June, 2015 Ministry Report

Taking the Gospel into Liberia’s Schools:  
43% of Liberia’s population are school aged children.  If we can reach Liberia’s youth, the nation will change.  Wordsower is using the Bong County base to test new methods of introducing the Gospel in Liberia’s school system.  After these methods are mastered, we will apply them to the rest of our bases.  Last month, our field leaders in Bong County started teaching the Story of Jesus booklet in schools on Kokoyah Road (see map below).  Though schools are not allowed to teach religion as a subject, they warmly welcome us to do weekly devotions with their students.   To illustrate how hungry the schools are for the Gospel, while our team was working in one town, a principle traveled from a neighboring town and asked us to, “preach the Word of God” in his school as well.  After completing the Story of Jesus booklet, leaders are trained in each school to teach the Action Bible New Testament.  

Maryland Construction Project: 
The Maryland base construction project continues.  The walls are finished for our residential building. Wood has been purchased and a team is working on the roof.

Child Sponsorship: 
Liberia is listed as the 5th poorest country in the world.  As we take the Gospel from town to town, we often meet children who are completely destitute.  Without outside help, these children could die or be victimized by society.  This year we started a child sponsorship program to help feed and care for these children.  Currently, we have 37 children we are assisting.

175 Towns Visited in Bong County:  
Our prayer is that we would see a healthy church in every town and village of Liberia within our lifetime.  The Bong County Base visited 175 towns and villages on Bong County’s 4 major roads last month.  The goal of these visits was to get to know each town and to discover the most strategic locations to begin making disciples.  The results of their visits are detailed on the maps below.  Many of the towns they visited had no churches.  Where there is no church, their goal will be to start a church.  Where there are churches, their goal will be to strengthen the churches.

Kokoyah Road

Lofa Road

Ghanta Road

Testimonies of Wordsower Bible Institute students:
Goanue is an Ivorian refugee living in Liberia.  He completed Level 1 of our school that is taught in French. 

Dear Brothers,

I am praising the lord for creating me and creating his Holy Bible to guide us. The lord called me, trained me through Wordsower Liberia and sent me to serve Him. He makes me wise and able to understand things.  He makes me strong and wise to preach his words, evangelize and teach without shame and fear anywhere as I am led by the Holy Spirit making disciples and starting house churches.  Thank you for the teaching I received from the Lord through you. Now I know the purpose of my creation, for that I have decided to live a missionary life, to endure hardship with you like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 

Messiah is 18 without parents. He completed Level 1 and 2 and will be attending level 3 this year.  He is one of our power field leaders.  His team of two has already started a church in a once churchless town.  They are working in many other towns also.  We found him as a rude disruptive visionless youth.  He is now a fruitful powerful disciple that makes disciples.   Remember he is 18 and without parents.

Dear Brothers,

I am overjoyed this day to congratulate you for all that you are doing for us.  Where was I going to get money to attend a Bible school poor as I am, only the rich can attend such schools… Surely you are Christ’s footprint… I am satisfied; you treated me with equality even though I am poor and young. Thanks a million times for showing us the light… I am going to imitate you.  Just as you have made me a disciple I am going immediately to make disciples and bring many souls to Christ.     

Prayer requests:  Pray for a great revival to sweep through this country, pray that Liberia will have a healthy church in every village in our generation, and pray for our leaders who truly suffer for the Gospel.  Please make this a regular item in your regular prayers.  

June Statistics:  
- We went on 126 mission trips.  Many towns we went to more than once.  A mission trip can
   last a day or up to a week and go into many villages and towns. 
- We ministered in 121 towns, villages and communities
- We ministered in 7 new villages/towns
- We went into 175 new towns and villages assessing their condition and needs 
- 9 people were baptized
- 42 people completed our extensive Bible study program
- We printed 105,000 pages of training material
- We distributed 100’s of Bibles

June, 2015 Ministry Expense Report

Mission expenses:
$1,814 – Pens, folders, Bibles, mission trips feeding, etc.  
$2,248 – Motor bike gas and repair, we have 15 bikes.  Gas costs from $5 to $10 a gallon.       
$100 – Office supplies

Wordsower Bible Institute:
$213 - Print Shop supplies, paper, and parts.
$898 - We had 20 students attend and live with us for 2 weeks.  They completed level 2 of our school.

