Yesterday was an eventful day!

The flight to Lungi Airport was very straightforward. Even getting through the scrum of people wanting to ‘help’ us the other side of customs was easy too! Reuben and Francis were their to meet us and whisked us and our luggage into the car and off we drove to Tagrin where we were to catch the ferry. The ferry was there too, ready and waiting for us, but…

…a large container lorry had decided to reverse off the ferry and on to the ramp. The angles make a V-shape, and the container had got grounded half way across. There was no way it was going anywhere. Eventually the other ferry was sent across from Freetown. That landed just fine, and then simnply sat there doing nothing. Reuben came into his own then, and went off to sort them out. And so it was that we arrived at 4pm at the hotel instead of midnight, to get 2 1/2 hours sleep before today began. A perfect introduction to Sierra Leone for Tim!

Today has been a long day, with much to reflect on. We visited Elder Clinton Jackson’s family to bring our condolences, before heading to Lumley Church. From there to the Milton Margai School for the blind – a fantastic place! Next stop Jui church and finally the Youth Conference Singer Fest at Hastings. Here I was to discover that I was due to deliver a sermon some 5 minutes before being asked to stand up and speak! I’ll try and post properly tomorrow, but now I’m ready for some sleep before another early start…

Elder Clinton Jackson

It is with sadness that I received the following email from Reuben this week:

This is the inform you that Elder C.B. Jackson passed away to be with the Lord today Tuesday 19th January 2010 at 12;00 Noon.

Date for his burial will be announced later.

May His soul Rest In Peace.

For many years Clinton was one of our agents, playing a significant role in the construction of many of our churches and schools in Sierra Leone – many of you will remember him from his visit to the UK some years ago. He was a well educated, friendly and committed man who brought laughter wherever he went. On the occasions that I have visited Sierra Leone he always made me extremely welcome – even though he was an Arsenal fan and I Liverpool. All of us who knew him will miss him greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time.