Reflections on Africa

Travelling outside of Europe for the first time, our initial reaction to Guinea was that it went beyond anything we had previously experienced. It was not the depth of the poverty, as such, but more the extent of it that struck us. Even after our frequent visits to the Balkans, we found it hard to believe that Conakry was really a capital city. Neighbourhood after neighbourhood looked like a shanty-town and the piles of rubbish were so extensive, in the middle of the city, that they were inhabited by wild pigs and vultures. The driving was truly anarchic, too, producing gridlocks and traffic jams that trapped us for hours, literally.

There was quite a feeling of being ‘locked in’ in Conakry. We were either locked in our colleagues’ homes, behind their high walls and guarded day and night, or else locked in our 4 x 4 mission vehicles. We were told that, in Africa generally, security depends on your being known by your neighbours. That caused us to wonder how difficult that might be in Conakry and to ask ourselves how the mission workers balance the need to protect themselves and their families with the need to be known and so avoid being isolated.

During the whole two weeks’ trip to Guinea we did not see one white face, other than those of the mission workers. We were very conspicuous and drew attention constantly. All day long, the children pointed and shouted out “Whites!”, in their local languages, but they smiled when we spoke to them or waved from our vehicle. The adults all stared too and we weren’t persuaded that their attention was always as friendly. We were certainly viewed as potential clients for anything that could be sold or as benefactors who might be willing to give to beggars. But we were also singled out by police officers who were looking for a bribe and, according to the mission workers who live in Guinea, we were a conspicuous target for thieves and bandits.

After spending two days driving through beautiful countryside it was inspiring to spend time at the Macenta Medical Centre and in the homes of the mission workers (both BMS and others). It was obvious that much was being achieved with only limited available resources. Also, observing the staff and talking with the patients, it was clear that the impact of the Macenta Medical Centre goes beyond the medical treatment that is offered there. The patients are not only dealt with in a professional manner but are also shown respect, courtesy and compassion. The team of chaplains at the Centre talked movingly about their delicate but fruitful work and shared some of the stories of those who are turning to Jesus-Christ.

In conclusion, our visit to Guinea was very stimulating and thought-provoking. We witnessed shocking needs but also met with some very inspiring people (Guineans and expats) who, at no little cost to themselves and their families, were working hard to help address some of those needs in Christ’s name. 

Thanks for reading the blog,

Philip & Rosemary.