Assistance to the poor:
$837 – Humanitarian assistance:  
$254 – Medical expenses (average treatment cost per person is $1.00 - $10.00).  
$425 – Assistance to Ebola Orphans and suffering children 

Team food and house supplies:
$2,500 – Food and house supplies (close estimate).  Our core team consists of 13 adults and 17 children.  To cover, clothes, food, batteries, soap etc.  Also, we feed visitors every day from our house funds.

$9,289 - Total for the month.     THANK YOU!   

Donations should be mailed to:

Wordsower International
P.O. Box 1648
Piqua, OH 45356

Donations can also be made online by going to our web page: www.wordsowerliberia.com 
All donations are tax deductible.  A receipt will be sent in January.  100% of all donations go for the mission to the Liberians and refugees.  None is used for me or administration.  If you have any questions concerning donations you may call Tom Looker at 937-489-8090.

Thank you for your prayers and support,
Kim Smith & Don Riley

“Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance.  The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.”  C. S. Lewis.

Counties, Cities, Towns, and Villages we have been working in:

Bomi County:  Beh, Jaway, Joes Town, Tubmansburg.  

Bong County: Baptist Clinic Community, Belefana, Blama, Chief Compound, Cuttington Univeristy, Dans, Deemita, Dorkpolorsue, Duita, Foebilla, Foloblai, Galatua, Gbalatua, Ganyea, Gbarnga, Gbarnga Central Prison, Gbarsue, Gbechon, Gbenniquileh, Gboque, Gbolue, Gbo-yhea-nyan,  Henry,  Henry Kpangbai,  James Flomo, Janyea, Jimmey,  John Suah,  Kakamue, Kandagai, Khakie, Kolleh’s, Kpaiketa, Kokoyah Community,  Kopata, Kortu, Kpon, Kponyea, Kpatawee, Lelekpayea, Lucky, Martarly, Moieta, Phebee Junction, Qualayarkuke, Sakpalah, Samay, Sengbeh, Smith, Suakoko, Tamayata, Taylor, Tuankan, Tubman Army Barracks.  

Grand Bassa County:, Baccoline, Botata, Barkon, Beh-La, Beletanla, Blameyea, Bucket-Ta, By-Dawoe, Bucannon Dayes, Goah, Nagbeh, Nyudeh, Penney. 

