Sorry for the delay, but I’ve finally got the write up for our last day uploaded!

I’ve just updated the post regarding the 18th February – it now has our recollections to go along with the photos!

One of our first visits during our stay in Sierra Leone was to the Milton Margai School for the Blind where we had a wonderful time. There they sang to us and enthusiasm and joy – here is a taste for you! Wonderful how the gift of song can cut across cultural differences and make it indeed a small world…

To find out more about our visit here, read this post from the diary of our stay.

Just updated the post for this day on our recent visit to Sierra Leone. To read it and see the photos click here.

Tim wrote this for our church newsletter on Sunday, and I thought it worth repeating:

Safely Home!

Today we have reached the end of our Sierra Leone adventure and arrived back at Heathrow at 6.30 this morning – far too early in the morning to make a coherent write up of the trip but for that the blog will give a great flavour of the fortnight. Next Sunday morning we hope to be able to share some of the things we have seen and learned.

One thing I have learned that I think is good for us and the people of Sierra Leone is the importance of hope – without hope we will pass by others in need, we will hide away like Gideon in the winepress (yes, I did talk a lot about Gideon while we were away!) or like the man by the pool at Siloam, we will accept that things are bad and can never change.

Jesus gave all sorts of people hope for the future – he asked the man at the poolside if he wanted to be well only to be given the reasons why he never could be. Jesus changes lives and just as that man was changed by meeting with Jesus and was made well and able to walk so today situations and people can be transformed by the hope there is in the gospel of Jesus. Paul says that hope is the seed that springs up to produce faith and work and so things are changed. In Sierra Leone we saw great signs of change as people look to God and find in him hope for the future. Here in the UK we often seem to lose hope a bit and need to see again that with God all things are possible and lives can be changed and transformed as people meet with Jesus.

In Sierra Leone we visited a school where the nearest water supply is two miles away and yet we were greeted with joyful songs of praise to God who has blessed them in so many ways. We passed in the car some senior school pupils who get up at 4.30am to walk seven miles to school and when we passed them they waved cheerily as if they were just out for a country stroll. I was touched by that sense of joy and thankfulness among people who have a different set of richness to ours – the richness of those who know that God “has plans for you – plans of good and not evil; plans to give you a future and a hope”

For that I am deeply thankful to the warm, amazing and beautiful people of Sierra Leone.

Taking some time to try and organise the photos we took whilst in Sierra Leone. We seem to have around 1500 of them! Once they’re done, I’ll try and post a page with them all laid out in logical order, and re-do the photo shows on the individual posts from the visit. I’m also tweaking the dates of the posts so that they occur in the order of the events described rather than in the order they were posted; now that the visit is over this seems to make more sense.

Some people have had problems viewing the photo slideshows. To be able to view them you need to have Flash Player installed on your browser. This can be obtained here.

I’ve still got a few days to write up – I shall get around to them I promise…

A quick post to say we’re back, safe and sound…
Will gradually get around to filling in the blanks over the next few days!
Its been a wonderful trip, worth it in so many ways. Although tired, we’ve returned with many great memories of this beautiful land and generous people.

The last day! Time always does funny things on a visit like this. After the first few days it felt as if we’d been here for years – we’d packed so many experiences in on the journey here alone! Then with Conference and numerous visits we had so much panning out in front of us, but then all of a sudden the last few days galloped away and here we are, the last few hours in Sierra Leone.

We only had one location to visit before leaving, although we had three tasks to do there. It was back to Lady Selina’s Chapel to meet with the Ministers, to call in on the Minister’s Wives’ sewing group and looking around the new floor, the offices above the Chapel.

Every month the ministers gather to talk business and receive their pay. This month it was scheduled for our today. It was good to be able to meet them all at Conference and then see them together once more having visited their churches and seen them at work. This was a good opportunity to say thank you for the warm welcome we had received wherever we had gone – we have as always been treated as distinguished visitors – and to talk over a few important matters with them regarding the nature of our ongoing support. It was also a chance to clear up some confusions that had arisen about the relationship between the SLM and the SL Connexion over the four years since we last were here. At the end of the business and speeches, we were extremely touched to be presented with some personalised decorative plaques and traditional tops – having just said how we appreciated their patience under the constraints caused by the current financial situation this was quite humbling. Although like any family we have our disagreements from time to time, I cannot deny that these are God’s people – we found Christ in them and made many good friends. I do hope that one day I will return to see them again.

The Ministers’ wives have started a sewing group with the help of donated equipment from the UK. This meets in a small room at the front of the Chapel. Lovette M’Bayo, one of our ministers and wife of Kelvin M’Bayo another minister currently working on the church plants in the Provinces, invited us to come and see what they have been making. We were very impressed with their handiwork – and it was good to see them all again before we left.

