even so, there are signs of resilience - families are pressing on, and healing is taking place
📍 Malawi
For Leonard in Malawi, there is renewed gratitude as the long-awaited rains have arrived, ending a difficult dry spell and bringing new life to crops. This shift marks a hopeful turn for many families who depend on the land for their livelihood. At the same time, training programs continue for both new and returning students, with a focus on deep, lasting impact in their lives and communities. As the work grows, there is also an ongoing need for a stable office space to support operations.
📍 Democratic Republic of Congo
For Jeremie, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, there are small but meaningful signs of progress in the midst of ongoing uncertainty. Communication has been restored in several areas that were previously cut off, allowing leaders to reconnect with students and continue encouraging them. Despite interruptions, students remain actively engaged — preaching in churches, serving in schools, and continuing their training wherever possible. Even in difficult conditions, the network remains strong. Teachers and leaders are working tirelessly to keep students motivated, and many are using this season as an opportunity to grow through hands-on ministry in their communities. At the same time, the situation remains fragile. Renewed violence in some areas continues to disrupt daily life and ministry, and the recent loss of a beloved leader, Sister Alvera, has deeply impacted the community she served.
Pray With Us
Pray for wisdom, provision, and healing
Pray for continued rainfall and a strong harvest season after a recent dry period. Ask God to guide leadership as they make important decisions for the coming year. Lift up Geoffrey and Jennifer as they deal with ongoing health concerns, asking for healing and restored strength.
🇺🇬 Uganda
🇨🇩 DR Congo
Pray for peace, protection, and needs to be met
Pray for safety and protection for leaders, teachers, and students as they continue ministry in areas affected by instability and violence. Ask God to encourage those who are waiting to resume classes and to strengthen teachers who are working hard to keep students motivated. Pray also for comfort and wisdom following the passing of Sister Alvera, and for the children and leadership connected to the orphanage she served.
Pray for harvest and provision
Give thanks for the return of rain after a difficult dry spell, and pray that the crops will grow well in the coming season. Ask God to provide the right office space for the team and to bless the ongoing training of students so that their learning will have lasting impact in their communities.
🇲🇼 Malawi
Pray for strong leadership and provision
Pray for peace and stability in South Sudan as tensions and violence have recently taken many lives. Ask God to bring wisdom to leaders and calm the political climate as the country prepares for elections. Pray for refugees and communities affected by conflict, as well as for the continued health of Cosmas’ family.
🇸🇸 South Sudan
We also invite you to share your own prayer requests below, our team prays over each one.
Thank you for being part of a community that chooses hope,
even when the future feels uncertain.
