On Sunday 16. August we received the shocking news that Bishop John K. Yambasu of the Sierra Leone Area of The United Methodist Church, had died in a traffic accident on his way to attend a funeral service in Yonibana in the northern part of Sierra Leone. His untimely death is a devastating loss to his wife Mrs. Millicent Yambasu and the couple’s five children and to the Sierra Leone annual conference.
Bishop Yambasu was recognized throughout the connection as an excellent church leader and a bishop of the highest faith and integrity. His warm heart, his wisdom and his unwavering passion for health, justice and reconciliation was a source of inspiration to many and made him not only an outstanding partner in mission and ministry, but also a strong unifying leader on the continent of Africa and in the world wide United Methodist Church. Bishop Yambasu had a leading role in the battle against the Ebola virus in Sierra Leone. He was the president of the Africa College of Bishops of The United Methodist Church, and he was also the newly elected Chancellor of Africa University.
Out of a deep sense of calling and passion for the unity in mission of the United Methodist Church, bishop Yambasu initiated and continued to inspire the process that led to the agreement, “the Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation†that the upcoming general conference will be asked to act on. He utilized his unique gift to build trust and hope, when he brought together a diverse group of representatives from United Methodist advocacy groups with contrasting views and bishops from around the world to collaborate on finding a way to help the church out of its impasse over human sexuality.
To me, bishop Yambasu was not only a cherished colleague but also good friend. In 2018, I had the privilege to be an official guest at the annual conference in Freetown, where I preached at the opening worship service, and we presided together. During my visit, I had the opportunity to travel with bishop Yambasu to a number of churches, ministries and projects around the country. I experienced his genuine love for his people and their love for him, I saw his commitment to build up the country, and I saw his heartfelt desire to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. With his personality and ministry he modelled the best qualities in Wesleyan servant leadership.
Many United Methodists mourn his death, and we stand with the United Methodists in Sierra Leone in prayer and mission in this challenging time.
Thanks be to God for the witness and leadership of bishop John K. Yambasu.
Bishop Christian Alsted
Chair of the Connectional Table