Sierra Leone is an English-speaking country located in West Africa between Liberia and Guinea. It was the first West African country to be evangelized. In 1785, the first Protestant Church was started in Freetown, among freed slaves. Yet after over 200 years of effort, only 13% of the population claims to be Christian. Today, 63% of people call themselves Muslims. After a horrific civil war that lasted for 10 years, the country is struggling with an 80% unemployment rate and 33% literacy rate. The people have been left with many physical and emotional scars from the war, so the churches are working to bind up these wounds. There is a need to edify the church leaders of this country to win the country to Jesus Christ. We are linking hearts with Victor Zizer.
SIERRA
LEONE
VICTOR ZIZER
Key Catalyst for Africa Leader in Sierra Leone
Victor Joseph Toby Zizer grew up as a provincial boy in Sierra Leone. In his twenties, Victor moved to the capital city, Freetown, for schooling. He earned a doctorate in theology in African Christianity in 2016. After his ordination in 1996, Victor entered full-time ministry. Victor and his wife, Marvel, live in Ghana with their three children: Marvic, Marvin, and Marvina. Marvel is a postgraduate student at Akrofi-Christaller Institute in Ghana.
Currently, Victor is volunteering as an Associate Minister in the Presbyterian Church of Ghana and is serving as the Patron-Founder of Young Couples Fellowship, which now includes three other branch fellowships. Ministry is important to Victor because he recognizes God’s calling on his life to serve. When asked why he serves, Victor references Colossians 3:17: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Victor enjoys Gospel and country music, as well as photography. Traveling, meeting new people, and making new friends stem from his passion for hospitality and agriculture. Victor loves teaching and wants to be involved in training leaders for Africa. Having a postgraduate school in Sierra Leone is a dream of Victor’s.
Ministry: Young Couples Fellowship
Young Couples Fellowship (YCF) was founded in 2011 by Victor Zizer for the purpose of encouraging young married Christian couples to build and maintain God-honoring relationships. The YCF motto exemplifies the goal of the ministry: Knitted by Christ, Anchored in Him and Preserved for Him. The non-denominational ministry offers counseling, a midyear day-retreat, and monthly meetings that include special guest speakers, Bible studies, and group discussions. Taking a vacation with one’s spouse is not a common practice in Africa, so most couples greatly look-forward to the residential retreats. YCF currently serves in parts of Accra and Akropong-Akuapem in the Eastern Region of Ghana, with plans to expand into other cities and countries in the future. Victor is the Patron-Founder and provides advice and counsel to the ministry and motivation for the ensuing leadership, assists with programs, and gives talks.
Victor is partnering with Catalyst For Africa (CFA) in order to create a network of leaders inside and outside of Africa to fulfill the Gospel mandate. Catalyst For Africa’s core value of Family Priority incorporates the mission and vision of Young Couples Fellowship. Collaboration between the two ministries has included CFA facilitating a day-retreat by providing resources and YCF has participated in training and consultation meetings with CFA.