Grand Gedeh County: Albert, Army barracks, Badou, Bah, Bakor, Banana, Banglo, Bar, Bargblor, Bartejam, Bassa, Bassa Village 1 and 2, Bawaydee, Beagompo, Beezon, Beh, Bellyalla, Benin, Benla, Bently Mining Camp, Best, Better Hill, B’hai Tarway, B’Jozon, Blessing Hill, Billibo, Blown, Blue Camp, Boe, Boley, Boplue, Borbor Freeman, Border, Boundary, Bouduo, Brown, Buhou,  Butor, Cartumacy, Chandy, Chayee, Chebeh, Chebeor, Chensla, Chete, Civil, Compound, Crahold, Cotton tree Community, CVI gold mining camp 1, 2, 3, 4, Dark Forest Camp, Deplay, Deyan, Diahn, Disco Hill, Dogbar, Dolozon, Dougee Refugee Camp, Doubah, Double Bridge, Ducas Wulu, Duo Town, Dweh,  Enoch Nahn, Era, 48 mile, Franzay, Freeman, Frinkey, Gambo, Gambo Road Community, Garbo, Garley, Gave Thank Shilue, Gardweh 1 and 2, Garkel, Garley, Gaye, Gbakah, Gbarbo,  Gbarken,  Gbarzon, Gbarbor, Gbarzon Inside, Gbayea, Gbeyoubo, Gborlue, Gboe, Gboan, Geewon, Gboleken, Gborabo, Gambo, Geeha, Geeyah, Gleplay, Gloropardee, Go Look, Golo, Gorabert, Gorbowrogba, Goyeazohn, Graddeh, Grady, Grebo, Guagbo, Gwein, Gweledee, Gwenibo, Jackson, Jaibo, Jallah, James Glortoe, James Sayon’s, Jarbah, Jargbeh, Jarwleh, Jarzon, Jayjai, Jayteken 1, Jayteken 2, Jellu,  Jerry Tiah, Jimaca Camp, Joe’s, Joe’s Mother, Johban, John David, Jonesgbaye, Juahzon, Julutuzon, Juwar, Kadifah, Kanbli, Kanneh, Karlowleh, Kartumaside, Kayne, Kohn, Kojayee, Konobo, Koor, Kpallo, Krah, , Kpay, Kulee, Kuma, Kwebo, Ma Esther, Menyea, Middle East Camp, Momom Camp, Moses, Morris, Morris Dowho, New York gold mining camp, Neplubo, News, Nyennawliken, Nico, Panwolor, Papa Hill Gold Camp, Papayea, Pellelzon, Pennue 1 and 2, Community, Penokon, Peter Saydee, Philip Torh, Pohan New and Old, Pineapple village, Ply, Plapp, Ploe Bodee, Pola, Polar Town, Polar Village, Pokor, Popo, Pourhyonnoh, PTP refugee camp one and two, Queboe, Rancy, Sally, Saiwaken, Sant, Savah, Savior Worbey, Saycon, Saylee, Sayebo, Sentrodu, Sewion 1, Sewion 2, Shouken, Sinkor, Sloman (a gold mining camp), Solo Inside, Solo Outside, Solo Refugee Camp, Sowaken, Steven, Suahken, Tagbayah,Talorkan, Taryee Beaway, Taye’s Village, Techiensla, Teladee, Tempo, Tiama, Tobolee, Toes Refugee Camp, Toes Town, Toffoi, Togbayee, Togbolee, Tojillah, Toueah, Towah, Tuglor, Tuzon inside, Tuzon outside, Vanyeazon 1 and 2, Varglor, Vleyee, Whybo, Wilking Paye Camp, Willie Jellu, Winner Gardueh, Wlagbo, Woloken, Wulu, Yardglo, Yarlee, Youbor, Zai, Zarzar, Zaiyee, Zaybay 1 and 2, Zeon, Ziah, Zilaken,  Ziulay, Zoe Bush, Zuabah, Zwedru, the county prison, 4 road check stations, and the county hospital.  

Grand Kru County: Baclaville City, Baclaville Check Point, Cladia, Barclay, Bewane, Blikpo, Boniken, Big Suehn, Camp Spin, Company Camp, Dayokpo, Doubbo, Dweaken, Farina, Feeder-klee, Gbarken, Gbenken, Gblebo, Geneken, Genoyah, Glabroken, , Glabroken, Iron Bridge, Jlatekpo, Jokekpo, Kladipah, Klekali,  Leaceco, Newaken, Nrokuia, Pogbaken, Solokent, Solokpo, Sorroken, Tarpleh, Togba-klee, Topoh, Woelowinken, Wropluken, Ylatuen, Zoloken.  

Lofa County: Voinjama, Zorzor.

Margibi County: Army barracks, Barclay, Bovclay, Brown, Dolos Town, Harbel camp 7, Kpuyah, Mazoe, Naway, Sherflin Barak, Takata.

Maryland County: Bann Village, Barreken, Biladimour, Bonnikek, Brownell, Cain, Cavalla, Cavalla Konukridi, CRC Camp 3 and Camp 8, Gbolobo, Gbon, Dakay, Dannis, Dibleken, Doloken, Driver’s Camp, Dugboken, Dweaken, Face, Factory Camp #1, Factory camp #2, Factory Camp #3, Feloken, Fish, Free, Gbanken, Gbaso, Gboloken, Gedetabo, Geeken, Glofaken 1 and 2, Gwissiken, Halfgrayway, 7 locations in Harper, Henugba, Hnabo, Holegrn, Hospital Camp, Jebaiken, Judy’s, Kablaken, Karloken, Kings, Klodikle, Koffi, Koffibeo #1, #2, #3, Koluso, Konusod, Lexicon, Libsuco, Little Weleppo Refugee camp, Refugee Camp Town, Marfliken, Middle town, Nekpachelu, Nemelken, New Half and Whole Half, New Sodoken, Number 8 Camp, Graway Towns, Old Lady, Olegravic, Pedebo, 4 locations in Pleebo, Philadelphia Gold Mining Camp, Poceken, Pogbaken, Ponken, President Tubman farm camp #1&2,Pular, Pulla, Puluken, 

