Official Report on Trip to Sierra Leone for the Africans Claiming Africa for Christ (ACAC) Conference 2025
Date of Travel: October 21, 2025
Location: Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Introduction
This report presents an account of my journey to Freetown, Sierra Leone, to attend the Africans Claiming Africa for Christ (ACAC) Conference 2025, held under the theme “Strategies for Effective Continental and Global Execution of Matthew 28:18–19.” The purpose of this trip was to participate in discussions, workshops, and networking sessions that focus on advancing evangelism, leadership development, and Christian education across the African continent and beyond towards achieving ACSF’s and NCBC’s mission and priorities. - Arrival and Reception
I departed for Sierra Leone from Ukpom, Abak, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, on October 20, 2025 to Lagos, Nigeria. On arrival, I rested. On October 21, 2025, I headed for Lagos International Airport where I was accompanied by Brothers Biodun Owolabi and Rambi Ayala on board to Freetown. Upon our arrival at the Lungi International Airport, we were warmly received by Brother David Thoronka, a devoted member of the Church of Christ, Gloucester congregation, Sierra Leone, who now is our number one International Student prospect.
From the airport, we proceeded to the river crossing, where we were ferried across to Freetown later that night. On arrival, we had dinner, settled in for rest, and prepared for the following day – 21 October 2025. The following day, I was able to meet with other conferees including Brother Uyai Joshua who went from NCBC – we had two participants from NCBC. - Conference Overview
The ACAC Conference 2025 provided an enriching atmosphere of fellowship, learning, and partnership among brethren from various African nations and beyond. The sessions were centred on strengthening the mission of the Great Commission, particularly focusing on practical approaches to evangelism, leadership development, and Christian education in Africa.
Participants discussed strategic methods for fulfilling the mandate of Christ in Matthew 28:18–19, emphasizing unity, cooperation, and resource sharing among African congregations/ministries and institutions.
The conference also featured plenary sessions/workshops, and networking meetings that encouraged deeper collaboration among participants for sustainable gospel impact across the continent. There were site-visits to some of Sierra Leone’s tourist attractions. These included, the Peace Museum, the Art market and the Beach. - Key Contacts and Networking Outcomes
During the conference, I had the opportunity to establish valuable relationships with several key brethren whose work and experiences have/will significantly benefit(ed) the ongoing task of preaching the gospel and developing Christian institutions. Notable contacts included:
• Fred Asare – Director, Village of Hope, Ghana.
Brother Fred shared insights into the success of Village of Hope in Ghana and expressed willingness to facilitate my connection with Heritage Christian University for potential collaborative initiatives.
• Brother Charles Odoi – Ghana.
Brother Charles played a vital role in connecting me with Fred Asare. I had been previously introduced to Bro. Fred by Brother Biodun Owolabi during the funeral of Elder Peter Egure’s late wife in Igara, Edo State, Nigeria. Bro. Charles currently serves on the Board of Heritage Bible Institute (HBI) and works with Christian Media Network (CMN). His resourcefulness and influence within Christian education circles are notable assets.
• Dr. Augustine Tawiah, Executive Director, Talent Professional Development Institute, Ghana.
• Dr. Ebenezer Udofia, Director, African Agriculture and Operations, Healing Hands International.
They have made tremendous and can make Impacts in Sustainable Ministerial Training.
• Brother John Muhire – USA
Originally from Africa, Brother John has expertise in mission work fish feed production inclusive, an initiative that presents great potential as a sustainable income-generating project to support ministry and mission activities in NCBC.
Others included:
Brother James Saygarn – Liberia
Serves as a member of the Board of Trustees, Liberian Bible College, and expressed strong interest in cross-border partnerships for ministerial training and evangelistic efforts.
Brother Nhamo Marunga – Zimbabwe
Director, Mutare School of Preaching.
Dr. Brad Harrub – Representative, Focus Press
Although I was unable to meet and discuss with him in person, his speech indicated future prospects for partnership in Christian publishing and teaching resources. - Notable Observations and Prospects
Several key themes and insights emerged during the conference:
• Evangelism Focus: A major emphasis was placed on practical strategies for effective evangelism in Africa, particularly through leadership development and institutional partnerships.
• Narrative and contextualized Teaching/Preaching: The method of “Narrative Preaching” was highlighted as a vital approach to engaging audiences effectively with the Word of God in contemporary contexts.
• Prospective Students: David Thoronka, a brother from Sierra Leone and some others, having discussed with me and got in contact with our brochure, expressed strong interest in enrolling as international students in our Bible training program, opening new opportunities for cross-national educational outreach.
• Bro. David and the likes can be instruments for evangelism and ministerial education required in Sierra Leone.
• Recognition and Awards: Six individuals received awards during the conference for their exemplary contributions to the work of the Lord and the spread of the gospel across the continent.
• Future Conference: It was announced that the next ACAC Conference will be held in South Africa in 2027 – in two years time not four. - Recommendations:
The following are my recommendations among others:
i. Strengthen Partnerships: Having had the privilege of meeting stakeholders of the Work in Ghana, I suggest that I visit Heritage Bible Institute and Village of Hope in Ghana for experienceable and collaborative purposes especially on strengthening our Ministerial and entrepreneurship programs. Efforts should be made to maintain communication and foster collaborations with the brethren I met during the conference, particularly with institutions such as Heritage Christian University, Heritage Bible Institute and Village of Hope in Ghana. Brother Fred Asare has promised to take me to Heritage Christian University, if I visit.
ii. Explore Training Initiatives: We need to consider exploring the possibility of incorporating fish feed production training and similar sustainable livelihood programs to support ministry work.
iii. Support International Students: We should encourage and facilitate opportunities for international students, such as Brother David Thoronka, to study and train with us.
iv. We should adopt Contextualized and Narrative Preaching: Integrating the concept of Contextualized and Narrative Preaching into our curriculum will certainly improve our Ministerial program and biblical communication.
v. Preparation for 2027 ACAC Conference: Early preparations towards ACAC 2027 will ensure meaningful representation and contribution at the next conference in South Africa. - Appreciation
I am deeply grateful to Brother Chad Wagner, President, African Christian Schools Foundation (ACSF) and ACSF for your support without which I would not have attended and had such experience; the organizers of the ACAC Conference, my traveling companions—Brothers Biodun Owolabi and Rambi Ayala—and our gracious host, Brothers Peter Makundu, Dr. Mike Udam and the entire team, both local and international, for their support and brotherly love throughout the program. - Conclusion
The trip to Sierra Leone was both spiritually uplifting and strategically significant. It offered rich opportunities for fellowship, learning, and networking with influential Christian leaders dedicated to evangelism and Christian education across Africa. The hospitality received and the new partnerships formed have opened promising doors for future collaboration in advancing the cause of Christ and our mission in the Nigerian Christian Bible College (NCBC) on the continent of Africa and beyond.
Please find the attached pictures. May God bless our work and His.
Joe, N. Obinna.
Provost, Nigerian Christian Bible College, Ukpom, Abak, Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria
