Echos of Hope Newsletter: Republic of Sierra Leone
National Overseer: Dr. Bishop Levi Clarke
From the Overseer’s Desk
On behalf of the entire ministry and laity of the Church of God of Prophecy, Sierra Leone, greetings to all our prayer partners, sponsors and dear friends. In our last communiqué, we informed you that in addition to being Africa Area Presbyter, we have been asked to serve as national overseer of Sierra Leone. This additional responsibility necessitates us taking up residence.
Statistics on Sierra Leone:
Sierra Leone is a small coastal state between Guinea and Liberia in West Africa with a area of 71,740 sq.km. According to Operation World in the year 2000 the population was approximately 4,854,383. The capital is Freetown. The people are comprised of Mandes, Kwa, Krio and others. The official language is English. Trade language Krio (Creole) spoken by 10% of the population as first language and 90% as second.
In 1977 Freetown was founded as a home for freed slaves. They had their independence from Britain in 1961. The onset of the Liberian war in 1990 triggered the collapse of the government and resulted in a series of serious challenges for the people of Sierra Leone; however, thank God the church is alive and there is freedom to preach the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ.
Move into Sierra Leone
My wife Flo and I arrived in Freetown on January 28th, 2011. We were met by a delegation from the church. We were escorted by taxi to the ferry that took us across the Atlantic from Ilunga airport to Freetown. The trip was approximately 45min to an 1hr. We spent the next 5 days in an hotel by the name of 5/10 which is run by Sierra Leone Teachers Union. The estimated cost per night including food was $120us. During those five days, with the help of Pastors Mark Sessay and Issa Bangura, T.Y. Sessay and sister Kaddie Johnson; we were able to find a house on the main street in the east side of Freetown. Our search for a dwelling took us all over and we saw a number of homes, but had to reject them because of the bad roads, poor repairs, and accessibility. The house we eventually agreed on is a three bedroom flat above some stores. This home had no running water or public electricity; however, we were told that provision was being for an air tank which would be functional in 2 weeks. Unfortunately after 5 weeks, we still do not have the above amenities; however, as the saying goes “life goes on.”
We moved into the house February 2nd, 2011. This was poor judgement on our part; we should have inspected the house before checking out of the hotel but we were trying to minimize hotel cost. Getting into the house, we found out that the painting was not done and there was no possibility to have the utilities connected. Right away, we commissioned the men to get paint & brushes and start the job. They were able to get one room done where we set up a bed. Provision was made by the Pastors for a large water drum and some students filled it with water from a well. The neighbour lent us her generator and we fuelled it for the night, which gave us lights, what a blessing this was. Our first night was like having a boxing match with the mosquitoes, so by the next day we called in a carpenter to start making mesh-window enclosures to keep them out because we needed to open the windows for fresh air. By the end of the week we bought our own generator, a rechargeable light and a battery operated light. As soon as the mesh windows were installed we had a break from the mosquito bites and the intense heat because we could use our fans at nights. This time of the year is the Amathan season, thick sheets of dust covered everything and this made it so difficult to breathe or even keeping the house clean. There is a saying, ‘you could plant corn on the table at the end of each day, this is due to the built up dust from the Amatham. The floors had to be washed mornings and at nights just before we retire. Hopefully, this will be all past by the end of March. Amazingly, with all the above difficulties, we must say, we have coped extremely well. Thanks to the Lord and the help and support of the brethren and the people around. We missed some of the basic amenities of life that we so often take for granted in the West, things such as turning on a tap and seeing water; flipping the switch and seeing lights and plugging in an appliance or gadget and it functions. This was our first time not ever being able to watch TV for 5 weeks and we did not have time to miss it. Having served on the continent since 1984, it would seem like there should be no surprises for us, but yes, there were. The conditions we described were only experienced in the most remote areas of the other countries that we visited and served in the past; but where we are presently, is the capital of the country.
Having said all of this let me hurry to say that there are always two sides to every coin. Since our arrival on January 28th, we have seen and experienced so much which confirm and re-affirm that we are here as a result of divine providence. The Lord is giving us favour in just about everything that we have embarked upon. The people are very kind, helpful and very open.
National Welcome Service
On February 6th, 2011, the leadership and laity of the COGOP organized and conducted a reception for us, which was thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated. It was well attended with representation from the Education department of the Church and other officials. Once this was over, it was now time to be briefed on the actual task at hand and to start seeking the Lord for wisdom and discernment.
