Help Achieve Solar Power for the Turay Family

Goal:

 USD $5,500

Raised:

 USD $5,238

Campaign created by Auston Tribble

Campaign funds will be received by Teransc Phillip

Help Achieve Solar Power for the Turay Family

Electricity and running water is a luxury that many of us take for granted. But for Sulaiman and his children, it would be life-changing. solar-powered system would:

✅ Provide running water – improving sanitation, cooking, and daily life.

✅ Help Kids Education – giving them a chance for a brighter future.

✅ Help store food safely – reducing food insecurity and malnutrition.

Sulaiman is a man who has ambitious dreams to make a lasting impact for his family and his community. Help bring light to his home and hope to his family. Donate Today and Be Part of Sulaiman’s Story.

Help Bring Solar Power to the Turay Family in Sierra Leone, Africa
Sulaiman Turay is a single father of two, Ruth and Mohamad. His story is one of tragedy and triumph, resilience and faith. When I met Suliman in May 2024, we quickly became friends. His kindness, wisdom, and unwavering love for his family deeply moved me. Despite everything he has endured, Suliman radiates hope and generosity.

When I met him, he was putting all his money, free time, and effort into building a water well—nothing more than a deep hole in the ground—and a separate concrete structure to provide shelter for his extended family. Watching him give so much, despite having so little, left me in awe. How could someone who had endured so much hardship still have such a heart for others? It became clear to me that Sulaiman is more than just a survivor—he is a leader in his community.

His life is a testament to perseverance and faith, and through his story, I saw how God had been guiding his steps even in his darkest moments. I felt a strong call to be part of that story—to bring another blessing into his life, just as he has been a blessing to so many.

A Life Shaped by Hardship and Survival
Born in Sierra Leone in 1981, Sulaiman’s early years were marked by struggle. At the age of three, he was taken from his mother by his father. Though the separation left deep wounds, it was his grandmother who became his true caregiver, raising him with love while his father, a successful farmer, was often away. In 1991, the Sierra Leone Civil War erupted. Life became a daily fight for survival. By the time Suliman turned seventeen, the war had raged for eight long years. His father made the heartbreaking decision to flee to neighboring Guinea—a treacherous six-month journey on foot.

One day, they stopped in a village where food was scarce—only bananas to roast over a fire. His father warned the villagers not to cook during the day, fearing the smoke would reveal their location to rebel forces. But the villagers, desperate and starving, ignored his warning. Sulaiman and his father had no choice but to leave. As they climbed a nearby hill, they turned back and saw the village overrun by rebels.

Then, a voice rang out from above them—“Halt!” They ran, but it was too late. The rebels captured them. Sulaiman was forced to watch as his father was beaten and executed before his eyes.

At seventeen, Sulaiman was left alone in the world, forced into the rebel army as a child soldier. For a year, he endured unspeakable horrors and was left with the scars to prove it. But dreams of his mother and grandmother gave him the courage to escape. He risked his life to flee, knowing deserters were often killed. When he returned to his grandmother’s village, the people saw him as a threat—fearful that he would bring the rebels upon them. It was a time of deep mistrust, where even innocent survivors were treated as enemies. Eventually, Suliman was allowed to stay, living out the remainder of the war in hiding until peace was restored in 2001.

Finding Love, Fatherhood, and Purpose

After the war, Sulaiman worked hard to rebuild his life. In 2008, he fell in love and had two children, Ruth and Mohamad. His love for his wife was deep and sincere, but it was not enough—she left him suddenly, with little notice, leaving their two children behind. Since then, Sulaiman has raised them on his own, pouring every ounce of his love and strength into being the best father he can be. In Sierra Leone, single fatherhood is no easy task. Survival demands relentless hard work, and Sulaiman has never backed down from a challenge. Over the years, he has worked as a driver for influential employers, learning English through the wife of one of his supportive bosses. Eventually, this connection led him to Mercy Ships, an NGO providing medical care to those in need. He applied to work and was accepted to provide transportation for the crew. This opportunity only lasts as long as Mercy Ships is in the port otherwise there are very few opportunities for work.

It was through this organization that I met Sulaiman. His story, his faith, and his selfless nature deeply impacted me. I knew then that I wanted to find a way to bless him and his family. A Man of Faith, Strength, and Hope Sulaiman’s life is a powerful testament to resilience and faith. Time and time again, he has faced the unimaginable, yet he continues to rise—steadfast, humble, and full of hope. His children reflect this same light—their eyes filled with curiosity, determination, and the dreams of a brighter future.

When I met him, I was struck not only by his strength but by his generosity. I began to wonder: What could be possible for Suliman and his family if they had access to basic necessities like electricity and running water?

Why This Fundraiser Matters

Electricity and running water is a luxury that many of us take for granted. But for Sulaiman and his children, it would be life-changing.

A solar-powered system would:

✅ Provide running water – improving sanitation, cooking, and daily life.

✅ Help Kids Education – giving them a chance for a brighter future.

✅ Help store food safely – reducing food insecurity and malnutrition.

Sulaiman is a man who has ambitious dreams to make a lasting impact for his family and his community. Help bring light to his home and hope to his family. Donate Today and Be Part of Sulaiman’s Story.

Recent Donations
Show:
Don Koi
$ 120.00 USD
2 months ago

Happy Easter!

Anonymous Giver
$ 100.00 USD
2 months ago

Anonymous Giver
$ 100.00 USD
3 months ago

Gibson
$ 75.00 USD
3 months ago

Liberian neighbor here!

Duluth Guy
$ 75.00 USD
3 months ago

I heard my bartender telling this amazing story! Happy to help!

Anonymous Giver
$ 25.00 USD
3 months ago

Anonymous Giver
$ 50.00 USD
3 months ago

From Coffee lady

Dylan m
$ 50.00 USD
3 months ago

Sorry I can’t do more

Caleb
$ 100.00 USD
3 months ago

Marvin Windows - Lofton
$ 83.00 USD
3 months ago

Awesome bartenders! In Minneapolis for a Windows convention. Heard our bartender talk about this solar project! Happy to contribute

Anonymous Giver
$ 70.00 USD
3 months ago

Anonymous Giver
$ 70.00 USD
3 months ago

God is good!

Suzanna Marty
$ 200.00 USD
3 months ago

God bless!

Anonymous Giver
$ 500.00 USD
3 months ago

Thank you for making this possible for your friend and his family!

Peter and Elke
$ 200.00 USD
4 months ago

Dear Suleiman! We wish you all the best and God‘s/Allah‘s blessing!

FT Sess
$ 200.00 USD
4 months ago

Anonymous Giver
$ 1000.00 USD
4 months ago

Teransc Phillip
$ 200.00 USD
4 months ago

We hit the $1,000 MATCH! I am adding a personal $200 donation. It's important to understand that Sulaiman doesnt have reliable electricity. His generator, while not completely broken, is in terrible shape and provides power only sporadically. This solar project is essential- it's not about replacing existing power, it's about PROVIDING it! This is a LIFE-CHANGING RESOURCE! please share!

TAKE FIVE LLC
$ 1000.00 USD
4 months ago

Donation match! www.takefivecraftservice.com

Nicole
$ 20.00 USD
4 months ago

Very inspiring story💛

Updates

One Step at a Time!

April 30th, 2025

We have successfully transfered the money to Sulaiman. After being in several back and forth discussions with the Solar installer the contract has been Signed and the installation date is set for May 7th. 

The additions neccassy for the roof and battery storage has begun and it almost complete. I will be arriving in Sierra Leone on Sunday this week to oversee the rest of the construction. Terrance will arrive the week after me and we will all be able to celebrate together. 

It has been a wild Journey so far and I haven't even left the States. So many unpredictable aspects and situations to navigate. I have to remind myself to slow down. One step at a time. There has been immense pressure on Sulaiman as he has to be the one who makes the end decisions, Terrance and I can only advise so much being this far apart. He has done a great job and kept things moving along. 

Getting prepped to leave is really like getting ready for a long camping trip, grabbing the essentials, figuring out how I will navigate the landscape. Planning my arrival and what I need to make it as comfortable as I can while I'm out there. 

I thought raising the money would be hard but instead it's the mental and physical prep that seem to be most stressing. 

It's moments like these that define us and our relationship with the world and ourselves. The real goal is to hear God's voice when prompted to move with conviction, to be present and alert to what's necessary and what is not. 

It's not just that God paved the way it's that I chose to be here and no matter what I'll see it through.

Thank you for all the continued support. I will being updating you via video and give send go as much as possible as I leave this Saturday

Update One Step at a Time! Image
80% of the way!

March 28th, 2025

It's been a very fast moving journey and there is lots of work to be done. Terrance and I have been working hard to figure out the details while Sulaiman is the boots on the ground. We are very blessed to be apart of his story and I am so happy to share his story with everyone. 

Right now there are many hurdles in our way, but I know God will do it! It's not easy finding the right equipment or transferring the money, it seems the world is set up to make it difficult to help those in Africa. Terrance and I find ourselves right in the mix of it all trying to find the best possible solution. With your help we stay committed to seeing the project through. We are setting our sights on May, right before the rainy season. 

We thank you so much for your support, please continue to share and spread the word. You can checkout a video Sulaiman, Ruth, and Mofrais telling their story on my Facebook. CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO!

Blessings on Blessings!

March 13th, 2025

We are getting very close and I keep being surprised by the support from everyone and how awesome it is to see a community come together to help someone. Watch this video of Sulaiman and I discussing what his plan is to bless others in his community. Please continue to keep spreading the word. I appreciate each and every one of you! 
Watch Here!

Praise God!

March 10th, 2025

Thank you to Terrance Phillips we crossed the threshold of $1,000 to $2,000 then I woke up this morning to see an anonymous donor gave another $1,000! WOW! God is moving quick. Thank you to those who are continuing to support the mission. I'm just the vessel and God is doing the big work. Watch a quick video of Terrance Phillips and I talking about her perspective of Sulaiman. I'll keep you updated as the week goes on! Seriously, thank you all so much! A little bit over 50% of the way there, what a blessing. 
Terrance Phillips Video on Facebook!

THANK YOU ALL!

March 5th, 2025

I wanted to give an update on what we have achieved so far! We have raised $760! This is awesome! Way above my expectations and to God be the Glory! 

On a personal note this project is pushing me past previous boundaries as an act of faith and service. I really can not explain how much of a blessing it is to have your support along the journey. Here is a link to video I posted where Sulaiman and I discuss a bit about there current situation. CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO ON FACEBOOK

Please continue to help share and encourage others to Donate as this is a really great cause and I intend on bringing you with me on this journey all the way to the end. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

-With much gratitude, 
Auston 

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