By Nelson Nannoh
On the 28th July 2025, Bishop James Boye-Caulker welcomed partners of Helping the Children Worldwide from Bethel United Methodist Church United States of America to Mercy Hospital in Bo City, Southern Sierra Leone. The delegation arrived to conduct a medical outreach serving vulnerable children, women and elderly.
Mary Ann Bikes Gilkeson, thanked Bishop Boye-Caulker for the warm reception and emphasized the group’s enduring commitment to Sierra Leone. She noted that she, her husband, and the team have conducted annual medical outreaches every July for many years, providing free treatment to children, women, and elderly. That they donated a 40-foot container of medical supplies to Mercy Hospital two years ago., supporting capacity building and training for hospital staff, facilitating advanced studies in the U.S. for Dr. Aruna Steven and Dr. Vandy
Mary Ann Bikes Gilkeson praised the collaborative efforts of the Sierra Leonean church, Helping the Children Worldwide Mercy Hospital, and the Child Reintegration Centre in serving vulnerable populations.
Rev. Susan Leonard of Bethel United Methodist Church in the United States of America expressed gratitude for Bishop James Boye-Caulker’s involvement, reaffirming the shared mission of the global United Methodist Church to support marginalized communities. She stressed the importance of familial bonds across congregations and pledged continued partnership. An invitation was extended to the Bishop to visit Bethel United Methodist Church in the U.S.
Samuel Maada Navo, Mission Liaison, highlighted the annual July medical outreaches that provide free screenings and treatments to children, women, and the elderly. He underscored the program’s inclusivity: “We serve both Christian and Muslim families, reflecting our belief in equitable healthcare access.”
The local Imam, Habib Gbenda, where Mercy Hospital is situated thanked the Bishop and partners for including Muslim families in the medical outreach. He emphasized Sierra Leone’s unity across faiths: Christians and Muslims share values of love, peace, and service to humanity. He encouraged continued efforts despite challenges and closed with prayers for the partners and church.
Bishop James Boye-Caulker commended the partners for their collaboration in delivering critical healthcare to vulnerable groups, particularly children, women and elderly. He described the work of the partners as an expression of gratitude to God and true love for humanity. On behalf of the Annual Conferences, he pledged ongoing support and commitment to strengthening the partnership between the churches.