Ministers and Leadership Conference
My wife and I conducted the first ever ministers, leaders and workers conference in the COGOP here in Sierra Leone on February 11th 12th. All Pastors, leaders, ministry directors and local church workers attended. The subjects covered were:
(1) Basic Structure of the Church of God of Prophecy;
(2) Answering the call to Ministry
(3) The role of Women in the Ministry
(4) The Urgency of the Harvest
There were numerous comments and words of appreciation for the conference; in fact, there was request for more of this kind of teaching; especially as it relates to Pastor’s wives and women in ministry.
Sunday February 13th, we participated in a youth service which was a yearly planned fundraiser. This was held at the headquarters church, Kissy. I was privileged to minister using the topic: “A sprit filled life”. The building was jam packed and the youth demonstrated their talents for the Lord. Quite a large sum of Leones, the local currency, was raised for the youth ministry and the young harvest.
Those Left Behind
We were able to visit the exact site where the accident happened that took the lives of the former leaders of Sierra Leone March 7th, 2010. A Memorial Service was held on March 6th, at the Kissy church for the deceased which was well attended. All the families of those who died tragically were present. The National Overseer, Bishop Levi Clarke gave the memorial address followed with special prayer for comfort and strength for the deceased families. Thanks to the Calgary COGOP, the children who are left behind because of the tragedy are sponsored for a whole year (2010-2011). All fees and transportation, books and miscellaneous items pertaining to them and schooling are taken care of.
Information On Churches
There are 7 local churches operating in the country. We were privileged to visit 5 and ministered in 4 of them during the five Sundays that we were in the nation. There is only one building that is completed in the country even though the church has been in full operation since 1934. However, as we visited the different local churches, we were encouraged to see the efforts being made to have their own buildings. All four have started some form of construction and with just a little help they can finish these church buildings. We must add here that most of these local churches facilities are also used for schools.
FOCUS AND VISION IN MOVING FORWARD
Yes, we are in a very impoverish nation, but we as leaders are passionate about sounding “echoes of hope.” In the National Overseer’s challenge during our welcome service, he cited the many years since the church is in operation in Sierra Leone. He expressed appreciation all the predecessors and those who have brought the work where it is today; however, he was quick to point out to the nation that there remaineth much more land to be conquered, citing Joshua chapter 13. Therefore, our focus and vision in moving forward are:
Some efforts to accomplish the above goals and vision are already in progress. Presently, one of our ministers is attending a theological seminary in Freetown and others to follow.
We know that this is a tall order, that requires financial resources, but we are trusting God who is rich in houses and land.
Sierra Leone. This very special ministry has been instituted since 1934 by the Former National overseer, a native who is now deceased. Some of the original buildings, though in poor repair, are still standing. The original school buildings such as the M. A. Tomlinson High School, the M.A. Tomlinson Primary School and the M.A. Tomlinson Nursery School, are badly in need of a facelift. They were originally built from mud bricks and are now decaying.
We toured 3 of the areas where we have schools and saw three other ones briefly. As supervisor of the schools, it was so amazing to see the immense opportunity for the ‘Young Harvest.’ Our schools start from Nursery School to Senior High. We have approximately 460 students in each school compound. These children are all being taught by teachers that are spiritually sound and hand-picked by the Administration of the Church of God of Prophecy. Some of the schools are overcrowded and we will have to try to build some new classrooms. Help us prayer for financial donations.
Projects
There are a number of building projects going on in the country and we are in need of financial donations. The country’s economy is poor and most persons earn $1us daily. We are trusting that you will be motivated to help us finish some of these buildings and refurbish the schools. Following are estimates and description of some of them:-
Makeni Secondary School & Furnishings
Makeni Church Building
Calaba Town Church Building
Tengbeh Town Church Building,
Hastings Church building. ……………………………………………………………… = $6000. each
Refurbishing of all schools Built in 1934 (150) ……………………………….. =$6000.00 each
Songo Tomlinson Secondary School Teacher’s Quarters = $12,000.00
Pressing Immediate Needs
Text Books for Libraries Any type and any amount
Desk Top Computers for Schools 220volts for Africa
Generators for schools (Gas operated)
Education Supplies Pencils, pens, crayon, ruler, etc
Hand tools Non-Electrical
Musical Instruments Keyboards, guitars, drums
NOTE: We will be sending a container of things and request your contribution
of any of the above.
All Funds should be sent directly to the Area Presbyter or to a local COGOP with
a distinct designation for Sierra Leone, naming what area or project it is for.
Tax receipts will be available.
We have 6 Churches without a complete building and are solely responsible for the
upkeep and repairs of the forty-one schools.
For further information please do not hesitate to contact us at (905) 840-4177; cell (416) 788-5384
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 44045, Brampton L6Z-4V7, Ontario, Canada
Email: areapres45@rogers.com