“Exporation !” - an informative experience which surpasses mere preparation.
Janice and I have just returned from a 24 hour reunion of former mission partners and volunteers to Sierra Leone, which was addressed by Michael and Joanne Tettey, mission partner on furlough and Rev Francis Nabieu, ( pictured left)the President of the Methodist Church in Sierra Leone. The gathering not only attracted 25 people but assembled no less than 170 years of service covering the last half century and of course much of it prior to 1990 and the outbreak of the civil war.
It was a fascinating to observe the response of the seasoned group of “missioners” to the information shared by Francis on matters ranging from national and regional politics, economics and church development, and from Michael and Joanne on the challenges of providing good medical care and the nursing training at Nixon Memorial Hospital, Segbwema.
It was an event that re-affirmed our understanding of the multifarious challenges that lie ahead. However it was also humbling to appreciate how what we seek to do in the name of God’s mission is set in a time frame, that stretches across church history of which we are but a tiny part.
Before leaving the retreat centre, near Evesham, we strolled down to the River Avon on what was an idyllic autumn day and paused to appreciate what the event had given us and the application of the knowledge gained for our future time in Sierra Leone.
Janice and I have just returned from a 24 hour reunion of former mission partners and volunteers to Sierra Leone, which was addressed by Michael and Joanne Tettey, mission partner on furlough and Rev Francis Nabieu, ( pictured left)the President of the Methodist Church in Sierra Leone. The gathering not only attracted 25 people but assembled no less than 170 years of service covering the last half century and of course much of it prior to 1990 and the outbreak of the civil war.
It was a fascinating to observe the response of the seasoned group of “missioners” to the information shared by Francis on matters ranging from national and regional politics, economics and church development, and from Michael and Joanne on the challenges of providing good medical care and the nursing training at Nixon Memorial Hospital, Segbwema.
It was an event that re-affirmed our understanding of the multifarious challenges that lie ahead. However it was also humbling to appreciate how what we seek to do in the name of God’s mission is set in a time frame, that stretches across church history of which we are but a tiny part.
Before leaving the retreat centre, near Evesham, we strolled down to the River Avon on what was an idyllic autumn day and paused to appreciate what the event had given us and the application of the knowledge gained for our future time in Sierra Leone.
Thinking of you lots. Take care.
ReplyDeleteAs always my love and prayers.
Jackie