Magnus continues to carry out his work in trying to help the large numbers of street children in Sierra Leone, visiting them regularly with food, drinks and medical items. Sometimes, however, this valuable missionary work comes with personal risk.

Last week Magnus reported a particularly challenging night on the streets. Just after midnight he reached a place called Corner Kick in the 'five five' area in Waterloo, which during the day houses a small market, where women sell food and cooking ingredients. It is an area which is often populated by homeless and young girls.

Magnus said, 'Initially, I met about seven of the girls, one of whom already knew me, and began speaking to them about Jesus. All were Muslims, so they asked a lot of questions about Jesus, telling me they were fasting during Ramadam. After responding to their request for a prayer, I shared a bag of bread, sardines and juice with them. I had enough with me to feed 20, and I don't know how this information was spread so quickly, but I was suddenly overcrowded with over 20 new boys, including a few drug addicts who were more senior.

One of them forcefully snatched the bag from me, including my phone, taking out items for himself and giving the rest to some of the other boys. There was only one female present, who was a little older, and thankfully, my phone was eventually returned to me. It was a very intimidating experience. On this occasion I wasn't hurt, but it serves as a warning and I left the scene feeling very afraid and shaken. I thank you for your prayers of protection over me in these situations.'

Magnus has advised us that working with these children and youths has increasingly become more dangerous as many are desperate for food.

In addition, there has been a massive rise in drug taking among the children over the past couple of years - particularly using the drug Kush, which is so addictive, users can become hooked after a single hit, trapping them in a cycle of self-destruction.

During one of her visits to the streets with Magnus, Janet O’Shea, Chair of Sierra Leone Mission (SLM), also witnessed this: ‘I have had the privilege of joining Magnus several times to minister to the children and provide them with food and drink. I have seen first-hand how the children are often so hungry they can become very boisterous. Tragically, because these children can see no future for themselves, they are devoid of hope.'

Janet adds, 'We praise and thank God for giving Magnus the vision for Bethesda Orphanage, a sanctuary for street children, which has enabled him to rescue many helpless boys and girls and provide a safe and loving environment, where they can thrive.

'We also offer thanks for the generosity of people who continue to support this amazing outreach. When God guides, God provides'.

Below is a YouTube report giving information about the drug Kush.

 

SIERRA LEONE DONATIONS

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Alternatively donate by Bank Transfer

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Sort code: 20-16-08, Account number: 30799076, Account name: Sierra Leone Mission 

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Sierra Leone Mission. Postal address: Janet Foord, 2 Cheyne Close, Church Milton, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME10 2SQ