Brookings, SD - Abundant sunshine, a United Methodist connection, an invitation, and people in need are creating a unique opportunity for a pilot project in Sierra Leone.

On March 13, a six-member Solar Oven Partners / United Methodist Volunteers in Mission team will travel to the West African nation to run a pilot project through the United Methodist Church of Sierra Leone, with help from long-time mission partner, Roger Reiners of Milbank, SD.

Roger and his wife, Melanie Reiners, have volunteered with the Gess UMC Eye Hospital, formerly the Kissey Eye Clinic, in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The Parkview Church in Milbank has been sending teams and donations to Sierra Leone for years. Melanie serves as pastor to the Parkview church, and both she and Roger have been long-time members.

“Because of this special connection to the Sierra Leone UMC, and Roger’s willingness to provide the introductions and get us up-and-running in that distant location, this is an amazing opportunity to assess the possibilities for a significant solar cooking project in Sierra Leone,” explained SOP Director Rick Jost. “We have an invitation from Bishop Yambasu, and 20 ovens, tools and supplies have already been shipped.”

The team will stop in two rural locations in the country, putting on solar oven demonstrations. This will include how the ovens are constructed, and how they are best utilized to provide fuel-free cooking and baking, and how they can also provide water pasteurization. Team members are: Rick and Lorna Jost, Volga, SD; Barbara Krumm, Eureka, SD; Pastor Phil Lint and Bill and Connie Smith, all of Montrose UMC.

Keep this team in your prayers as they explore this exciting new development.

Contact: Rick Jost e-mail