Faith International Mission USA/Sierra Leone,
Ltd. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization registered in Maryland and dedicated
to “Equipping the Poor in the Name of Christ.”
Alimamy Lawrence
Kabia is the Founder of FIM USA/Sierra Leone, and Secretary of the Board. For many years, Mr. Kabia worked alone to improve the
lives of those in Batkanu District. Out of his own resources, he purchased agricultural tools
to replace those stolen or destroyed by rebel groups. He funded the
construction of a primary school and hired two teachers to begin
instruction (unfortunately, in 2009 this school collapsed and up until this year (2012), the
students were being taught in a variety of temporary locations). This
was the only schooling available for children in the area. Mr. Kabia
is well-suited to be a Board Member of FIM USA/SL; while in Sierra Leone
before the war, he was the personal assistant to a dynamic missionary
who was involved in a similarly broad array of ministries. He has
training as an agricultural specialist, and is additionally
well-connected in the Batkanu District, being a son of a Chief; this
close connection means that the community members trust him and this,
in turn, opens the doors to many ministry efforts. Mr. Kabia
currently holds an associate degree and is pursuing a bachelor's
degree in criminal justice, as he continues to work in this area. Mr.
Kabia's favorite word? “Faith.”
Randal Verbrugge is a
co-Founder of the mission, President of the mission, and a Board Member.
He grew up in Nigeria as a child of medical missionaries, and holds a
PhD in economics. He has taught at Stanford University, Virginia
Tech, and Georgetown University. He met Mr. Kabia in connection with
his current position, as a research economist for the US government.
Over many discussions, the need for a mission organization like FIM
USA/SL became clear.
Pastor Roosevelt Dickens is the Senior Pastor of Corinth Baptist Church in Capitol Heights, MD, and a Board
Member. (Click on the link for a small bio and photo.) We greatly appreciate the wisdom of Pastor Dickens, and his assistance in helping us obtain 501(c)(3) status. Truly
he is a gift from God, and we are thankful that he has chosen to walk faithfully with his Savior.
Reverend Almond Dickens is the Church Administrator and Sunday School Superintendent of Corinth Baptist Church,
and Chair of the Board.
Faith Breno is the Treasurer of the Board. She is a CPA, and previous positions include Internal Auditor for Alcoa (Pittsburgh, PA) and Senior Accountant for Touche-Ross (Hartford, CT).
She is also very active in her parish (http://www.holyresurrection.com/), serving as a Sunday School teacher and as
President of the parish chapter of the ACRY, another charitable organization.
Pastor Samuel Kamara is the
Pastor of the church in Makaiba village, and the superintendent of the
Faith International Mission School. He is well-known to Mr. Kabia and
has over a decade of experience in running a school.
