The Republic of Sierra Leone celebrated her independence day on April 27, 1961 when she gained independence from the United kingdom. Independence Day celebration in Sierra Leone is usually a big celebration in the country featuring concerts, matches, parades, banquet and other events.

The ministry of Greater Evangelism World Crusade, Sierra Leone was not left out this year in the 56th independence celebration from the British colonial rule. An Independence thanksgiving service was held on Sunday 30th April 2017 with the theme: "Celebration of freedom". It was a wonderful time in God's presence as Sierra Leoneans expressed deep appreciation to God for all that He has brought them through as a nation, especially the  11 years of civil unrest and quite recently the deadly Ebola epidemic disease.

The brethren also interceded for the reign of righteousness in the land, the President and Government; for continued peace and prosperity of her people, using the flag as a point of contact before God.

The GEWC National Minister (Sierra Leone and Liberia), Evang. Idriss Wright-Samura preached a message titled: "The Secret of true Freedom" (John 8:32). He stated emphatically that though they have gained independence 56 years ago, they are still not independent in many areas. For example, medically (many Sierra Leoneans still have to go abroad for medical treatment to nations like India and America), politically, academically etc.

However, he said the secret to freedom from a biblical perspective is truth. That is, the availability of truth is the secret of liberty and truth is reality, sincerity and honesty. He therefore challenged the brethren to walk in sincerity, reality and honesty; not in deception, hypocrisy and falsehood, which has characterized the entire populace. He emphasized that truth is scarce in the Nation in various strata. There is a bankruptcy of honesty but as the Church we must live in truth and not in lies, we must be real and not fake; authentic and not synthetic in our lifestyle.

The day was climaxed with a great praise and thanksgiving session for a great nation like Sierra Leone.

The Church in Afaha Ikot Ebak, which was set up in 2016 has seen tremendous growth and like a newborn baby, the parent church (Rainbow Church) is doing everything to nurture and see that this growth is sustained. Another visit was made to the Afaha Ikot Ebak Church in Akwa Ibom State from Friday, 28^th to Sunday, 30^th April 2017 and this time the team set out with a mission to baptize new converts and begin the Church building. A team of seven persons did a follow-up visit to the Afaha Ikot Ebak, encouraging them in prayers, evangelism, follow up, revival meetings amongst others.

To the glory of God, the first water baptism as well as the first Holy communion service took place on Sunday, 30^th April 2017. Five persons were baptized. They testified of God's goodness, thanking God for bringing the ministry into their community.

In attendance were 22 adults and 11 children during the Sunday service. The mission was indeed successful as both spiritual and physical growth were recorded