Our last port of call was to head upstairs to meet the committee running the offices built on top of the Chapel for the SLM Agency, the FSL and the Connexion. Of these, it was brilliant to meet my old friend Mulba Harris who had designed and overseen the building work on the Chapel – my first large project upon becoming Chairman. We were also taken to the unfinished top floor where they hope eventually to build a Manse. There is a temporary roof and the walls reach part way, but other than that it is currently open, providing a great view across Freetown – ideal for taking photos.

And so, having said yet another round of goodbyes, we left in the good company of Augustine and Francis for a last drive through the congested streets, to the Ferry Terminal. Sitting here the temperature dial reached the record level of our stay, 108 degrees Farenheit (42 degrees Centigrade)!

This time there were no antics with broken down containers, and the ferry was loaded without disaster. Tim enjoyed noticing how the Ferry kept backing away from the jetty so that there was always water at the low point of the ramp – we guess so that it didn’t run aground. This meant that foot passengers had to either get wet crossing, or pay one of the willing volunteers to carry them over!

Boarding the ferry during daylight was wonderful. We opted to sit on top amongst the throng of other foot passengers under a canopy that had been erected. Here, although somewhat crammed in, we could enjoy the breeze and view. I had warned Tim of the entertainment before we made our journey here a fortnight ago, and as expected, no sooner had the boat started moving, when two whited up (think ‘blacked up’ in reverse – unthinkable in our politically correct world) popped up and started working the audience. To begin with they were trying to sell CDs and VCDs which are popular here, but before long their pitch increased in vigour and volume as they decreed that they were having an argument and wanted us to resolve it for them. They were debating whether there were more Christians or Muslims on board (again this is something else we would not dare do at home). They needed our help to answer the question. First of all, one of them would cry out ‘Amen’ to which all the Christians on board would have to respond ‘Halleluja’h. Then the other would cry declare ‘Assalamu alaikum’ (peace be with you) to which the Muslims on board had to respond ‘Walaikum as salaam’ (and peace unto you). Whichever side did it the loudest would be the winners. After several attempts and similar calls they gave up on this approach and announced that a vote was needed. each of them passed around a bag, and if you were a Christian you had to put a coin in one bag and Muslims in the other. Outrageous maybe, but the crowd loved it! Having collected in the money, they decided there was too many coins to count. The only way to do it would be through collecting notes! They would take it in turn to appeal for a note, and the one who collected the last note won – although in the hilarity, I’m not sure we ever worked out who this was! Of course, it didn’t take long before they noticed that there were two white men on board, Christians obviously (yes, the stereotype works here just as we may assume that Asians are Muslims). ‘White man, shake up!’ came the insistent demand. I fear I had no intention of getting out my money belt in public, but Tim was ready with some Leones, and presented them to great applause!

We made it to Lungi Airport with time to kill. Francis and Augustine weren’t allowed in with us, so we said our final goodbyes and entered. I must confess that this, alongside arriving, is my least favourite part of the journey. There are no real facilities outside of check in, and so it was a case of getting a few drinks and biding our time. Naturally we developed a ‘friend’ who had to guard our bags for us for a few dollars. Others tried to befriend us too, but we were in no mood to play along, especially when we realised they were in employment at the airport.

Eventually we made it in, passing through the checks with little trouble. They even let me carry my staff through from Foofoo Water without comment! now we were untroubled and could get some food and relax, even check out the Duty Free! The plane arrived on time, and we went through another round of checks, this time carried out by British staff. I fear they thought little of the Leonian checks and were stunned that my staff had been admitted for hand luggage. At one point I thought it was going to have to be discarded, but one kind soul took pity on me and stashed in it the staff compartment.

The flight itself was smooth, my stomach held out, and eventually we landed in the cold UK. It was good to be home and to be reunited with our families – although as I had said previously to Tim, Sierra Leone gets under the skin. I know it is under mine again – despite the frustrations and problems, I love the place and the people. One day we’ll be back. For now though we have our memories, our photos and a pile of requests to work through!

The last day of standard visits, an a day that threatened on paper to be hideously long! Not only did we have the five originally planned visits to make, but we also gained one during Conference when Reuben realised that he hadn’t included St. Stephen’s at Rokel in our itinerary…

Fogbo (pronounced fo-bo) is a large fishing community of some 2000+ people along the coast from Tombo and Tissana to the East, where Rev. Charles Moinina is the current minister (although we heard at Conference that he will be posted elsewhere soon). This church is twinned with Sheppey Evangelical Church in the UK. During the New Year’s Eve celebrations a fire broke out here, Charles wrote the following account for us:

On the eve of this New year (2010) , before our usual church service, heavy wind blown out within the Fogbo village. While young people were singing and dancing , many elders thought it was a sign of blessing and prosperity hence the wind served as agent cleansing the village against bad people.

The new year’s eve in Fogbo had been characterized by fantastic cultural jubilation and exhibitions. Surrounding villages converge to fogbo with their dance troops on competitive basis and winners were awarded with special prizes and recognition in the koya Rural District.

