A small group of members interested in reaching the more than 15,000 Liberians living in the Philadelphia area reached out to Pastor Matthew Kamara who was completing a doctorate of ministry at Andrews University (Mich.). Kamara previously served as the treasurer of the Liberian Conference in Africa and planted several churches there and in South Bend, Ind.
Story by Pennsylvania Conference Staff
Kamara agreed to help and started the journey to opening the Pilgrim church. In 2013 Kamara started commuting to Philadelphia on weekends. In 2014 he moved there and started working more intensely in the area. Now, after only two years, about 60 people attend each Sabbath.
This spring the fledgling group asked to join the conference. Upon further investigation by administration, it was recommended to, and voted by the conference executive committee, that the Pilgrim church join the Pennsylvania Conference.
“Under the leadership of Pastor Kamara and his capable elders and ministry leaders, we hope to see the church grow and prosper and start more African churches in the Philadelphia metro area,” says William Peterson, vice president of mission and administration.
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