When a fuel tanker exploded on 5 November in Freetown, 149 people died and more than 100 were injured.
Katie Milazzo (USA) and Jonathon Donoghue (Ireland), from the non-governmental All For One Foundation, stepped in to support the people affected and helped to identify those who had lost their lives.
As the couple were still busy with the aftermath of the explosion, Logos Hope crewmembers saw an opportunity to help them continue their work. Once open, Katie and Jonathon’s own foundation will be able to serve over 600 families. Its aim is to ensure that less-advantaged children not only remain with their families, but that those families are offered a chance to thrive. The foundation works with them practically and offers advice on financial planning, employment applications and much more.
It will also offer daycare to allow single parents to work. Even though the facility is not fully open yet, the organisation currently helps 23 individuals, including three children living there for interim care.
Logos Hope crewmembers were eager to support the foundation practically: they helped get facilities ready by painting the building and doing carpentry projects. They also helped to give out food donations to people affected by the explosion.
When passers-by saw the volunteers painting a gate, they thanked them for helping in their community. Max Albornoz (Argentina) says, “I think this was the greatest testimony we could give to people around us, as we have no link to the community, but we showed up to serve.”
Mechi Berti (Argentina) says, “It was incredible to be part of this project... My highlight was when one man came to ask why we were working for free, and when we explained to him that we are volunteers coming to Sierra Leone to help the community, he said that it was an example for the youth. The chance to interact with kids while I was outside painting the gate was also amazing.”
Thankful for the partnership with Logos Hope, Katie says, “We are beyond grateful for their generosity, openness and willingness to serve. It has been a true joy to have them here each day. They have been eager to help, connect with our clients, and have given us all an extra smile along the way. We are incredibly humbled by their support, as Logos Hope is helping get us even closer to opening our facility fully.”
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Freetown, Sierra Leone :: Crewmembers help to build an institute in which women will learn how to sew.
Freetown, Sierra Leone :: Logos Hope returns after 11 years, with plans to offer help in the country after recent tragedy.
Freetown, Sierra Leone :: An onshore event for children brings festive cheer at a school complex.
Freetown, Sierra Leone :: Logos Hope's crewmembers create a library in a school that has longed for one for years.
A 10-year-old girl overcomes her fear to join a Discover Bible Study with peers and learns to share about Jesus with her family and her community.
Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines :: Logos Hope's crew gives Bibles to children and adults living in temporary shelters after the island's volcano erupted.
Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines :: Logos Hope is receiving visitors again - subject to limited numbers and social distancing.
Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines :: Logos Hope’s crewmembers install an outdoor playground, donated and shipped to the island from the USA.
Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines :: Logos Hope's crew are inspired by the attitude of islanders they meet while cleaning up after a volcano.
Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines :: Crewmembers share a message about God and receive one in return while visiting a shelter.
Castries, Saint Lucia :: Logos Hope supports the ongoing work of The Salvation Army.
Castries, Saint Lucia :: The first official opening after 18 months takes place in a familiar port of call.
Castries, Saint Lucia :: Ship volunteers visit a shelter for people who used to live on the streets and people suffering with mental ill-health.
OM Ships :: Jareht hated his father, who’d walked out on five sons when Jareht was just four years old. By the age of 16, Jareht was close to ending his life. But God showed him what a true Father He is. Now, Jareht is serving on board OM’s ship, sharing God’s transforming love with others.
Abaco Islands, The Bahamas :: Teams of crew return to the scene of a devastating hurricane to continue rebuilding efforts and encourage people.