Quiloken, Refugee Village, Rock 1 and 2, Rock Town, Rubber Bag Camp, Saleken, Saydeken, Sawlowken, Saywonken, Siliken, Spring Hill, Teaken, Tugbaken, Warteken, Weah’s Town, Wechoken, Weleken Wholegrayway, Wuluplukredi, Wutuken, Yederobo Nyanbo Wessiken, Yederobo Wessiken, Ylehiken, Yelibibou, Ylahken, Yobloken, Yoploken, Yourken, Yulukridi, the county prison and check stations.  

Montserrado County:  Bannerville, Bassa, Gbenbah, Jacob town, Monrovia, New Georgia, Pipeline.  

Nimba County: Beatwo, Borbor, Bleaseh, Burtein, Camp 1, Dialah, Fienney, Fluma, Freeman, Ganta, Gbanquoi, Gbanolu, Glalay, Gonkopa, Gougartwo, Graie, Guotoin, John Strother, Karbah, Kpallah, Kpaytuo, Kpiekpoa, Logan, Mentor, Miller, Noway, Puayaker, Saclepea, Sarlay, Tappita, Yopedi, Towah, Unification, Venn, Whea, Wontoe, Yiteepea, Your Peg, Wesseken, Zarwulugbo, Zautuo.  

River Cess County: Darhga, Gbee.  

River Gee County:  Bletiken, Cheboken, Dweaken, Fish Town, Fish Town Prison, Gbaweleken,Geeken, Jarkaken, Jarlatuken, Jaytoken 1, Jaytoken 2, Kanweaken, Kaytoken, Klaboken, Knonowloken, Knowluken, Myoken, Nyennawliken, Pairloken, Podroken, Putuken, Sargba, Sueaken, Sherriken, Suwloken, Sweaken, Tartiken, Tuaken, Tuobo, Tuumaken, Wartiken, Welegboken, Whesatuken, Worleken.  

Sinoe County: Bah, Bannah, Bardoua, Beatuoken, Beeweyee, Bilibokee, Bluebarrack, Blumsville, Bluntville, Boah, B.O.P.C., Bortu Junction, Charlie, Cass Town, Ceeubo, Chea, Chawlue, Cheepoyee, Chebioh, Cheboken, Congo, Cura Wah, Dagbe, David Kuma, Deedo, Dejila, Deyankpo, Diayankpo, Dioh, Dodueken, Donnah, Down, Down the Mangrove, Eni, Farmersville, Fanfin, Fish, Funnioh, Gardoway, Gbalawin, GBC, Gbason, Gbliyee, Gbojuelville, Gbowe, Geblo logging camp, Geekin, Geekloh, Geelor, Grasphy, Greeneville, Greft, Greenville Hospital, Grigsby Farm, Jalay, Jaypoto,  Jaytoken, Joazon, Joe Village, Jokoken, Jonny-Boy, Joseph Bloch, Juahnneh, Judu, Kakpo, Kamus, Karquekpo, Katuzon, Kelgbeh, Kilo, Alvin Koon, Korjayee, Kpantan, Kuwait Gold mining camp, Kwitouh, Lexington, Louisiana, Mama Creek, Melvin Lai, Money Camp, Monueh, Murraysville, Neinplikpo, New Kru, New, Nyanphio, Nyennwlejen, Nyonpoh Barrack, Panama, Patern, Patricia, Paul, Peace Camp (a gold mining camp), Pellkon, Penny, Plandiaba, Planksite, Pokpaken, Putu Jadweodee, , Poblee, Poheh, Po-River, Pogbaken, Polay, Pratt, Prison of Sino County, Pynes Town, Qutatozon, Red Hill, Saikas, Sackor, Sarpo Community, Sargbah, Saygbeken, Secthon Juaryan, Secthon New, Seebeh, Seedubo, Seth, Seetor, Saybaken, Saydee, Senquene, Seakpa, Seekon Pellokan, Sennajalh, Shakepeh, Shagbe, Shalee, Snoboe, Spansor Baily,  Spoken Boots,  Swangba, Swenpon, Tabti, Tarta, Teah, Terison Gee, Tiakah, Titus, Tudee, Tuobo, Unification, Voobadee, Wiah, Wreenewet,  Zanwonjah, Zayzaz Kollie. 

