Dr. Kargbo - Celebratory Service

We are delighted that Samuel has been able to follow his academic interests while at the same time pastoring his church and overseeing the work of the New Era Evangelism and Development Programme. This culminated in his being awarded a Doctorate from the BAKKE Graduate University in Seattle this Summer. Bakke Graduate University (BGU) is a US accredited graduate school for leaders who are seeking to facilitate positive social transformation of urban areas. The school is named for Ray and Dennis Bakke who in the late 20th century respectively pioneered movements to give decision-making power to people in disadvantaged neighborhoods and front-line employees. As a result, BGU has been able to expand into regions in places such as Asia and Africa by developing platforms for local leaders to have the primary voice in how students in their region are trained.


Samuel already held a Bachelor of Theology Degree in Christian Education and a Masters of Education Degree in Educational Administration.

Samuel talking to Sam Warwick and Susie Marshall after the service on 10th March 2011.

For a number of years he has been a lecturer at the Evangelical College of Theology (TECT) at Jui ten miles from Freetown. TECT is a multi-denominational institution whose mission is to "Preach the Word, Reach the World." The college offers certificate, diploma, and bachelor degree programmes. Enrollment for the 2011-12 school year was 259 students. TECT is partnered with the Global Connection Partnership Network, Overseas Council International, and the European Baptist Mission.

On the 9th September 2012 a doctoral thanksgiving service was organized by Samuel's church in appreciation to God for making it possible for him complete his studies successfully. I was not able to attend but was invited to send some words of congratulation to be read out at the service.

I wrote, "I am delighted to send Dr. Samuel Kargbo greetings in Christ and our hearty congratulations on his award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on behalf of Wendy and myself, the Community Church Derby and Links International.

We are grateful to Jesus, our Lord, for the way that He has led Samuel into a relationship with Himself, has enabled him to develop his full intellectual abilities and has placed him in a position where he is able to serve the body of Christ through his vision and leadership skills.

We think of Samuel at the Thanksgiving service today and know that “The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5.24). May grace and peace be granted to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."

Afterwards he wrote "I bring you greetings in the mighty name of our saviour Jesus Christ who has called us to His service. During the service, your congratulatory statement was read and I appreciate the words in it."