KBNF Mission Trip – Sierra Leone (post 14)
Wherever you look at billboards in Sierra Leone, you will likely find past or upcoming church crusades. They cover many denominations and many are African Pentecostal and evangelical in origin. The guest church leader is often referred to as Bishop.
We ate at a modern restaurant that is frequented by foreigners – and thriving. I asked if they serve brewed coffee. The answer was no. They served instant; much to my disappointment, I might add! I wondered why others wouldn’t also start similar restaurants, as there does not appear to be much competition. Perhaps someday, some will. For now, this restaurant has expanded to another location and enjoy their popularity.
They love their football here. While we were there, a football match against another West African country was held and the large stadium was packed full. As we walked along the streets, you would come across the large chalkboard, resting against a wall. On the chalkboard was the Euro Cup teams, who was playing when, and what the scores were.
We travelled high up to the top of Freetown and ate at a well respected Lebanese restaurant/hotel. Not far away is the American Embassy, an impressive fortress overlooking the region. The previous embassy had met its fate in the civil wars; consequently, this embassy is expected to withstand similar challenges. The houses in the area were much larger and many on stilts. We could not figure out why stilts were necessary. However, I did learn that the missionaries were often the first dwellers in these homes more than a century ago.
Here is a link to photos taken during my stay in Sierra Leone. You will find the bright red brick Methodist churches, the many billboards exposing the current passions of the people, and interesting landscapes.
As I wrapped up this portion of the mission trip, I managed to capture a beautiful young boy’s smile at his church. It took some doing, but he eventually warmed up and gave me a gorgeous smile. (See above.)
I could share much more, but suffice to say that Sierra Leoneans captured my heart. I am grateful for John Sampson inviting me to join him and his team and pray for wisdom, as we pursue tangible ways we can partner with them in some way to help support their people.
