wfn.org | United Methodist bishop returns home to Sierra Leone

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.UMC.ORG>]

Aug. 5, 1998       Contact: Tim Tanton*(615)742-5470*Nashville, Tenn.
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NOTE:  A photograph is available with this story.

By Rich Peck*

Bishop Joseph Humper of Sierra Leone left the United States July 25 for
his home in Freetown, after being forced to flee his native country last
year.

The United Methodist bishop had been in America since October, when he
had to escape for his life. The military seized power from the elected
civilian government in May 1997. Since then, some 700,000 people have
been forced to leave their homes and possessions.

Life in the west African nation has been returning slowly to normal
since Ecomog, a Nigerian-led regional peace-keeping force, pushed the
ruling junta from the capital of Freetown on Feb. 13. However, the
bishop returned to a nation where most of the 258 United Methodist
churches have been severely damaged and some destroyed. Press reports
tell of severe hunger and the almost complete absence of adequate
medicine and health care.

Following the May 1997 coup, the bishop sent his wife and 9-year-old
daughter to live with his wife's uncle in Dallas. A 17-year-old son and
a 24-year-old daughter also were sent to safe havens, but Humper said he
felt the need to stay in Freetown as head of the United Methodist Church
there and as vice-president of the Interreligious Council of Sierra
Leone. 

While the bishop stayed in Freetown, rebels paid three visits to his
house and office. He was held at gunpoint during the first visit. His
computer, fax machine, phone and other electronic equipment were stolen
from his office on subsequent visits. Rebels also ransacked his home,
stole his Mazda, and destroyed his Jeep. But the bishop remained until
Oct. 13, when he was warned not to return to his home because military
officers were waiting there for him.

The bishop hid in members' homes until he could escape through Guinea on
Oct. 17. He then came to the United States, where he visited with United
Methodist congregations in 14 states and three annual conferences. The
bishop expressed his appreciation to all those he visited, and he called
for continued prayers for all of Africa. The bishop told Newscope his
first priority upon returning to Sierra Leone would be to develop
healing ministries for children and women who have been victimized by
the military. 

Donations to help the African nation may be made through the United
Methodist Committee On Relief, Advance No. 181205-1, marked for Sierra
Leone Emergency Relief. The donations can be offered at local churches
or sent directly to UMCOR at  475 Riverside Drive, Room 330, New York,
NY 10115. 

# # #

*Peck is editor of Newscope, a weekly denominational newsletter produced
by the United Methodist Publishing House.

United Methodist News Service
(615)742-5470
Releases and photos also available at
http://www.umc.org/umns/