Panguma
Sierra LeoneMission & Vision
We are fortunate to partner in ministry with siblings in Christ in Panguma, Sierra Leone, with a special emphasis on the children. The ultimate goal is self-sustainability for the community.
“For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required.” (Luke 12:48)
We are looking for people who are being called by God to visit Panguma for our next mission trip. Next Mission Trip date to be determined.
Become A Partner
Our commitment to Panguma is only as good as the commitment from our church family and friends. Our success is dependent upon the generosity of others through donations of time, talent and money.
> Prayer Partner
God has been the guiding light for this partnership since its inception in 2009. Please pray for our leadership and travel teams; that we will keep our focus on His lead and remain committed to partnering with Him for His will to be done throughout the village of Panguma, Sierra Leone. If you are interested in being part of the intercessory team covering this ministry, please contact Pastor Jason at jmackey@camphillumc.org.
> Travel Team Partner
Every year that health and safety permit, a team from the church makes the journey to visit our brothers and sisters in Panguma, Sierra Leone West Africa. It is an amazing and beautiful journey that has the power to be a life-changing experience. This opportunity is open to anyone at Camp Hill UMC 16 years of age or older. If you are interested in a future trip, please contact Pastor Jason at jmackey@camphillumc.org.
> Education Support Partner
Team Panguma conducts an Education Campaign each year to help provide, support and improve education in Panguma. This is achieved through providing: scholarships for students at the preschool, primary, junior secondary and senior secondary school levels; scholarships for teachers to attend University and earn teaching certificates; and financial resources for supplies, materials and services that assist in increasing the quality of education. Please join us in providing and improving the quality education for the future generations of Panguma.
About Panguma
Nestled in the country’s rich landscape, Panguma had once been a thriving community and the headquarters for the Lower Bambara District of Sierra Leone, Africa. In 1991, rebel forces were fueled by the desire to overtake Sierra Leone’s diamond industry and brutally engaged the country in a civil war. For 10 years, forces occupied Panguma and performed unmentionable atrocities against men, women, and children. Finally, in 2002, the United Nations responded to public outcry and the war ended. Panguma and its people were broken.The United Methodist Susquehanna Conference has maintained a relationship with Sierra Leone since the 1800s, sponsoring missionaries, establishing medical clinics and schools, and enabling Volunteers in Mission to provide aid to the country. Camp Hill UMC was first called to Panguma through the conference’s effort to financially support UMC pastors serving there. We have since partnered with the Panguma United Methodist Church, and Team Panguma—an international outreach partnership—was born.
Camp Hill UMC is partnering with the Lower Bambara United Methodist Church in Sierra Leone. We are fortunate to partner in ministry with siblings in Christ in Panguma, Sierra Leone, with a special emphasis on the children. Our first mission visit was in 2010. Although the war had ended almost nine years earlier, the wounds remained fresh and the desperation was overwhelming. Hunger was rampant. The empty, burned-out shells of homes and businesses littered the landscape. The United Methodist Church lay in ruin, while the UMC primary and secondary schools had neither supplies nor funds. The hospital, the only medical facility for miles, was soon to lose its doctor and funding. Initially, our expressions of Christian faith led us to minister with the Panguma people by rebuilding the United Methodist Church and parsonage. Hope arose from this revitalization, and we have since progressed to serve the village as a whole. In cooperation with the community elders, Team Panguma identified and continues to supply aid for education, medical care, and quality of life.
