By Audrey Raymonda John
As he slowly walks into a packed full compound at mercy ship Waterloo, where hundred of orphanage children welcome a veteran and philanthropist Dr Conward Van Dijk and his daughter Tracy.
The Canadian base philanthropist and father of many less privileged could not hold his tears as children were singing songs of emotional and memorable glory giving thanks to God for the old man and the things he has done.
The service was well organized and hosted by Bishop Hassan Mansaray President and owner of the Lord’s Missions Church.
Speaking to this press; Dr Conward said over the years Sierra Leone has always held a special bond in his heart.
He recalled that back then in Canada after he got married to his beautiful wife Hannah they decided to spend their honeymoon in a third-world country and Sierra Leone was the chosen nation at that time.
My wife and I first came to Sierra Leone in 1969 and we end up spending three years till 1971. “The love and hospitality cannot be described” says Dr Conrad.
While they were here they volunteered and help to teach at Njala University, where he was teaching Animal Science.
After the civil war and the Ebola outbreak, they visited again in 2022. Since then, he has been spreading across the Nation through his foundation Transformation Sierra Leone where he met Bishop Hassan Mansaray a man he believes to have never regretted in his lifetime.
Dr Conward said, he is at a loss for words as he cannot believe the tremendous changes the mission has accomplished and is so proud to see most of the orphans during his visit have grown to be very responsible and successful. He is so proud just as his late wife Hannah will be.
Host of the programme His Grace Bishop Hassan Mansaray break down in tears as he recalled the love, patience, simplicity and kindness Dr Conrad has shown over the years. Bishop Mansaray said Dr Conrad is a very special person who reaches everyone with love.
His zeal for the ministry cannot be overemphasized. His presence and memory will always be in the heart of the children as they hold him in special bond and gratitude.
He thanked and expressed appreciation on behalf of the home to his family for all he has done to create a meaningful turnaround in the lives of many.
His daughter Tracy said she is so proud to support and see what his father has done and if the destiny of faith could lead her she will do what the Lord what her to do.
A former beneficiary of the orphanage now married madam Deborah Kalokoh describes Dr Conrad as a dove and a father who cannot be replaced. She recalled that Dr Conrad is a blessing and a great inspiration to soul building as he will be deeply missed for his love and kindness.