Rebecca's Spontaneous Worship

A couple days ago, I posted a sponsorship request for two orphaned girls named Annie and Abigail.  These girls live with their widowed grandmother, their blind great-grandmother and their aunt in extreme poverty.  Yesterday, I had the privilege of telling their grandmother, Rebecca, that God had provided sponsors for her grandchildren.  When I told Rebecca the good news, she spontaneously began worshiping God.  She lifted her hands toward the sky and looked toward heaven while singing repeatedly in a loud voice, "Glory to God in the highest!  Hallelujah!"  While worshiping God, Rebecca turned toward Annie and Abigail and said, "Give thanks to God with me, He has heard our prayers,"  Still worshiping the Lord, she looked at me and said, "God is faithful, He has answered my prayers.  Many people have mocked me, telling me that I need to get married again so that a man can take care of me.  I tell them that God is my husband and that He would take care of my needs.  I tell them that if God wanted me to marry again, He would have to bring a man to me.  God has answered my prayers!  He is faithful!"  While Rebecca was praising God, Annie and Abigail had the largest smiles on their faces that I have ever seen.  

Isn't it fun to work together as God’s global church to change lives?!  I praise God for His provisions and for His church!  Thank you!

God's Perfect Provision

Sianneh Community School

Last week, as I prepared to leave for a mission trip on Lofa Road, I felt led to take a little extra money with me for the journey.  DK was waiting for me on the motorbike so I ran into the office and quickly grabbed a little money, not knowing exactly how much money I had grabbed.  While on mission we visited Sianneh Town.  Sianneh Town has sacrificed greatly to start a school for their children.  The school was too small for the number of children who enrolled, so they started constructing an additional classroom before running out of money.  The town's pastor encouraged the town to pray.  Their small two room school was holding 185 students.   

Classroom under construction

When we arrived, Sianneh’s town leaders asked DK and I if we could help them complete the construction project.  I asked them how much money they needed.  They said, “A little more than $40 USD.”  I felt led to give the extra money that I had grabbed before leaving on mission.  I told them I didn’t know exactly how much money I had on me but I would give them what I had.  I reached in my pocket and pulled out two $10s, one $20 and $325 Liberian dollars, which equals almost $4 US dollars.  The Lord answered their prayer by giving them the exact amount of money they needed.  After counting the money, we all praised God.  I believe the Lord will use this experience to open the doors for the Gospel in their town and school.   

Matthew 7:7-11 says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.  Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?  Or if he asks for a fish will give him a snake?  If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”

One of their two classrooms 

Child Sponsorship Requests

Meet the Kollie Family
I want to introduce you to two little girls whom I have grown to love.  These girls live just up the hill from our house.  I see them almost everyday. 

Abigail Kollie is 4 years old.  

Annie Kollie is 6 years old.    

Abigail and Annie's Story:
When I met Abigail and Annie, they ate 0-1 meal a day.  They are living in extreme poverty.  Their father abandoned them and their mother died two years ago.  After being orphaned, they moved into their Grandmother's house. Their grandmother's name is Rebecca.  Though Rebecca has a hard time walking, she gardens and sells her produce to help provide for the family.  Abigail and Annie's blind Great-grandmother named Kayma and their Aunt Hawa (with 2 children) also live with them.

