By: Problyn J. Alpha
The management and staff of Radio New Song FM 91.3 in Kono District recently organized a three-day prayer mobilization and thanksgiving service for members of the security forces, aimed at promoting unity, peace, and spiritual renewal among security personnel.
The programme brought together personnel from the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), the Sierra Leone Police, and other security agencies, alongside members of the Universal Chaplain Corps Rescue Mission (UCCRM) and the Global Chaplain Corps (GCC). Activities were held at the 9 Battalion Simbakoro Barracks Parade Ground and concluded with a thanksgiving service in front of the Radio New Song office on Council Road in Koidu City.
Held under the theme, “Divine Instruction for Total Restoration,” based on 2 Kings 5:1–14, the event also attracted religious leaders, traditional authorities, civil society representatives, and residents from across Koidu City and Kono District.
The primary objective of the programme was to strengthen unity among the security forces and encourage them to remain God-fearing while carrying out their constitutional responsibilities of protecting lives and property.
Speaking at the official opening ceremony at the 9 Battalion Simbakoro Barracks, Station Manager of Radio New Song FM 91.3, Problyn John Alpha, said the initiative forms part of the station’s mission to promote salvation, peace, and national development through Christian broadcasting.
He explained that the prayer mobilization and thanksgiving service were organized to reinforce the longstanding relationship between the radio station, the security forces, and the people of Kono District while fostering peace, mutual understanding, and cooperation.
According to him, the programme was inspired by the desire to win souls for Christ and strengthen the existing social, spiritual, and professional relationships between security personnel and the wider community.
Mr. Alpha described Radio New Song as an evangelistic radio station owned by New Harvest Global Ministries, with stations currently operating in Bo, Kono, and Makeni. He disclosed that plans are underway to expand the network to Waterloo, Kenema, and Rutile communities.
He said the programme was guided by three key objectives: religious, constitutional, and social.
On the religious aspect, he cited several biblical passages, including Isaiah 1:17, which calls on believers to seek justice and defend the oppressed; 1 Timothy 2:1–2, which encourages prayers for leaders and those in authority; Psalm 127:1, which reminds believers that true security comes from God; and Romans 13:1, which teaches that governing authorities are ordained by God to uphold justice and maintain peace.
Mr. Alpha stressed that the work of the security forces is not merely a civic responsibility but also a divine calling to protect society and preserve law and order.
Speaking on the constitutional significance of the programme, he urged security personnel to remain professional and patriotic by resisting corruption, political interference, drug trafficking, smuggling, armed robbery, abuse of authority, and other criminal activities that undermine national peace and security.
He also highlighted the welfare challenges facing many members of the security services, appealing to the Government and other stakeholders to improve their living and working conditions.
“As every responsibility carries corresponding rights, improving the welfare of our security personnel will motivate them to serve the nation more effectively,” he said.
Several dignitaries who addressed the gathering commended Radio New Song for organising the initiative. Among them were the Kono District Coordinator of the Office of National Security (ONS), Lawrence Kpangu; the representative of the Paramount Chief of Gbense Chiefdom, Chief Aiah Mohamed Fonjah; Secretary-General of the Human Rights Committee in Kono District, Dauda Bangura; Executive Secretary of the Civil Society Organisations Network, Glenis Mani Ngaujah; and Coordinator of the Station Managers Association in Kono District, Alhaji Dauda Kamara.
The speakers unanimously described the programme as timely and significant, noting that a God-fearing security sector contributes to national peace, stability, justice, and sustainable development. They encouraged Radio New Song to institutionalize the prayer mobilization and thanksgiving service as an annual event.
Chief Aiah Mohamed Fonjah expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting that it was the first major interdenominational prayer programme to be held at the Simbakoro Barracks since the establishment of the military facility.
He expressed confidence that the prayers offered during the programme would bring spiritual renewal, unity, and divine protection to the barracks and the wider Kono community.
The three-day prayer mobilization featured sermons by the Deputy Global Prayer Leader of New Harvest Global Ministries, Pastor Moses Bona; Rev. Christian Fayia of the Assemblies of God Church; and Pastor Martin Mattia Farma, Resident Pastor of Faith Healing Bible Church, Sukudu Branch, Koidu City.
The programme concluded with a thanksgiving service held in front of the Radio New Song FM office on Council Road, Koidu City, where Pastor Moses Bona delivered the keynote sermon, calling on believers to remain faithful and continue praying for Sierra Leone and its security institutions.