By Foday Moriba Conteh
Bishop Benjamin Boinor Bangura, Head of Mission of the National Pentecostal Mission and Diaspora, has called on Christians to live Spirit-filled lives grounded in faith, unity and commitment to the gospel. He made the call during a sermon delivered on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at the 73rd Foundation Day Combined Service of the mission held at the Mission Camp Site in Makongoyama, Songo in Port Loko District. The combined service was held under the theme: “Living in the Power and Presence of the Holy Spirit,” drawn from Acts of the Apostles 1:8.
Preaching to hundreds of worshippers gathered from different branches of the mission, Bishop Benjamin Boinor Bangura emphasized that believers must depend on the Holy Spirit to overcome life’s challenges and fulfill their spiritual calling. “The power we need today to overcome the struggles of life and to advance the gospel comes from the Holy Spirit. Without the Spirit of God, there will be confusion and chaos,” he said.
Reflecting on the progress of the mission over the past year, Bishop Benjamin Boinor Bangura expressed appreciation to members for their continued support and dedication toward the development of the mission.
He noted that several improvements made at the mission’s camp site were funded through contributions raised by members during last year’s gathering.
According to him, the funds enabled the church to procure hundreds of chairs and undertake other improvements aimed at creating a better environment for worship. “What you see today was not done by any foreign organization or NGO. It was achieved through the collective contributions and sacrifices of members of the mission,” he told the congregation.
He encouraged members to remain committed to supporting the mission’s growth and to consider how they could contribute further toward next year’s celebration.
During the service, Bishop Benjamin Boinor Bangura also officially introduced Elder Brima Kamara as the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the mission.
The Bishop explained that the appointment followed communication challenges faced by the mission during a crisis last year when the institution lacked a designated spokesperson to communicate its position to the public.
“This ministry is a growing institution with properties and activities across the country. It is important that we have someone responsible for communicating our position and representing the mission to the public,” he said.
Elder Brima Kamara, described as a long-serving member who has risen through various ranks within the mission, was prayed for and formally dedicated to the role during the service.
The combined service also coincided with the global observance of International Women’s Day, prompting Bishop Benjamin Boinor Bangura to urge men to appreciate the vital role women play in families, churches and society.
He encouraged the congregation to honour mothers, wives and sisters, noting that their contributions are essential to both family life and spiritual growth.
In his sermon, Bishop Benjamin Boinor Bangura stressed that genuine Christian growth does not come solely from material blessings but from spiritual empowerment through the Holy Spirit.
Referencing the early church in the Acts of the Apostles, he explained that the transformation of the apostles after receiving the Holy Spirit demonstrates the power of divine empowerment.
He cited the example of Apostle Peter, who initially denied Jesus Christ but later became bold and fearless in preaching the gospel after receiving the Holy Spirit. “The power of the Holy Spirit transforms lives and gives believers the boldness to stand for the truth,” he said.
Bishop Benjamin Boinor Bangura warned that the modern church risks focusing excessively on prosperity messages rather than spiritual transformation.
“The church must return to the power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God is the source of true change in the lives of believers,” he emphasized.
He further stressed that the presence of the Holy Spirit is essential for the existence and growth of the church, warning that without it the church could become merely a social gathering.
Quoting 1 Corinthians 3:16, he reminded believers that their bodies are the temple of God and urged Christians to live holy lives that reflect God’s presence.
The Bishop also expressed concern about declining participation in church activities in some congregations, urging believers to renew their commitment to spiritual growth and active involvement in church life.
According to him, churches that once attracted large congregations are now experiencing lower attendance because believers have neglected their spiritual responsibilities.
He encouraged members to reflect on their relationship with God and work toward reviving spiritual discipline within the church.
Concluding his message, Bishop Benjamin Boinor Bangura encouraged believers to open their hearts to the Holy Spirit and seek God’s guidance in every aspect of their lives.
He said the Holy Spirit provides comfort, direction and empowerment for believers to overcome challenges and fulfill their divine calling.
The Bishop concluded by praying for the congregation, declaring that their challenges would be overcome and that God would grant them healing, breakthroughs and spiritual growth.
On his part, Elder Brima Kamara, the newly appointed Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the National Pentecostal Mission, commended the leadership of the mission for entrusting him with what he described as a very important role, especially as the church continues to grow.
He noted that the mission is an indigenous church established in early1950s and has, over the years, faced numerous challenges. However, he said that through God’s grace the church has overcome those difficulties, established a strong presence in Sierra Leone, and continued to expand.
Elder Brima Kamara further stated that the mission now has several branches across the Western Area Urban and Western Area Rural, as well as in other districts across the country.
He added that for the past three years the mission has organized a combined service to commemorate its foundation day, bringing together members from various branches to celebrate the church’s growth and spiritual journey.
The 73rd Foundation Day celebration brought together church leaders, elders and members from across Sierra Leone and the diaspora, marking more than seven decades of the mission’s spiritual work and expansion.