Rebecca, Annie, and Abigail

Great-grandmother, Kayma

Albegia and Annie's Needs:
Daily Food:  Your sponsorship will remove hunger from Abigail and Annie's family.  Your sponsorship will buy 2 bags of rice each month and 5 fish each day.  Abigail and Annie's whole family will eat from Abigail and Annie's sponsorship.

Education:  Abigail and Annie have never been to school.  Your sponsorship will pay for Abigail and Annie to attend a private school called Liberty Baptist School.

Medicine:  Your sponsorship will pay for Abigail and Annie's medical needs as the occur.  

Other Needs:  Your sponsorship will also provide for other basic needs like a mattress, bedding, clothes, etc.  

Cost of Sponsoring Abigail or Annie
Abigail:  $40 per month
Annie:  $40 per month

If you want to sponsor Abigail or Annie, please send me an email at donriley4@gmail.com.

From L to R:  Kayma, Howa, Hannah, Rebecca, Abigail, Annie

How sponsorship money is spent:
The cost of sponsoring a child will vary from child to child.  Each child’s sponsorship will be customized to each child’s needs.  100% of all donated money will go directly to the children being sponsored.  No money will be used for administration.   Donations should be sent to P.O. Box 1648 Piqua, OH 45356.  In the memo on your check, please include your sponsored child’s name. 

How we select children for sponsorship:
In Liberia, almost every child lives in poverty and has daily needs.  When we select children for our sponsorship program, we are not looking for impoverished children, we are looking for the children who are completely destitute.  Without help, these children could die, be victimized by their society, or be at risk of being trafficked.

Ammie, Ruth, Jebbeh, and Musu have been sponsored!

Ammie, Ruth, Jebbeh, and Musu are precious little girls who lost both of their parents to Ebola.  Over the past several weeks, I have been meeting with these girls and their family.  During our meetings, I have encouraged the girls and their family to look to God during their time of need and to ask God for His help.  Their family has been faithful in their prayers even though they know very little about God.  Yesterday, I had the wonderful privilege of telling the girls that God has answered their prayers. All 4 girls have been sponsored.  Thank you!

There are over 20 other Ebola effected children who have applied for sponsorship.  Our team is seeking the Lord concerning how we can best serve them.  Thank you for feeding these children and their families temporarily while we seek a solution.  Some of these children may need temporary sponsorship while the family gets their feet back underneath them.  Others may need a long-term sponsorship.  I will keep you posted as things develop.  Thank you for all you are doing in Liberia!  God is working!

Ammie

Ruth

Jebbeh

Musu

Ebola Orphans in need of Sponsorship

I just added a new link to my blog called, "Child Sponsorship".  Today, I posted information on Ruth, Jebbeh, Musu, and Ammie.  These 4 girls lost both of their parents and their only brother to Ebola.  For more information about how to help these girls, visit my blog at liberiacalls.blogspot.com.    

Testimonies from Liberia

Just returned from ministering on Kokaya Road

Ministry on Kokaya Road

Our prayer is that we would see a healthy church in every town and village of Liberia within our lifetime.  Last month, our team in Bong County started ministering on Kokaya Road.  We visited 39 of the 45 towns on the road to do an initial assessment.  Our goal is to continue ministering on this road until each town has a healthy church in it and until there are trained leaders teaching Bible in every school on the road.  We have been told that some of the towns we visited are deep into satanic worship and have been hostile toward the Gospel in the past.  Please pray for these towns.

Liberia is Ebola Free, but many are not free from Ebola. 

Last month, we began ministering to 23 Ebola orphans.  I am brought to tears as I think of their suffering.  All except 4 of these 23 orphans are living in my hometown.  Meet the Flomo Family.  

Esther is the older lady in the back wearing a white shirt.  Esther is the grandmother of 7 of the children who live in this house (not all of her grandchildren are in this picture).  Esther's husband died of Ebola.  The 7 grandchildren are the only surviving grandchildren she has.  All 7 of these grandchildren were orphaned by ebola.  

Joseph is the man in the black shirt, standing next to Esther.  Joseph is Esther's brother.  Joseph's wife died from Ebola.  5 of the children in the picture are Joseph's grandchildren.  All of them were orphaned by Ebola.  

