Bethel Temple Ministries started in 1967 as the first English speaking Pentecostal Mission in Sierra Leone, under the Assemblies of God Mission. After its inauguration which was attended by about 70 people, the Church then Calvary Temple of the Assemblies of God, met in various premises until the 8th June 1969, when the Church building was erected and dedicated at its present site – Tower Hill.
When Sister Euphemia Jones got healed during the Evangelistic Crusade held at the Recreation Grounds (National Stadium) in 1966, no one could have foreseen the role she would play in the development of what is now Bethel Temple Ministries International, almost half a century later. We praise God for her devotion.
In its foundational years, the Ministry grew under the leadership of Resident Missionaries such as Rev. and Mrs. James Berry, Rev and Sister Hemminger, until it finally landed on the shoulders of its first National Leaders, Rev. Ade Jones and Rev (Mrs.) Euphemia Jones in 1971.
Bethel Temple was one of the earliest Churches in Sierra Leone. Church services were quite popular and growth was phenomenal. Soon the building could not house congregation and expansion was needed. This led to an extension in 1992 to its present size, a Church that holds about one thousand people.
The death of Sis Euphemia Jones in 1985 led to an increase workload on the Pastor. In the mid 90s the Ministry decided in having two Assistant Pastors, Rev Ulric Crowne and Rev Dr. Rita Caesar as Assistant Pastor Ministry and Assistant Pastor Administration respectively.
In 2001, Pastor A.E.W Jones passed away and in 2002, Rev. Abraham George became the Pastor, a position he holds currently. With its roots firmly planted in Freetown and the Western Area, Bethel Temple Ministries International gradually spread its influence outward especially towards the East and South of Sierra Leone in line with God’s word. At this point in time, all the regions of Sierra Leone are now home to various Branches, making its expansion a naturally expected outcome.
Apart from our cross-border church planting in Monrovia – Liberia, Bethel Temple Ministries International now offers fellowship in locations such as Rokoloh, Bo1, Bo2, Bo Reservation, Banja Town, Moyamba Prisons, Moyamba Town - Yoyema Road, Mokoreh Village, Kenema Town, Blama, Sefadu -Kono, Kailahun Town, Tongo and Daru.
The Bethel Temple Bible School an affiliate of the International Bible Institute of London which has produced over 500 Pastors and Ministers of the Gospel since 1985 is currently undergoing restructuring and would resume lectures pretty soon.
The Ministry has also been involved in the drive to uplift the educational needs of the people of Sierra Leone. The Bethel Temple Preparatory School is now a full-fledged institution that has turned out a series of successful NPSE, WASSCE and University graduates in its time.
Bethel Temple Ministries International Churches are all structured in Departments to facilitate effective ministry to every facet of the Fellowship. You will be briefly introduced to each Department as you read on.