FREETOWN, Sierra Leone, June 19, 2000 — Bible Society Distributes 1000's of Scriptures to Refugees...
Amid signs that the decade-long civil war could end soon, the Bible Society in Sierra Leone (BSSL) is planning to distribute thousands of Scriptures to bring hope to the country's suffering people.
The Society will initially provide 1,000 replacement Bibles for Christians who have lost everything in the war, and will make available 4,000 Portions, entitled God is our Refuge and Strength, for distribution among refugees. Some 24,000 displaced people are living in six camps around the capital.
These Portions are designed to reassure readers of God's love for them, and point to the strength and comfort in God's Word - a particularly apt message for people who have experienced so much brutality. Many of the refugees who escaped to Freetown were badly mutilated or had one of their limbs cut off as a gruesome message from the rebels to elected President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah.
Churches Burned
More than 20 churches in the capital were burnt down by rebels. The BSSL hopes to offer some of these churches lectern Bibles to replace those they have lost. In addition, there are plans to make available some 50 sets of the New Testament on audio cassette. Later, the Society hopes to make other distributions further afield.
"We have not yet received the Scriptures but we are hoping that the distribution will get under way as soon as they arrive," said Ruby Pearce, BSSL Executive Secretary. "We also hope that we can raise the funds for these and further mercy distributions which will help to counter the evils of this dark period of our history. If we are to avoid more bloodshed, we must spread the gospel of reconciliation and forgiveness."
"Many of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebels, who rampaged through Freetown last year, were street boys or drop-outs from the educational system. They have no grounding in family values or biblical morals. We have to offer these boys not only the hand of forgiveness but also give them the practical help needed to re-integrate into society. "In addition, we have to educate their victims who have suffered, and help them to understand that revenge is not the right path to follow, otherwise there could be more bloodshed."
Since the intervention in May by British troops and an increased United Nations presence, there is a new hope that the rebels in the north and east will be defeated and that the government can regain control of the whole country. Tens of thousands of displaced people could return to their homes, many of which were destroyed in the fighting. Also, a more stable situation would allow for increased Bible work.
Maimed Victims of War Get Help from the Churches
In the meantime, the emphasis in the capital is on rebuilding society and homes, and rehabilitating those who have suffered. Disabled people, maimed during the war, are being taught new trades and how to cope without the use of a limb. Others are helping traumatised people to overcome their fears and look forward to a better future.
The churches are intimately involved in this process of rehabilitation, and the BSSL believes that it has a vital role to play in supporting this work. By providing Scriptures through church counsellors and others who have first-hand contact with war victims, and eventually with the surrendered rebels, Mrs Pearce feels that God can work through his Word in reaching and changing people's hearts.
"We are praying that God will give us the opportunity to rebuild our society according to biblical principles," she said. The situation in the rebel-held areas continues to take its toll on civilians, who are caught in the crossfire and brutalised by the rebels. Mrs. Pearce has been unable to make contact with anyone in the rebel-held region.
| Fact Box |
1807 was the beginning of formal Bible work in Sierra Leone.
The Bible Society in Sierra Leone distributed 16,805 Bibles and 555 New Testaments in 1998-99.
In the year 2000 the population was estimated at 4,855,000 and the annual per capita income was US$154.
Major religions are estimated: Muslim 60%, Christian 30%, and 10 percent practice traditional indigenous religions. '… insurgent forces targeted religious leaders for attack, including Christians and Muslims, both because of their position in the religious community and their support for the Government.'
'The war in Sierra Leone has seen considerable involvement of both foreign governments and mercenary forces which have usually provided support in exchange for lucrative contracts and [diamond] mining concessions.'
Sources: United Bible Societies, United Nations, U.S. Department of State, Annual Report on International Religious Freedom for 1999: Sierra Leone and Human Rights Watch. |
"We just don't know what the situation is in the north," she said. "We are very worried that the RUF will burn more churches and target Christian leaders." Mrs Pearce's concern for Christian leaders stems from events that happened last year in Freetown, where the Bible Society is based.
Christian Leaders on Rebel Hit List
"When the RUF entered the capital last year, we thought they were not interested in attacking civilians, only wanting redress from the government," she said. "Then suddenly, they began to burn buildings, offices and homes. They had come with a target list prepared by their leader, Foday Sankoh, and many Christians were on that list."
The RUF soldiers targeted Creole families in particular because they had not received support from them. "While it is true that churches seem to have been singled out for burning by the RUF, the reason is more in relation to their leadership," said Mrs. Pearce. "Many of these churches had Creole leaders, and their names were on Sankoh's hit list.
"Some of the churches were at first occupied by the rebels as bases from which to launch attacks in the battle for Freetown. Holy Trinity Church in Kissiy Road was burnt down because of its known association with Nigerians. Nigerian troops made up the ECOMOG force that suppressed the rebels in 1998.
"Wherever you go, you cannot escape the reminders of the killing, the rape and the maiming," added Mrs Pearce. "Sierra Leone is weeping for its children, and will go on weeping silently for many years to come."
- Source: United Bible Societies
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