Since 2022, Pastor Christina Döhring has been supporting theological education in Sierra Leone. She teaches at the Theological College of Evangelical Churches (TECT), gives block seminars at the Baptist Theology Seminar (BTS), and at national meetings. She preaches, supports musical services, and has become a mentor and counselor to many students. She lives on campus in Jui with her husband Ralf and their son Nathanael. Among others, Christina accompanies Jeremiah, one of her students, on his journey through life and his studies.

Jeremiah is a high-achieving, disciplined, reliable, and helpful student. He accompanied Christina on a trip to the provinces when she was traveling by public transport. Jeremiah also cuts Ralf's hair and cleans the solar panels every two weeks. He refuses to accept any payment: “You do so much here – including for me (providing meals in the dormitories) – and I just want to do something good for you without getting anything in return!”

Changing people's lives so they can overcome difficulties

Every now and then, he talks about his vision of helping children from disadvantaged backgrounds. He has already started doing this. In his neighborhood, he visits neglected girls and boys to spend time with them. There, Jeremiah invites them to his church, teaches them, tells them Bible stories, and spends time with them. When he has money, he buys little things like school supplies or candy to help and encourage them. Muslim children are also included.

During these children's hours, everyone practices little scenes or dance routines together and performs them for their parents and the church. This vision drives him. This is to be his mission in life: to change people's lives so that they can overcome difficulties and find a plan for their lives! This is how he has already begun to do what God has laid on his heart. Jeremiah does this with the knowledge of his church, which unfortunately has very little to offer him in terms of financial support. But his church is grateful for his ministry and for the people he reaches through it.

Even “little things” can make a big difference

As encouragement, Christina and Ralf sent him a few children's Bible books and some money for his help. “Use it for the children or for yourself—whatever you want to do with it!” Recently, he showed them some pictures and videos of what the money was used for: a little food, but even more school supplies. This will help relieve the burden on parents who can hardly afford pens or notebooks. He gladly passes on the little he has or receives as gifts. It's great to see and hear how even small things can sometimes make a big difference.

Clothing is something special in Sierra Leone because all money is needed for food and other living expenses and there is rarely anything left over. Christina was therefore recently able to pass on a whole bag of mixed children's clothing to several families with children on the campus, in the church, and in the neighborhood. Some of the families were completely overwhelmed. She was also able to give Jeremiah two larger bags for his “children.”

Setbacks are unfortunately also part of life

The need in the country is so great that there are frequent robberies and thefts. At the beginning of the year, Jeremiah was unfortunately also affected. Everything he had was stolen and he barely escaped with his life. Despite everything, he is grateful to God that he is alive and can continue to pursue his vision: to bring the gospel to needy and disadvantaged children so that they may experience God's great love and their lives may be transformed. 

Just as Christina Döhring and Jeremiah are being supported at college in Sierra Leone, EBM INTERNATIONAL also promotes theological education in other countries in Africa, Latin America, and Turkey. This enables men and women to be well prepared to follow God's calling and pass on His transforming love.

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