On Sunday 27th April, the Rev. Adam Pullen met with the Rev. Dr Sahr Yambasu in the Collegiate Church of St Mary the Virgin to mark the Sierra Leone Independence Day that same day. The Rev Dr Sahr Yamnasu is Methodist Minister for Waterford and Youghal and the Rev. Adam Pullen is the Honorary Chairperson of the Cork, Cloyne and Ross Council for Mission.

Although now ministering in Ireland, the Rev Dr Sahr is originally from Sierra Leone and ministered in the capital Freetown with his wife the Rev Clodagh Yambasu for many years, before moving to Ireland. The Rev. Clodagh Yambasu is now rector of Fermoy Union in the Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross.

The diocese is working in partnership with Christian Aid, the Bishop’s Appeal and the Council of Churches in Sierra Leone to support the Mende people who have been displaced due to palm oil plantations.

The Rev. Adam Pullen said:

We hold the people of Malen Sierra Leone in our prayers as they face challenges in their displacement and financial situation. God has given us a beautiful world with enough resources for everyone. We are sorry that in this world of plenty there are still many who go hungry while others have more than they need.

We pray that God may give us compassion to share with those in need and on this day we pray especially for the people of Malen in Sierra Leone, where many have been forced from their homes to make way for the production of palm oil. Through the support of the Council of Churches in Sierra Leone, we pray that their land may produce a harvest that will nourish and sustain them so that they can live in peace and security.

If you would like to learn more about the Liloma project please see the special section on the Cork, Cloyne and Ross Website.