Farewell Day Workers

   After the close of the hospital, we had a day workers celebration to thank all of the day workers that worked with Mercy Ships this field service. There was about 200 day workers working with us in all the different departments- the galley, the deck, the engineering department, transporation, mercy ministries, the eye team, dental team, construction, the hospital, and all the other different departments. We had a nice African dinner and then a thanksgiving service to thank God for the work done here in Sierra Leone and to thank each day worker. We then had a nice reception with icecream where gifts were presented to each day worker. At the end, it was time to say goodbye. There were many tears as I said goodbye to all those that had become my family. The people of Sierra Leone had been so welcoming and accepting of me and invited me to their homes and would often accompany me into town. It was by far one of the hardest days during my time in Sierra Leone because it was unknown when if ever I would see these dear people, my brothers and sisters, again.

They had worked so hard with Mercy Ships, who had employed them for the last year and now many of them don't know what God has in store for them next. When the ship leaves Sierra Leone, about 200 people are left unemployed, some looking to go back to school, some looking to start school, some working towards going to the UK or America for schooling, some returning back to other jobs, some looking for jobs, all praying for direction and for the Lord's guidance for the next part of their lives.

After most field services, Mercy Ships sponsors some individuals  who were day workers to become crew members, to serve with Mercy Ships. Two day workers from the hospital were among those chosen and they now will begin a new chapter in their lives, a chapter in service to the Lord. These two were great workers in the OR sterilizing department and they will continue in that department as they travel with the ship to their next field service destinations. Pray for them as they begin this new chapter in their lives, as they leave their home and family, not knowing when they will return, and as they enter a world and community of many differences and have to learn to live as a Westerner (and deal with the air conditioning .. haha)

George and Frank, now crew members :)

It was a sad day, but I pray to God that one day I will be rejoined with my brothers and sisters of Salone. They truly have become my family and leaving each one was very hard for me.

Most of all, pray for each one as they continue their lives in doing whatever God calls them too. Some are nurses, some are pastors, counselors, orphan parents, caregivers; Many are mothers and fathers with families to care and provide for.

Lord, please provide for the needs of my Salone family. Please direct them and show them the plans You have for their lives. We know You have plans to prosper each one and to give us each hope and a future. I ask you to bless each one as you have used them to bless me and their fellow countrymen. They are Your children and You promise never to leave or forsake your children. Thank you for these promises. Thank you for being a God who cares for each person so much and for being our Provider. Please be with them. In Jesus Name..