By paul.kamara@awokonewspapersl.com
Bo, SIERRA LEONE – Rev. Shodankeh Johnson, Global Team Leader of New Harvest Ministries and a passionate advocate for discipleship, has been honored with the highly respected 2025 Robert Coleman Disciple Maker Award in the United States. The award recognizes his remarkable efforts in mentoring others and advancing the Gospel through Discipleship Making Movements across the globe.
Named in honor of the late Dr. Robert E. Coleman, author of the seminal book The Master Plan of Evangelism, the award is given to individuals who exemplify deep dedication to disciple-making—a core tenet of Christian ministry. Coleman’s legacy lives on in leaders like Rev. Johnson, who embody his vision for nurturing faithful followers of Christ.
“This award is not just about what I have done,” said Rev. Johnson in a brief statement. “It reflects the incredible work of the New Harvest Ministries family and the movement of God across nations. I’m deeply humbled.”
Rev. Johnson’s influence spans continents. Under his leadership, New Harvest Ministries has planted churches in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, built around the ministry’s five key pillars, with Discipleship Making Movements (DMM) as a central focus. These efforts have empowered communities, uplifted spiritual lives, and sparked Gospel-centered transformation in both urban and rural areas.
In Sierra Leone, his media outreach has been equally impactful. As proprietor of Radio New Song, with stations in Bo, Kono, and Makeni, Rev. Johnson uses the airwaves to share the Gospel, inspire faith, and provide a platform for fellow ministers to preach the unfiltered word of God.
Beyond the church walls, Rev. Johnson plays a pivotal role in national development and peacebuilding. As Chairman of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, he has helped steer dialogue, reconciliation, and unity efforts in post-conflict communities.
His ministry’s innovation is also noteworthy. Programs like the “Harvest Olympic,” which uses sports as a tool for evangelism, and the “School of Recovery,” which rehabilitates and empowers youth from rough neighborhoods, show his holistic approach to mission work. These initiatives have not only transformed lives but also built a new generation of leaders committed to both spiritual and national progress.
A revered national figure, many regard Rev. Johnson as more than a pastor. He is seen as a mentor, spiritual father, life coach, and a tireless ambassador for peace and purpose.
His recognition with the Robert Coleman Award is being celebrated across the Christian world as a powerful affirmation of his legacy and impact.
“This isn’t just an award—it’s a call to even deeper faithfulness,” Rev. Johnson shared. “My prayer is that it will inspire others to make disciples, multiply churches, and reach every corner of the world with the love of Christ.”
As the global Christian community joins in honoring Rev. Johnson, his story stands as a powerful reminder of what one life, fully surrendered to God, can accomplish for the Kingdom. PK/11/5/2025
