The Opening Of Mount Zion Training And Retreat Centre – Sierra Leone November 2023
‘But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. (Hebrews 12:22)’
Mount Zion has been a long-standing project for the Freetown Diocese and Relay Trust, and the Relay Trust has been fortunate to witness its transformation into a remarkable complex of buildings designed to support training for individuals from the Internal Province of West Africa (IPWA) and beyond. In early November 2023 Doug Ingram (our COO), Daniel Magagnin (IPWA Regional Relationship Manager) and Ella Marshall (IPWA Regional Relationship Officer) visited Freetown, Sierra Leone, to participate in the consecration and festivities marking the opening.
The trip commenced with an early arrival on Sunday morning, greeted by a breathtaking sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean. The first part of the week was dedicated to visits within the Diocese of Freetown and a neighbouring charity. These experiences offered valuable insights into the daily dynamics of the area, fostering connections and the exchange of ideas. The latter part of the week spent at Mount Zion, following the consecration of the dormitories and dining hall by Archbishop Jacques Boston from the Diocese of Guinea and Bishop Thomas Wilson from Freetown Diocese. This provided a opportunity to further our relationships with brother and sisters in Christ from around the IpWA and engage in discussions about the future of evangelism and Church growth.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes to the Diocese of Freetown for graciously hosting and caring for us during our visit. Despite the inevitable challenges that come with these trips, we thank God for keeping us safe. While recognising the spiritual battles we face in this work, the experience left us with a profound sense of hope. In biblical terms, Mount Zion symbolises an eternal hope accessed through accessed by us, through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The potential for Mount Zion’s development is ever-growing, and we eagerly anticipate working alongside them to further enhance the opportunities available. We invite your prayers for the upcoming training sessions scheduled for the beginning of the year, as well as for those leading and organising them. Our hope is that individuals will find a warm welcome as part of the church community, a place to rest, learn and be spiritually renewed for their ministry in the Spirit of God.
