Relief Effort!

"Relief" has never been a word that we like all that much because it very seldom has a view to long-term sustainability, but we knew coming back in January that we felt compelled to assist numerous families through the rough time they've had as Ebola has not only claimed lives and caused a whole new set of orphans, but every man, woman and child has suffered the side effects of rising food prices, inconsistent work or pay and a lack of basic medical care.  We are thankful to folks in the USA for supporting this area of ministry which will run for 6 to 12 months depending on the need.  In January and February, 18 family units received parcels, and this week God impressed upon us that we must add an additional family.  The people here are so grateful! And we so appreciate Abraham for making this happen for us logistically! We could not do it without him!!!  

In Good Hands!

Seven days a week, we have a number of men in our compound. Some are security guards, and some assist with construction or routine work.  We simply could not be here and do what God has called us to do without these guys!  Even while we were in the USA recently, this place was locked down tight as the men were risking their own lives to transport to work each day through areas of the peninsula where Ebola was running rampant!  We love these folks!

Carew, Sulaiman & Abraham

We have a bleach hand washing station just inside the gate, 

and temperatures are checked before the guys begin work.

Sankoh & Carew

Sulaiman

Vandi

The guys always talk about how in this country the "BOSS MAN" is thought to be very strict, and he doesn't actually do the work. He orders everyone around, and would never joke or have a good time. Well, Tom is relentless at playing jokes on the men as they work side by side together! They have great respect for his work ethic, and enjoy his humor!

Other security who work weekends or nights: Desmond, Alfred, Joseph K, Joseph S, Mark, and Sullay!  So blessed by all these wonderful men!  

8 weeks HOME!!!

On Sunday, we will celebrate 8 weeks since we arrived home!!!  

We wish we could say that Ebola is history, but sadly, 

Sierra Leone is still experiencing new cases daily.  

Thankfully, travel restrictions are back in place as of last week since 

the numbers of cases rose in February due to 

people moving more freely. 

We pray daily for this country, and those we love so dearly here,

 that God will protect and bring this horrible virus to a complete end.

Those that we serve alongside have been especially 

grateful for our return. 

They say they have found a renewed courage to

 press forward by having us back with them.  

We are the ones who are blessed by them as 

we know the struggles they experienced in our absence. 

Here are just a few of our folks that so faithfully lead some of our areas of ministry! 

Auntie Edna & Headmistress Susan of Hosetta School for Special Needs Kiddos

Director Charles with associates Daniel and Patrick of the Waterloo Street Boy Ministry

Assistant Isatu with Auntie Margaret, the director of God's Will Children's Home for Orphans

Interim Director Bobson Allie (left) with the HOPE CENTRE staff, Jui