Thursday, February 12, 2009

The week in photos - JR

Belali (sp?), our driver, guide and Mr. fix-it.

Maxwell, who translated every word that Joel and Martin said on day one of the conference into Krio - He's the youth pastor at the Kabala CRC in Sierra Leone.

Albert Strydhorst (CRCWM - West Africa) and Martin explaining the 'action plan' concept.


Leaders' conference in Kabala - one man walked 45 miles through the night to attend. Many others also walked great distances. Here they are breaking into groups - maybe 60-70 percent are literate, so traditional pedagogy needed to be adapted for the environment.

Driving the "clergymobile"

Visiting the gravesite of the first missionaries to this area, about 60 years ago. Apparently we were the first white folks to visit this site.

Hitching a ride, Sierra Leonean style.


The local Dunkavalli Junior Secondary School singing to us in Krio ("Tell Papa God Thankee")


Embee and gifts (fresh fruit) given us by the villagers of Dunkavalli (sp?)

More kids gathering, these in their school uniforms.


More worship service ...


The instruments of worship in the CRC in Sierra Leone.

Inside the newly constructed church in Bonbongtoh - the whole village came to check out the strangers.


More outdoor worship in Yara.

Participating in worship in Yara.
Ron Geerlings (CRC World Missions) Dennis and Joel look at a 'stick' - a tree.


Another snapshot. (Kids love to get pictures taken, ask in Krio: "Snap me?")


View of a village from above. Very typical.

Sharing a meal in Yara


Bricks for building homes drying in the sun.

Dennis and Embee teaching a song about leaning on one another - interdependence has been a theme on this trip.

3 comments:

beim said...

I can only imagine the experiences, but these pictures help! We continue to lift you all up in prayer each day (and your families back here).

Curious: The most interesting thing you've eaten so far?

P.S. Canucks on three game winning streak since you left. You might have to stay if they keep winning. Sundin-Demitra-Kesler line has 22 points in last 3 games.

Mike and Laura said...

The pictures help us live with you during this journey. We are in continual pray for all of you and that the Spirit may lead you and all the people that surround you.
We love you Dad (grandpa) and miss you. Love Michael, Laura, Maetia, and Eli

Sue Contant said...

From the smiles on your faces I see you will leave a bit of your heart in Sierra Leone. Mart, when I see you surrounded by all those little kids I'm sure your 'grandpa' genes kick in to action. Enjoy! I am eager to hear the stories and walk with you in this new interdependence. Keep safe love, Sue