Our History
The founder of Joshua International Ministries, Inc. is Joan Williams. Joan is a Sierra Leonean currently residing in the United States. She is a retired teacher of the Georgia Public School System. Joan is a graduate of Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, Howard University in Washington D.C. and Victory World Ministry Training Center in Norcross, Georgia. Joan holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree, a Master of Education Degree, and a Diploma in Ministerial Training.
As Joan prayed for Sierra Leone, the Holy Spirit emphasized the importance of taking the Gospel to the young population. She saw a tremendous harvest of young souls that is often overlooked. Reaching the children of Sierra Leone with the love of Jesus Christ is now Joan’s passion.
The Hebron House of Refuge Bible Training Schools.
In August 2000, the first Bible Training/Feeding Center was established in central Freetown. Subsequently, six other Bible Training/Feeding Centers were established throughout Freetown (Grafton Village Campus, East Campus, Kroo Bay Campus, Sumaila Town Campus, Central Campus, Aberdeen Campus and Fonima Campus). The Bible was taught and over 1,500 children were fed hot lunches every Saturday. The children were also provided with clothing, shoes, toys, and school supplies. A mixed group of kids ranging from orphans, internally displaced children, ex-child soldiers, and children from regular but very impoverished families were served. The centers closed down in July 2009 as our focus changed to providing formal school education to children.
Leadership Training.
From 2004 to 2008, Joshua International provided leadership training for Pastors, children ministry leaders, and schoolteachers. Over 2,000 leaders attended these conferences.
In June 2019, Joshua International partnered with The Omega Gospel Movement (Sierra Leone), and Praise Ministry Tabernacle (Alabama), in hosting a leadership conference for Pastors and church leaders at Kossoh Town Village.
Sandra Hairston Primary School, Kroo Bay.
In November of 2005, Ms. Sandra Hairston of Washington D.C. heard about our vision to provide free education for the children of Kroo Bay. She very generously donated the start-up cost in January 2006. Sandra Hairston Primary School became a reality a month later. The Kroo Bay Community is a shanty town found along the Atlantic Ocean. Majority of the children do not attend school as families could not afford the high cost associated with education. Sandra Hairston Primary School provided free education and hot lunches for 250 children from Pre-K to Grade Five. Sadly, we had to end this program in July 2010.
Agape Center, Grafton Village.
This is a multi-purpose complex that houses our schools. The complex was opened in July 2010. The Agape Center was made possible by the amazing generosity of our partnering church, Victory Church in Norcross, Georgia.
TeachSaLone.
In December 2010, TeachSaLone was launched. The vision of TeachSaLone is to give our staff the foundational knowledge and skills they need to become highly effective educators.
Looking into the Future
The following will be constructed:
- A secondary school from Grades 7 to Grades 12
- A vocational/technical/job training Center
- A Christian University