In February I travelled to Sierra Leone for a training event for the Chaplaincy of the RSLAF (Republic of Sierra Leone Defence Force). 

Whilst in Freetown I stayed with the family of the National Director for Alpha Sierra Leone, Pastor Joseph Francis Williams; the William’s family’s hospitality was second to none!

Prior to the training I was given the opportunity to attend services at various military and civilian churches which gave me a useful and well rounded insight into Church life in Sierra Leone and particularly the Garrison churches.  I was also given the opportunity to speak on two National radio programmes hosted by Pastor Joseph.

The training was set to coincide with the Chaplain’s quarterly meeting at the barracks in Kenema, a small, provincial town 200 miles from Freetown and a centre for diamond trading.  The road to Kenema is largely unmade and so the journey takes at least seven hours.  We arrived at 0200 hours, covered from head to toe in a layer of dust!

Fifty Chaplains attended and I was struck by their high level of professionalism and enthusiasm.  The Chaplains in Sierra Leone are all drawn from the ranks, meaning they have all been soldiers themselves, this gives them a unique understanding of the men and women they minister to.

The training was delivered by Joseph Francis Williams, members of the local team: Moses Kainwo and Janette Robinson and myself.  All of the Alpha Talks were delivered by the local team in Creole which was wonderful to hear; and fortunatelyI could understand most of it.

The Chaplains really got it!  They seem to have an excellent understanding of Alpha, and when it came to the action planning there was a real sense of excitement; I heard some very innovative ideas!

I would like to extend my gratitude and appreciation to Pastor Joseph and his family who looked after me so well during my stay.  The local team are working extremely hard to develop Alpha in Sierra Leone and things are moving forwards at quite a pace!  I look forward to updating you on the progress of Alpha for Forces, Sierra Leone.