George Liele: America’s First Missionary

By Michelle Adserias

Ten years earlier than William Cary, typically referred to as the daddy of the fashionable missionary motion, started his work in India, George Liele left the USA to change into a missionary in Jamaica.

George Liele surrendered his life to Christ when he was simply 23 years previous, in 1773. On the time, he was enslaved to Henry Sharp, a church deacon. However when Sharp realized God had referred to as Liele to evangelise the gospel, he gave Liele his freedom. This African American man spent the following to years educating God’s Phrase in slave quarters in Georgia and South Carolina. His trustworthy, highly effective messages led many individuals to Christ.

In 1775, Liele grew to become an ordained minister and planted the primary African American Baptist Church – a church that also worships collectively immediately. Sadly, his ministry was interrupted when Henry Sharp died and his heirs tried to enslave him as soon as once more. Liele was thrown in jail however launched when he produced papers proving he was a free man.

Liele was in search of a method to get to Jamaica, to deliver the gospel to enslaved individuals. He voluntarily indentured himself to Moses Kirkland, a British military colonial, who provided to assist pay for Liele’s journey in trade for 2 years of service. He was launched from his debt in 1782. He, his spouse and their 4 kids sailed for Jamaica, nonetheless a British colony at the moment. Slaves had been introduced from Africa to work within the sugar plantations. Liele shortly found that they had no actual understanding of who Jesus is and the reward of non secular freedom He provided.

Liele shortly planted a church, started successful souls for Christ and began holding public baptisms each three months. His message was not common among the many British residents. He was accused of sedition and thrown in jail – although he was later acquitted and launched. Undaunted, he continued preaching, educating and baptizing. Liele’s dedication to God’s calling led to 1000’s of souls discovering everlasting life by God’s grace – and never simply amongst those that had been enslaved. Liele’s trustworthy life touched many Jamaican colonists and nationwide leaders within the Americas and England, as properly.

Moreover, Liele expanded his attain by encouraging his congregates to additionally change into evangelists and missionaries. These he educated ministered in the USA, Nova Scotia and Sierra Leone.

George Liele was born into slavery however died in freedom, each bodily and spiritually. He died in 1828 however his message lives on:

“I conform to election, redemption, the autumn of Adam, regeneration and perseverance, figuring out the promise is to all who endure, in grace, religion and good works to the tip, shall be saved.”