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CONSULTATION ON SIERRA LEONE Atlanta, Georgia October 30, 2000 Present: Bishop Humper, Mike Sluss, Ulf Rickardsson, Derrick Rhodes, Jacqui Rose- Tucker, Zebediah Marewengepo, Horatio Rios, Linda Koleman, Ward Smith, Paul Dirdak, Bob Walton, Judith Banya, Joe & Carolyn Wagner, Earl Mason, and David Felton For copies of reports which are not included contact the OC office. Devotions by Zebediah From Joshua: "Choose this day whom you will serve." Our purpose today is to make decisions on how we can help those who need assistance. Presentation by Bishop Humper (See his paper – an attachment) What is needed and where others can assist--- Leadership development, healing, trauma healing, child rescue center, moving into the society and community, rehabilitation, resettlement, reintegrating of ex-combatants, vocational training, agricultural programs, and prayer Peace has not yet come, but is in sight. In addition to what is stated on Bishop Humper's paper, two or more major things need to be put in place to realize peace:
1. Urgent need to deploy peacekeepers or UN forces to the diamond mining areas (Makeni, Kono, and Tongo). When this can be done there will be the possibility of achieving peace.2. Need for those peacekeepers or UN forces to bring the political forces together (13 political parties). 3. Involvement of religious and spiritual leaders. New rebel leader is Sesay Issa who still lives in Makeni. When he comes to Freetown the religious leaders will meet with him. There are now no peacekeepers, for there is no peace. The Sierra Leonean people themselves will have to institute peace. 15 ethnic groups in Sierra Leone; the two major ethnic groups are the —Timi's and others (north), and the Mende's (east and south). Add Kono and Krios. "Wherever the wind is blowing that is where they will join and follow." Through the social and relief programs the church is growing. Ministries to children are needed: The Interreligious Council was established through UMC and UMCOR. Rebel war is now centered on the issue of diamonds. $10,000 given by UMCOR to assist the Sierra Leonean refugees in Guinea. Development Office: Is to be a powerhouse for the entire program of the conference. Because the MCSL had a development office the UMC needed one. UMCOR provided $45,000 to assist in establishing the office. Joint agreement between MCSL and UMC (available for those who do not have a copy). The first program is the joint community health program (program is on attachment). The UM church is now a chartered NGO. The plan is to put regional offices in Bo and Kenema. This will help in rebuilding the schools in outlying regions. There is a need to carry out programs and projects. Development desk officer is a PIM position. By the end of the year this Desk will be fully established. Ulf will check with Thomas Kemper about the Development desk additional staff. There are funding sources in Europe and the US for the development desk. Counseling --- (See report on counseling.) Joe is to send to the group the basics of the counseling program (will be an attachment later, although it is similar to the program in Liberia.) Ask development office or counseling office to find what is now going on in Trauma Counseling (Joe will write) Most of the current programs are short-term Have the director come to Liberia. Training processes: Education gives you the opportunity to adapt to your local situation Do not underestimate the importance of outside persons Medical Work --- (See report in booklet re: TBA's) UMCOR is emphasizing medical work in India, Philippines, Mozambique, Liberia, Sierra Leone What about the joint community health program? There is some confusion among members of the committee about the joint community health program. (its purpose and scope, etc.) Question raised: What preparation are we doing to remedy the shortage of doctors? UMCOR -- Early in the '99 crisis, UMCOR gave $90,000 to assist Now they are trying to raise $25,000 for the current emergency refugee problems (Guinea situation) They are working with the embassy in Guinea They send the funds to the embassy $6000 on site $4000 for transportation Food security—Over a 3-year period they would place $50,000 at a time at a wholesaler for food in Freetown. Development Office: $45,000, basically start-up costs. Health and Community-based program. GBGM supports. Prosthesis program--utilizing products from Angola This program is to aid both men and women There is a greater chance for funding Peace advocacy --- Bishop Humper and the Muslim leader will be itinerating in churches. Diamonds—PR campaign to make people aware of the problem of "conflict diamonds" and convince them to get involved. Child Rescue Center – at Bo (Stop Hunger Now project ) Mercy Ship –Took 4 years to get publicity out. Pa Loko: 500 acres Most of the structures have been destroyed Office of MISSION CONTEXT AND RELATIONSHIP -- Is there to pass on requests to the various units of the Board 13 PIM's, 6 missionaries, in SL 5 Missioners of Hope in SL VIM -- We need to help the conferences establish a VIM program Using district coordinators Leadership training after January 1 Hope for the Children of Africa Bob Osgood, Material Resources Quality Assurance Schools -- (Report on the status of the schools was included in Bishop's report.) Koidu, Jaiama and Makeni are closed. Training of persons to be counselors is a high prority. Next Meeting -- Either April 27 or 28 in Washington DC, or in Chicago area.
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