By: Melvin Tejan Mansaray
The Church of First Born situated at Off Ferguson Street, Portuguese Town, Brookfield’s, Freetown,
Sierra Leone on 11th April, 2020 made a donation of a bag of rice and a sermon on the COVID-19 outbreak to young people hanging out next door at the prominent Valley View, Tank Spring Box, a common meeting point of people.
“On behalf of the Church, I know that this is not a very good time as we are all fighting against the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Today we decided to come and bless you with this bag of rice so that you will manage it until the end of coronavirus but if it does not end and the Lord blesses us with more, we will bring more,” Reverend Gustave Johnson, General Overseer The Church of First Born said while presenting a gift of a full bag of rice.
“It is our belief that at times like this we must all support the President’s vision. It is President Bio’s vision to see an end to the coronavirus,” Rev. Johnson said.
The Church also noted that the Government alone cannot do everything, noting that this is why community stakeholders must assist by helping the poor people around them.
“We have come to help our people, even though churches are not holding services for now; the people have to survive and must live for them not to go out on the street and be arrested under the State of Public Emergency, measures,” the Reverend said.
Valley View or Tank is a popular place that is known for its social valour, gatherings and interactions. It hosts the community’s only water spot, shops, a car wash and a culture and arts facility. The community is renowned for soccer having its own amateur soccer league.
Valley View is in the process of establishing a skills training center (tailoring, painting, etc) for mostly idle frequenters loitering around its precinct for endless hours smoking substances and drinking alcohol.
Community Chairman Hindowa said, “On behalf of the Community, we say thank you and God bless you Sir.”
He noted that because they know the risk involving with gatherings such as theirs, they have made hand washing upon entry a must encouraging social distancing for not only ghetto hangers but water fetchers.
Badara, Youth Leader thanked the Church for emulating the good example of the Lord Jesus Christ who fed the poor, clothed the naked, healed the sick and encouraged all followers to do good to the least of the brethren because that they have done unto him.
The bag of rice was however distributed to all present with everyone taking home three cups each.
“These are the kinds of churches we love to see around us . helping the needy; but other churches are only focusing on taking our monies as collections and given back nothing. May God bless the Clergy and membership of the Church of the First Born,” Abie, a Trader said.
The Church however emphasized the gospel truth that Jesus Christ came and died for all manner of men; rich and poor, sick and healthy, everyone.
“Let the strong among you help the weak and let us not wait for politics to make such kinds of assistance, ” Reverend Johnson said.
