By: Fatmata Grace Okekearu, Bo City
Members of the Paragons Foundation Sierra Leone have successfully concluded their 8th Annual Summit, held over the weekend at the Galliness Paradise Hotel in Bo, under the theme “Faithful Through All Seasons,” drawn from Lamentations 3:22–23.
The summit brought together professionals from diverse sectors of society to deliberate on strategic interventions aimed at promoting sustainability, strengthening support for the United Methodist Church Sierra Leone Annual Conference, and extending care to vulnerable and destitute persons, particularly children.
Welcoming participants, the Deputy Chief Paragon, Madam Martha Kpaka, noted that for the past seven years, members of the Foundation have consistently set aside their busy schedules to convene annually in different districts for purposeful engagement. She said the summit serves as a platform to review organizational initiatives, reflect on achievements, and explore new opportunities for growth.
“At the annual summit, key decisions are taken, resolutions are adopted, and amendments to our rules of conduct, welfare policies, and financial status are carefully examined,” Madam Kpaka explained.
She further emphasized that the theme was deliberately chosen to reflect God’s unfailing love and compassion, stressing that members remain anchored in faith because God’s mercy is renewed daily and His love never fails.
In his address, the Chief Paragon, Alicious Brima Moisia Esq., described the 8th Annual Summit as a historic milestone, coinciding with eight years since the establishment of the Foundation. He explained that the organization comprises men and women aged 35 and above from the United Methodist Church, who have shared fellowship and life experiences from their youthful days.
According to him, the Paragons Foundation plays a critical role in training, coaching, and mentoring its members as they navigate different stages of life. He disclosed that this year’s summit was particularly significant, as it stimulated in-depth discussions and set benchmarks for future operations.
Mr. Moisia further revealed that resolutions from the summit are expected to sustain the organization’s long-term vision, including plans to establish an orphanage and an institution focused on shaping young minds in leadership, while also addressing the dangers and stigma associated with drug abuse.
Delivering the keynote address on the theme “Faithful Through All Seasons,” the Principal of Every Nation College, Bo, Mr. Christian Julius Johnson, described the gathering as more than a civic meeting, but a family of faith coming together in uncertain times to serve a God who transcends seasons and circumstances.
He noted that the theme was not merely a slogan but a call to action, explaining that faithfulness is not passive waiting for favourable conditions, but an active commitment to stand firm even when challenges arise. “Seasons are chapters of life. We often celebrate God in seasons of harvest, but faithfulness is tested not during harvest, but during planting especially in times of drought,” Mr. Johnson stated.
He urged Paragon leaders to remain faithful during difficult seasons by maintaining integrity when tempted by shortcuts and by being trustworthy stewards in challenging political, social, and economic climates. He further encouraged members to use their influence to protect the vulnerable, stressing that survival in harsh seasons is only possible through God.
Mr. Johnson concluded by calling on the Foundation to invest in youth development and education, noting that true faithfulness is demonstrated when the strong support the weak and when the privileged remember the less fortunate, even when immediate results are not visible.
The summit climaxed with the induction of new members and a thanksgiving service held at the Leader Memorial United Methodist Church, Kulanda Town Section, Bo. As a symbol of the Foundation’s enduring commitment to faith and community service, the Chief Paragon, Alicious Brima Moisia Esq., presented a cash donation of one thousand United States dollars to the church.
In a similar gesture, a member of the Foundation, Mr. Daniel Moijue, donated five thousand New Leones to pupils preparing for the National Primary School Examination (NPSE) and the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in support of special classes.
Many observers described the support as timely, noting that it will not only strengthen the mission of the church but also inspire continued unity, gratitude, and collective responsibility within the congregation and the wider community.