Dear Family and Friends,
Greetings of cheery joy, comforting peace, and inspiring hope!
A few hours ago I reentered the bustling noise and filth of Freetown after spending six days “up country” at a remote nature reserve. It was so refreshing to camp on the bank of river, canoe to see hippos, swim in deliciously cool water, and hike through jungles alive with playful monkeys, bright birds, and flitting butterflies.
Faye, the Servant Team, and I journaled and discussed our recent experiences in Freetown, finding fresh insights and clarity. We also spent some time just being still and contemplating some organic scripture (Psalm 1 and John 15). One afternoon I facilitated a study on the poor in the Bible. Did you know that there are over 400 passages discussing God’s concern for just and generous treatment of the marginalized? That’s more verses than those focusing on the incarnation and resurrection of Jesus! It was so good to be reminded that God sees, cares, and will bring justice to our beloved friends here in Sierra Leone. It was also sobering and challenging to hear afresh, “Whatever you do to the least of these, you do to Me,” (Matthew 25:40).
One evening around the campfire, one of the Servant Team members led a discussion on “Dreaming Big!” Referring to Philippians 2:12-13 and Ephesians 3:20-21, he inspired us to hope, pray, and expect great things as our powerful God works in and through us. I realized I am not a natural dreamer. But eager to change, I made a long list of DREAMS in my journal. Here’s one that really has me jazzed at the moment: I imagine a large apartment building where graduated Lighthouse tailors begin to take the next generation of kids off the streets, mentoring and teaching them valuable skills in their ground level shop. On the second floor Noah could live with Remie and the other young boys he’s taken in. Perhaps on the third floor we could have a large open living room/dining room/worship/study area. The Eichorns and their new baby girl might live on the next floor; then Faye and I could share the fifth floor apartment, unless of course we find great men to marry, which would be better by far ☺. In that case we would need a sixth floor ☺. Would you pray into this dream with me, for discernment, direction, connections, and resources to make this into a reality? At this early stage, I sense this could be, in its own small way, a bit of God’s kingdom in this dark city. “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)
Know that I am thankful for you and miss you.
Love,
cami sigler
P.S. Enclosed in this letter you will find a newsletter from my dear friend and ex-roommate Maureen Palmer. Maureen is a dynamic, wise visionary here in Sierra Leone who has been an invaluable source of godly advice and counsel for me over the past three years. Maureen would greatly appreciate your prayers and support of her compassionate work in the deplorable juvenile detention centers here in Freetown.
Introducing PACES
On June 10, 2004, a group of patriotic Sierra Leoneans founded Paragon Agriculture & Community Empowerment Services (PACES), an indigenous Christian non-governmental organization.
This community-based organization exists to help control poverty, alleviate hardship and distress on personal, family, community and national levels.
Furthermore, it endeavors to perform three main functions:
- Carry out various agricultural activities
- Foster community development
- Help care for children in distress.
The Children
In particular, PACES reaches out to children who are (or have been) in conflict with the law, and who are either inmates or ex-inmates of the Remand Home (a juvenile detention centre) and/ or the Approved School (a correctional facility for juvenile offenders).
PET Fund
As education is a basic unmet need for many of the children, the PACES Educational Trust Fund (PET) was set up to enable deserving ones to go to school and/or acquire vocational education.
Foday John Bangura is a beneficiary of the Fund. Below, he tells his story.
PACES: We understand that you were a Muslim but now you have become a Christian. How did it happen?
Foday: During my stay at the Remand Home, I heard about Jesus and his power to save and deliver me from trouble. As I needed help, I believed in Him, surrendered my life to Him and took Him as my Lord and Savior.
PACES: What difference has Jesus made in your life?
Foday: Now my lifestyle is different. I no longer go to night clubs, keep bad company or engage in criminal activities.
PACES: Do you go to Church?
Foday: Yes, I am a member of Christ Embassy, a Bible-believing Church in Freetown. Also, I am actively involved in the youth group.
PACES: When and how did you come in contact with PACES?
Foday: It was in 2003 when I was referred to the organization for help to go back to school.
PACES: What has the organization done for you?
Foday: For three years now, PACES has been providing financial aid for my senior secondary school education. In addition, they offer medical assistance, counseling and encouragement for my spiritual growth.
PACES: What do you plan to do when you finish school?
Foday: I would like to continue with my computer studies.
PACES: Thanks, Foday. May the Lord bless you as you press on in the faith.
The Ministry
In August this year, PACES embarked upon outreach to children at the Approved School. Components of the program include counseling to address the psychosocial needs of the children; religious and moral education. Furthermore, basic arithmetic, reading, writing and spelling are taught. Games and recreational activities are also conducted.
Vocational Training
With funds both raised and donated by Members of the Children in Crisis Concern Group in California, USA, to PACES for the purpose, a vocational project has been launched at the Approved School.
Praise……
- The work with the boys at the Approved School and the positive impact of the tailoring project.
- Answer to prayer for committed workers, as a small Team begins.
Thank You!
We acknowledge the prayer, financial and moral support of our loyal partners and friends. Your help is invaluable and has greatly facilitated our work. We are thankful, indeed. May the Lord reward you all with rich blessings.
P.S.
We would welcome any donations for the furtherance of the children’s ministry. Funds can be transmitted through Moneygram as follows:
c/o Maureen Palmer (Ms)
Children’s Ministry
PACES
82, Soldier Street,
Freetown
Sierra Leone
West Africa
Donations in kind can be sent as Registered Mail to the above address.
With Thanks & Blessings!
Maureen Palmer
paces_sl@yahoo.com
telephone: 00232 30 325 954