Coming into Focus.

I know that it is dangerous to think that you know what the future holds, particularly in ministry and, specificly, ministry in Sierra Leone.  Still, I've discussed with two of my colleagues here (Rev. John Phiri and Rev. Ezekiel Sudu) whereI will be helping while I'm here.  Not accomplishing.  Not achieving.  More being than doing, as hard as that sometimes can be. Tentatively, we're talking about the following:

• Plans are coming together for a CRC pastors' conference in Foria from February 20-25, where Timothy Leadership Materials (TLT) will be used). 
• A few of us (my family will likely come, too) plan a trip to Freetown to explore what Reformed Theological education is available.
• A smaller-scale pastors' conference in Bo, the second-largest city in Sierra Leone, where there is a growing movement and hunger for things Reformed.
• A meeting with the local head of the Kabala Pastoral Council (equivalent to a "Ministerial Association") to propose and plan the use of TLT materials cross-denominationally here in Kabala.
• A series of three mid-month gatherings (March, April and May) in Kabala with leadership of the CRC in SL, where we will explore Reformed teachings and their impact on the church.



I have the privilege of preaching at the Kabala CRC this Sunday.  Here is the evidence of me modifying a sermon on Ephesians 2 for the Sierra Leonean context.  (Complete with contextually-appropriate 'Squeez', a local Orange Crush-like drink.)

The 'worship team' at the CRC school.

The tailor is on-site at the school right now, mending and hemming and altering the uniforms (including those of our children).

 

That's right, those are hot coals in this iron, which is used by the tailor to press the newly-fitted uniforms.

Naomi and Maria striking a pose in their 'formal' dress uniforms - as opposed to their everyday ones (yes, I know it is sideways, but once it was uploaded, there was no turning back, unless I wanted to wait).

This is a bat which shocked Ella when it was flying around our room one night.  We managed to corner it and Souliman caught it and kept it until morning, when it managed to free itself from the plastic bag.  Did I mention that we have since covered the attic access in our room?

Most trucks have a religious saying or two, like this one, embossed across the hood or tailgate.

The origins of some of the phrases are, to use a common Terrace phrase, a bit sketchy.

As per request, more flora ...  this one is for free.  You'll be happy to know (my kids were!) that our recent houseguests, Tim and Kim Vanstelle (from Denver, helping with a gravity water project last week), sent a case of peanut butter, some knock-off Nutella and some type of sugar-laden cereal to us -- from a grocery store in Freetown as they were departing the country.

The view from the CES (Christian Extension Services) office.  Not a bad place for an office.