New Life Ministries Women Celebrates 26th National Conference

The New Life Ministries International Women’s Department is celebrating its 26th National Women’s Conference under the theme: “EMERGE,” bringing together women from across Sierra Leone for a week of worship, prayer, teaching and fellowship.

The conference is being held at the New Life Ministries International Headquarters, Miracle City, Ross Road, Cline Town, from Tuesday, October 6, to Sunday, October 11, 2026. Delegates are expected from Kailahun, Bo, Kenema, Bonthe, Pujehun, Kabala, Makeni, Kambia, Freetown and other districts.

Speaking to journalists, Rev. Mrs. Irene Cole, Co-General Overseer and International Women’s Supervisor of the ministry’s Women’s Department, said the annual gathering has played an important role in the growth and development of women in the church and their communities.

Rev. Cole reflected on the conference’s 26-year history, recalling that its first theme was “Give the Daughters Their Possession.” She said the department had continued to witness progress from one stage of development to another, crediting God’s faithfulness for the conference’s continued growth.

She said the ministry had seen significant improvement in the lives of women in Sierra Leone, particularly members of New Life Ministries, as well as in the lives of their children and families.

This year’s theme: “EMERGE,” expresses the department’s desire to see women rise from difficult circumstances and move into positions of greater influence and purpose. Rev. Cole said the church wants to see women “move from the bottom and emerge to the top.”

The conference, promoted as a gathering of the King’s daughters, will feature activities throughout the week, including morning sessions, evening revival services, prayer events and a thanksgiving service. Madam Cole says speakers from Sierra Leone, Liberia and other parts of the world will take part.

The opening ceremony took place on Tuesday, October 6, at 5 p.m. Morning conferences will run from Wednesday, October 7, to Friday, October 9, beginning at 9 a.m. Evening revival services will take place on those same days at 6 p.m.

On Friday, October 9, eligible members will be able to participate in a free shopping activity beginning at 9 a.m.

Saturday, October 10, will include the Women of Influence Prayer Breakfast at 8:30 a.m. at the Methodist Women’s Hall on Kingharman Road, near the Council of Churches in Sierra Leone (CCSL). Later that evening, the department will hold its Mother’s Summit at 6 p.m. Women attending the summit have been asked to wear white and bring their wrappers.

Rev Cole describes the summit as a time for mothers and women to pray for children and families. Rev Cole Further stated that, the women department has raised concern about the impact of Kush, a dangerous drug that has caused serious harm among young people in Sierra Leone. She urged women to unite in prayer for children, whom it described as the country’s future leaders.

She said the gathering would be an opportunity for women to pray and stand against the challenges facing young people and families. “We are taking the battle to the enemy’s gate,” Rev. Mrs. Irene Cole said.

The conference will conclude on Sunday, October 11, with a Grand Finale Thanksgiving Service at 1:30 p.m.

Rev. (Mrs.) Felicia Neufville of Monrovia, Liberia, is scheduled to deliver the keynote address. Other speakers include Apostle Francess Razaak Koroma, the ministry’s Missions Director and District Superintendent for Bo District, and Rev. (Mrs.) Waltina May-Garber, Vice-President at Headquarters. Rev. (Mrs.) Irene Cole will serve as chief convener.

The 2026 conference opened with a message from His Grace Bishop J. Archibald Cole, General Overseer of New Life Ministries. His address focused on the biblical idea of emergence and the transformation of women and believers in Christ.

Bishop Cole referred to Genesis 17:15–16, in which God tells Abraham that his wife Sarai will be called Sarah, and promises to bless her and make her “a mother of nations.” The passage, he said, illustrates a transformation in Sarah’s life and the promise of fruitfulness and influence associated with her new name.

The story of Sarah provided a fitting foundation for the conference theme, organisers said, as women gathered to reflect on faith, identity, growth and the possibility of rising into new responsibilities and opportunities.

Bishop Cole also offered words of encouragement to people facing personal difficulties, expressing confidence that hardship could give way to renewed hope. “Are you going through a test? God is about to give you a testimony,” he said, adding that those experiencing disappointment, stress, trials, shame or disgrace should remain hopeful for what he described as God’s appointment, blessing, triumph and grace.

The Women’s National Conference has become a familiar annual event for many church members and supporters across Sierra Leone. Its 26th edition brings together women from different districts for a programme designed to strengthen faith, encourage personal development and create space for collective prayer.

As the conference continues through the week, participants will have opportunities to hear from local and international speakers, take part in revival services and join in prayer for families and the nation. For the Women’s Department, the theme: “EMERGE” is both a call to spiritual renewal and an invitation for women to move forward with confidence, purpose and influence.