Sierra Leone Update

Rev. Joe Bob Amara, General Superintendent of Sierra Leone Conference, sent the following report on March 1.

Joe Bob Amara

March 2001

Political & Security Situation

There is marked improvement in the security situation around the country following the May 8, 2000, incident which forced the British government to send in an elite British Force to contain the situation, the general security situation in the country and around the Freetown Peninsula in particular has continued to improve. The threat from the so-called West Side boys, which posed a very serious security problem for the whole coutnry, was also taken care of by the British Forces.

A new ceasefire truce was recently signed in Abuja Nigeria between the Revolutionary United Force (RUF) and the Sierra Leone government. It is hoped that this will ensure disarmament and demobilization of the warring factions and finally lead to lasting peace

United Brethren Strategic Plan

A three-year Strategic Planning excercise was undertaken by the Conference in May 2000. This five-day workshop, held in Bumpe, attracted participants from the Conference Secretariat and the four conference districts. The qorkshop was jointly facilitated by EDRA Consultants, EFSL, and RED CROSS. It covers 2000-2002.

General Conference Delegates

In keeping with the provisions of our Revised Constitution, the National Conference Council recently elected delegates to next year's General Conference. The delegates include Rev. S.B Kamanda, Mr S.K Foyoh, Mrs. Agatha Daramy, and General Superintendent Rev. Joe Bob Amara, who will lead the delegation.

Evangelism

In the provinces I was amazed at the effort our people are making in re-settlement back in their communities. Some old churches and schools are being repaired and there are many outreach stations. The Jesus Film has played a vital role in these successes.

I was on a video documentary of all our churches and institutions across the country. We will take this video cassette to play in one of the evening sessions at the General Conference next year.

Dedication

The Wellington UBC Church, which has been under re-construction over the years, was dedicated in December 10.

Projects

As there are many outreach stations springing up, there is a dire need for plastic sheetings to cover temporary structures for worship, and we need bicycles for the circuit ministers. Two new church projects that are going on are the Kenema UBC Church and the Main Bo UBC church.