The Susu Gospel Ministry

A cross-continental partnership more than 22 years in the making — rooted in faith, sustained by commitment.

Rev. Sam & Pastor Josephine Sesay

In 1999, at the age of 50, Rev. Sam Sesay left behind a secure position as pastor of Wilberforce Baptist Church in Freetown and director of the Southern Baptist Convention compound in Sierra Leone. He and his wife Josephine walked away from stability — with no funding whatsoever, depending entirely on God — to reach the Susu people of their home country.

The Susu communities they moved into were burdened with poverty, poor medical care, and hopelessness. Sam and Josephine came anyway. They planted themselves in the rural villages and began building something from nothing. They are the heart of the growing ministry they have led ever since.

SGM and Canby Alliance Church

At the same time in Oregon, Canby Alliance Church planned trips to seek active ministries among the Susu. Through faith, a CAC team met the Sesays in Guinea in 2000. Encouraged by Rev. Sesay's vision, SGM and CAC began a cross-continental partnership that is stronger than ever after 22 years.

116 trans-atlantic flights

Dozens of people working together to serve the Susu

$700,000 invested

A well, farm, 3 churches, 2 preschools, 3 primary schools, and a clinic

Gospel access

For the first time in Susu communities

A trained surgeon

The Sesays' son Joseph became one of very few surgeons in Sierra Leone

Dr. Joseph Sesay grew up watching his people suffer. That experience never left him. Because of his early academic promise, Canby Alliance Church supported him through his medical doctorate and surgical specialty at Ternopil National Medical University in Ukraine.

When he finished, his classmates took lucrative positions in the developed world. Dr. Sesay came home. He was named Medical Superintendent of Makeni Regional Hospital — one of the largest hospitals in Sierra Leone — and earns a salary less than one-tenth of what his classmates make. He is experienced in general surgery, obstetrics, pediatric surgery, and other fields. He is the driving force behind the hospital project.

Dr. Joseph Sesay,

“As a child, I saw the need: my people were suffering. I know that I am just one person, but I believe that I can make a difference.”
— Dr. Joseph Sesay

Meet the rest of the team:

  • Pastor Tim Barton

    Senior pastor, Canby Alliance Church (1985–2023)

    First visited SGM in 2006. Made eight trips to Sierra Leone to encourage and support the ministry.

  • Paul Knopp

    Canby Alliance Church — Agricultural

    advisor. Championed the hospital project since its inception. Helped create the SGM farming project, drawing on decades of nursery and agricultural experience.

  • Pam Wilson

    OB nurse — Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center

    Traveled on medical missions to Mexico, Guinea, and Sierra Leone. Trained medical staff and saw patients at the Modia Clinic.

  • Mel Yamase

    Church elder, CAC — Medical advisor (retired)

    MD from University of Hawaii (1986). Former Chief Resident in Internal Medicine at Providence Portland Medical Center. Led private practice 1990–2021.

  • John Hudson

    President, 100Fold Studio

    Architectural firm with 61 projects in 26 countries for Christian-led ministries. Created hospital renderings and probable construction cost estimates.n goes here

  • Bosco Kamara

    Director, Modia General Clinic since 2006

    Licensed community health worker with 3 years of additional training in tropical medicine. Known locally for fairness, competence, and high-quality care.

  • Esther Bangura

    Head Nurse, Modia General Clinic — 14 years

    Prior experience at Kamakwei Hospital. Holds a certificate in State Enrolled Community Health Nursing. Central to the clinic's success.

  • Pastor Basiru Deen

    General Secretary, Susu Gospel Ministry

    Ordained minister and educator. Oversees clinic finances. Led the clinic through the 2014–2016 Ebola Crisis to become financially self-supporting.