By Audrey Raymonda John
As he slowly walked into a packed full compound at Mercy Ship Waterloo, where hundreds of orphanage children welcomed a veteran and philanthropist Dr. Conrad Van Dijk and his daughter Tracy.
The Canadian based philanthropist and father of many less privilege children could not hold his tears as children were singing emotional songs and memorable glory with thanks giving to God for the old man and the so many good things he has done.
The service was well organized and hosted by Bishop Hassan Mansaray who is the President and owner of the Lord’s Missions Church.
Speaking to this press, Dr. Conrad said over the years Sierra Leone has always held a special bond in his heart. He recalled when he was 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 made our visit to Sierra Leone in 1969 and we ended up spending three years until 1971. “The love and hospitality cannot be described,” said Dr. Conrad, adding that during their stay they volunteered to teach at N’jala University, were he taught “Animal Science”.
He said just after the civil war and the Ebola outbreak they visited the country again in 2022 and since then has been spreading across the Nation through his foundation “Transformation Sierra Leone” where he met Bishop Hassan Mansaray a man he never regretted meeting in his lifetime.
Dr. Conrad said that he was short of words as he cannot believe the tremendous changes the mission has accomplished and felt so proud to see most of the orphans during his visit have grown up to be very responsible and successful people.
He stated that “he felt so proud just as how his late wife Hannah will be.”
The host of the program His Grace Bishop Hassan Mansaray bowed down in tears as he recalled the love, patience, simplicity and kindness Dr. Conrad have shown over the years.
Bishop Mansaray described Dr. Conrad as a very special person who reaches everyone with love. “His contribution towards the Ministry cannot be overemphasized, adding that his presence and memory will always be in the heart of the children as they hold him a special bond and gratitude” he said. He thanked and expressed appreciation on behalf of the home to his family for all he has done to create a meaningful turn around in the lives of many orphanage children.
Speaking to this medium Dr. Conrad’s daughter Tracy, said “she is so proud to support and see what her father has done and if destiny or faith could lead her she will do what the Lord wants her to do.”
A former beneficiary of the orphanage who is now married Madam Deborah Kalokoh described 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.