Local Evangelism group donates to Haitian crisis
A local religious group, Diakonia Interdenominational Services for Counselling, Evangelism and Teaching (DISCET), yesterday 25th January 2010 became the first organization to join the government in making a financial donation towards alleviating the plight of the people of Haiti who recently suffered an earthquake disaster.
Making the presentation of a cheque of one million leones, the organization’s Board Chairman, Rev. Canon Emerson Thomas, gave a background of the group as having been formed twelve years ago “amidst the agonies of the ferocious civil war… .to transform the hearts and minds of our people…We are committed to counselling and healing the emotional hurts and traumas of our people. We are committed to evangelism so that our people will be transformed in the power of the Lord Jesus Christ and reflect such transformation in their everyday lives towards developing our highest potential…”
The Reverend Canon said the purpose of meeting with the President “is to identify with the sufferings of our brothers and sisters in Haiti and to support the efforts of the Sierra Leone Government in sending help to the people of Haiti. We appreciate the leadership of our Government in reminding us that Sierra Leoneans too should be sensitive and responsive to the needs of others. Your Excellency, we in Sierra Leonean are grateful for the help and support we received from people of goodwill all over the world during our time of crisis. People from various parts of the world sent us help, some sacrificed their lives in coming to our aid militarily and many contributed their resources, and many others identified with us in prayer and goodwill.”
In handing over the “modest contribution”, Rev Thomas said, “This comes with our prayers that the Haitian people will overcome this traumatic experience and rebuild their lives with the help of God Almighty.”
Responding to the presentation, President Koroma thanked DISCET for taking such a great initiative “and for identifying yourself with my government and with the people of Haiti. I pray that God will continue to provide you with strength, wisdom and understanding.” He called it a noble gesture, emphasizing that it’s not about the amount but the thought that really matters and “the prayers will go a long way to help.”
Reflecting on the negative reactions from some people with regards the $100,000 donation he made on behalf of government to the Haitian disaster through the UN Representative in Sierra Leone, President Koroma recalled that Sierra Leone received support not only from the big powers but even from small sub-regional countries like Senegal, Ghana and Guinea. “We don’t have to wait until we get enough to reciprocate,” he maintained. “It was this country that at one point had the highest number of UN peacekeepers in the world; and if that same UN is spearheading a campaign, especially for a country like Haiti, it is only human to make a contribution. If we give alms to beggars, it is not that we have enough, but we are showing compassion.” The President urged the group to continue to keep the Haitian people in their prayers, while seizing the opportunity to call on all Sierra Leoneans who can afford it to emulate the gesture: “Once more, I thank you and I pray that God will provide for you abundantly.” The President said he would pass the cheque over to the Executive Representative of the UN Secretary General in Sierra Leone.
Giving the vote of thanks, Mrs. Olive Taylor-Pearce, a Board member, thanked President Koroma “for the leadership you are giving to Sierra Leone. As a father of the nation, you don’t only provide, but you are teaching us how to relate with others. The issue of Haiti is also another lesson to show that we should not only be receiving, but we should also give.” She urged the President “to continue to be who you are, and through you this nation will rise again.”
Present at the meeting were DISCET founder- Director Rev. Canon Dr. Modupe Taylor-Pearce, Evangilism Director Rev. Matthew Lansana and Counsellor/Teacher George Bindi.
Stay with Sierra Express Media, for your trusted place in news!
© 2010, https:. All rights reserved.
