April 12, 2016 By Regina Pratt
Reverend Dr. Sylvanus O.J. Vacarcel of the Baptist Convention Sierra Leone last Sunday enjoined some of their brethren who have been appointed to leadership positions within and outside the country to be brave in executing their duties.
He was officiating a prayer and thanksgiving service Sunday, 10 April, 2016 at the Baptist Loko Church, off Circular Road in Freetown, themed ‘Those who honour me, I will honour’ adapted from 1 Samuel 2:30, an initiative of President of the Convention, Reverend Joseph Fornah.
Rev. Dr. Valcarcel said: “You have to be brave because there are some decisions that you will take that people will not like,” and added that “the Lord is with you, as a lot has been said about politicians, but I know you are different because we in Baptist know what we stand for.”
The reverend queried why people do not give thanks to God for his providence, adding that the congregation was celebrating with the appointees because of what God has done in their lives.
President Ernest Bai Koroma announced a major Cabinet reshuffle few weeks ago with more than forty individuals named, including Hon. Alimamy P. Koroma as Sierra Leone’s ambassador to China, and Madam Elizabeth Mans as Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources.
Rev. Valcarcel told the congregation that “brethren, you will have all the qualification, but scripture says those who trust in the Lord shall renew their strength,” as he urged the two appointees, who are in-laws, to go by faith into their respective offices as giants, to conqueror.
He also admonished them to respect those they serve and work with, and assured them of God’s special favour at work.
In a short statement, Madam Elizabeth Mans, who spoke in tears, paid glowing tribute to their late father, Reverend Joseph Mans Srn., and asked that God who has begun the good work would see them through, as they have waited on the Lord.
Also, Hon. Alimamy P. Koroma said they are thankful to God, the convention, the government and people of Sierra Leone because among 7 million people, God directed the president to choose them.
He said: “I have a huge task before me as I have so many countries under my office. By myself I cannot, but through prayers and God’s will I will do my best because of the confidence placed on me.
“I am going as Sierra Leone Ambassador, but also as Baptist Ambassador.”
Reverend Samuels of Vine Baptist Church congratulated the celebrants and noted that they deserve all the respect and honour due them, adding that big things start small from humble beginning.
Speaking on behalf of the Baptist Convention Sierra Leone, Reverend Joseph Fornah thanked God for taking elevation their brethren to leadership positions, calling on them to unite and be ambassadors of God.
He pledged constant prayer support for the duo and that the good Lord would guide them.
Other members of the Baptist Convention for whom the prayer and thanksgiving service was held include: Mr. James M. Kamara, Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Technology; Madam Rugiatu Neneh Turay, Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs; Mr. Joseph S. Mans jnr., Director-General of NASSIT; Hon. Dr. Roland F. Kargbo, MP Constituency 036; Rev. Dr. Samuel G. Kargbo, Principal, Evangelical Collage of Theology, Jui; Dr. Abdulai Sillah, double Ph.D. in Economics, University of Bath, UK, and International Development, Ruhr University, Bochun, Germany; Mr. Adrian Bella Fofanah, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs; and Mrs. Margaret Saidu Kargbo, Deputy Chairperson Mountain Rural District Council.