The Pentecostal Fellowship of Sierra Leone (PFSL) held its official Inauguration of the National Executive Committee and Thanksgiving Service on Saturday January 18th, 2025 at the Bethel Temple in Tower Hill, Freetown. The event brought together leaders and congregants from across the country’s Pentecostal churches to celebrate unity, faith, and leadership.
This ceremony marked the formal introduction of the newly elected PFSL National Executive Committee, who will serve from 2024 to 2028. It was a moment of reflection, prayer, and a renewed commitment to advancing the mission of the Pentecostal Fellowship in Sierra Leone.
The program began with a warm welcome from Rabbi Tamba Mbayo, PFSL Vice President, who acknowledged the attendees and expressed gratitude for their participation in the important occasion.
Reverend Henry Abioseh Samuels, President of the Council of Churches in Sierra Leone (CCSL), delivered the fraternal greetings. In his address, Reverend Samuels underscored the importance of interfaith collaboration in addressing national issues. He referenced the Safe Motherhood Bill, recently tabled in Parliament, and urged religious leaders to provide biblical perspectives on such crucial societal matters. He commended President Julius Maada Bio for engaging with the religious council and expressed hope that the bill would be revisited to ensure it aligns with moral and ethical values. Reverend Samuels closed his remarks with a profound thought: “Study men and things, and you will know where to tread.”
Reverend Bresford Ishmael Cole, a respected figure within the PFSL, facilitated the swearing-in of the newly elected National Executive Committee members, who pledged to uphold their leadership responsibilities and work diligently to advance the Fellowship’s mission.
The following individuals were officially inaugurated as the PFSL National Executive Committee for the 2024–2028 term:
- President: Bishop Akintayo Sam-Jolly (re-elected for a second term)
- Vice President: Rabbi Tamba Eric Emmerson M’Baya
- General Secretary: Pastor Favour S. Nyuma
- Assistant General Secretary: Reverend Emmanuel Tamba Temoindor
- Treasurer: Reverend James W. Bangura
- Assistant Treasurer: Apostle Bola Shyllon Odubenu
- Financial Secretary: Bishop Rashid Turay
- Assistant Financial Secretary: Pastor Praise Massaquoi
- Public Relations Officer: Apostle Siaka Abraham Kamara
- Assistant Public Relations Officer: Apostle David Kamara
- Welfare Officer: Apostle Anthony Keita
- Assistant Welfare Officer: Reverend Gabriel Koroma
Reverend Beresford Cole offered a heartfelt prayer for the newly inaugurated executive committee, asking for divine wisdom and guidance to help them fulfill their duties with integrity and commitment. The prayer focused on leadership grounded in truth and a deep sense of responsibility to the spiritual growth of the Pentecostal community.
In his inaugural speech, PFSL President Bishop Akintayo Sam-Jolly shared his vision for the fellowship over the next four years. He outlined several key priorities, including:
- Serving as a unified voice for Pentecostal churches in Sierra Leone.
- Strengthening relationships among member churches.
- Supporting collaborative evangelism efforts to spread the Gospel.
- Promoting Christian ethics, integrity, and transparency in ministry.
Bishop Sam-Jolly emphasized the need for unity within the Pentecostal community, calling on churches to work together to address both spiritual and societal challenges.
The inauguration ceremony not only marked the beginning of a new chapter for PFSL but also reinforced the fellowship’s commitment to spiritual leadership, ethical governance, and national development. It was a powerful reminder of the collective mission to serve God, uplift communities, and promote Christian values throughout Sierra Leone.
The event culminated with a sermon by Pastor Rosilu Dele Ebenezer, followed by the playing of the National Anthem and a group photograph to commemorate the occasion.