I and few committed members of my church were busy at visiting Christians homes urging them to attend service on time. We were able to get good number of Christians and started the service..The Theme of of the service was-‘ Asses your Result Card” (Numbers13:26-33) Preacher-Rev.Charles Moinina

Shortly after the sermon, there was dramatic change from jubilation to lamentation compounded by serious shouting and crying everywhere in the village. Allegedly , the wind has blown off the fire from one of the kitchens and spread out burning both thatch and corrugated iron sheet hourses with Christian homes being the main terminal causalities.

As a result ,most people are now over concentrated in neighboring houses or sought respite in other villages .Children who attended schools and churches at Fogbo have found themselves in non school and church environment. Lack of shelter, food and clothing has worsen the standard of living for the Fogbo people

As the only pastor of this community ,the people particularly the Christians are constantly asking me to share their plight with fellow Christians in Sierra Leone as well as abroad for support in any form that will relieve them.

May God blesses the giver and give him a blessed rest eternally. May the power of the Holy Spirit shine in them so that others may see their good works and bless Christ Jesus.

Arriving in Fogbo we were able to see for ourselves the extend of the disaster as we we taken on a walk through the community. It was clear that a significant portion of the heart of the village had been burnt down. It must have been, and must continue to be, an extremely hard time for these people.

As we walked, the children of the school accompanied us (a growing school now with over 200 children), fascinated by these two white men. At times there were some 40 children trying to all hang from our arms, tugging at our skin, wondering why it was different to theirs. After a while they also took up a chant, encouraged by one of their teachers. When we asked what it was, the translation was given as, ‘We want clothes!’

Manalo (twinned with Copthorne) was quite a contrast to Fogbo. The church here, led by Rev. Amadu Sesay, is small and struggling. They are in a Muslim dominated area and one in which work opportunities are low. It is hard for many to pay school fees, and there is little access to health care facilities. Regardles, Amadu remains cheerful and does what he can to share God’s love. It was good to see him again – attending his wedding in 2004 was a highlight of that trip. Another old friend at Manalo is their former pastor, the now retired George Braima who asked us to remember him and the youth of the church.

Having attended Makomba on the first Sunday for the service, we didn’t get a chance to visit the school which is on a nearby site, and so we called here as we drove through. Pastor Michael Tarawallie met us here, but said goodbye almost immediately – cycling off to Makoibondu where we would shortly meet him again. The school is on a large plot of land a little way out from the village, and as such is a bit isolated, leading them to be concerned about protecting it. They are trying to build a caretakers house so that someone can stay there (maybe a teacher?) and guard it out of hours. Apparently there was an arson attempt a little while ago.

The school seemed to be in good shape and spirit (except for the ceilings which seemed to be coming down – although from memory this is nothing new). They also have a new well which was provided by ‘Living Water International’ - I wonder if they might help other communities we work in who are asking for them?

Just down the road we caught up with Michael Tarawallie at Makoibondu. I was quite envious of his cycle ride – we have had little proper exercise, and cycling is one of my favourite active pastimes! The people here are surviving – like everywhere today the people are poor and there are little employment opportunities. They asked for help with furnishing and for a porch so that a gate can be erected to keep animals out during services. They also have plans for agriculture in the church grounds -much to Tim’s delight they hope to grow bananas! Like so many others at the moment, they are also concerned about demarking the land to stop encroachment.

The last of the M’s (I believe it is a Mende tradition to name places with Ms or Rs) – Magbafti, twinned suitably enough with another M, Mortimer West End in the UK. Much to our surprise we were well ahead of schedule by this point – for the first time ever on any visit. Not quite sure how that happened… We were so far ahead that Rev. Theophilus Nicol hadn’t arrived yet to greet us. Not put off by this, the local people introduced us to the school and gave us a presentation without him! The welcome took place in the church alongside the Primary School. This was as vibrant and noisy as ever – although for once there was no cultural dancing (something Tim has yet to experience). After the able presentation, we were taken around the grounds to see the concrete posts that have been erected with funds given to us by Mortimer West End (thanks!) to respond to encroachment on the land, something which has been a real problem here. Just as we finished this tour, a rather surprised Theophilus made it, jsut in time to take us back into the church for a closing prayer!

Finally we made it to our last destination, St. Stephen’s, Rokel. Quite a contrast! At this old established church we were greeted by a number of older men, and surrounded for one of the few times in this land by quiet. Our former agent Joe Pearce, known to many in the UK, is currently overseeing the church here, although in the mid-year postings Jacob Dove will take charge (Reuben’s nephew? cousin?). They asked me to remember them to St. Stephen’s in Middleton, UK with whom they have shared a long relationship. They have been busy trying to renovate the church, paining it, making a start on building a toilet block and so on. They also boasted of their new belfry (courtesy of the hard work of Francis)! We also had the chance here to meet up with retired minister, Rev. John Walter Thomas, an old friend of the SLM.

And so at the end of a packed day we made it home much earlier than expected – we even had time to pack before going to bed!