I have been a part of Word Made Flesh Sierra Leone since the age of two, starting with the Good News Club in Kroo Bay and continuing on to graduating from the Light House program in 2018. Growing up in Word Made Flesh has been a truly unique experience. From a young age, I was surrounded by a community of people who were deeply committed to serving others and living out their faith in practical ways.
As a child, it was a vital place for me, I remember spending my days playing with other children in the community, learning from the volunteers and staff, hearing stories about the Bible, and being introduced to the act of prayer. The sense of community was always strong, and I knew that I was part of a safe and friendly environment. One of the things I appreciated most about growing up in Word Made Flesh was the emphasis on education. The team worked hard to provide opportunities for us to learn and grow, both academically and spiritually. I was able to attend school and receive a quality education, something that is not always possible in my neighborhood.
But more than anything, it was the love and care of the Word Made Flesh community that made the biggest impact on my life. The volunteers and staff treated us like family, and I always felt seen, valued, and heard as an individual. They were there for us through the good times and the bad, offering support and encouragement whenever we needed it.
Reflecting back, I realize that sometimes my teenage brain didn’t fully understand or appreciate their actions and rules, but now that I am older and hopefully wiser, I can now see the wisdom and care that went into their decisions. As I grew older, I began to appreciate the full extent of the work that Word Made Flesh was doing in our community. Through their various programs and initiatives, they were making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families. And as a member of the community, I felt proud to be a part of that work.
Looking back on my childhood, I am grateful for the unique experience of growing up in Word Made Flesh Sierra Leone. The community taught me so much about love, service, faith, and most importantly, intimacy with God, and I know that those lessons will stay with me for the rest of my life.
Madlyn