Junior is the man in the yellow shirt.  His father is Joseph.  Junior's wife died from Ebola leaving him to raise his 3 children alone.  

Rebecca is the 23 years old.  She is the lady in the front wearing a green shirt.  Her grandfather is Joseph.  She was accepted into nursing school when Ebola hit.  Both of her parents died from Ebola.  She had to abandon her dreams of being a nurse to work to help feed the family.  All of these people once lived in separate houses.  They now live together for survival.  

I want to say thank you to those who have made donations to help Ebola Orphans.  Your donations will feed this family and others like them until we find sponsors for the children.  Your donations also have put several of these children back into school.  For those who are interested, soon, I will begin posting information on how you can sponsor children who have been orphaned by Ebola.

From L to R:  Please pray for Musa, Faith, and Patience

The Family Store where we do some of our grocery shopping

Mary’s $5 Dance.

One day last month, I went to town to get food from the market and Family Story.  After parking my motorbike on the street, an old blind woman, sitting on the curb, held out her hand asking for money.  My day had been long and full of request from numerous people for financial help.  I wanted to walk past the woman but the Holy Spirit prompted me to stop and love on her.  I sat on the curb next to the lady and learned her life story.   Mary had been widowed and all her children have died.  She is blind in one eye and cannot see well out the other.   When Mary finished her story, I excused myself so I could shop and seek the Lord how I should help.  After shopping, I sat next to Mary again.  We talked about Jesus’ love for her and how He died for her sins.  I told her one last time that our Lord Jesus loved her as I gave her $5 US dollars.  In Liberia, $5 US dollars is equal to $425 Liberian Dollars.  Though it is not a lot of money it is considered a good day’s wage.  While I was loading my motorbike, I looked back at Mary.  She was holding the $5 in front of her good eye, moving it back and forth, trying to see how much money I had given her.  What happened next shocked me.  Unknown to me, Mary and I were being watched by everyone in eyesight.  From both sides of Broadway’s busy street people were watching.  One man came to Mary and said, “He gave you $5 US dollars.”  Mary was still a little confused.  The women from the market came, surrounding her, they explained how much money I had given.  Mary jumped to her feet, praised God, and began to dance an African dance right there on the street side.  Those around her, joined in her celebration.  I quietly finished loading my bike and slipped out through the crowd.  From this experience, I will never forget how powerful a simple act of love can be not only on those being loved but on those who are watching. 1 John 3:18 says, “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”

Picture of Kenneh

A hotdog for the town’s outcast woman. 

In Liberia, people with physical or mental disabilities are often demonized.  That was the case with a lady named Kenneh.  Kenneh once was healthy and helped run a local orphanage.  Through her life, she developed a mental sickness that left her mentally unstable.  She is now one of the towns most outcast women because of the superstitious stories people believe about her.  People believe that Kenneh is the way she is because she became a witch, had interacted with demons, had killed several children through witchcraft and had eaten their bodies.  As you can imagine very few people in our town care for her.  Kenneh spends much of her time lying in the dirt on a small bridge leading out of town.

Last month, Christian and I went to love on Kenneh.  We gave her a hotdog and then sat on the bridge next to her.  When we sat down, Kenneh jumped to her feet and ran about 10 feet away from us.  She was terrified of us.  In her commotion, she dropped her hotdog at my feet.  I began to speak to her in a calm voice hoping to de-escalate the situation.  Though she was terrified of us, the hotdog was too much of a temptation for her.  She grabbed a stick and inched closer and closer to us until the stick could reach the hotdog on the ground.  She pushed the hotdog a safe distance away from us and began to eat.  In the midst of the commotion, a crowd gathered to watch.  They were laughing at Kenneh’s fear of the "white man".  I felt led by the Lord to address the crowd.  In the crowd were muslims, business men, taxi drivers, and those who were passing by.  I asked if anyone in the crowd was a Christian.  A few of the local business men and a few others raised their hands.  We talked about how Jesus calls us to love the least among our community and that if we worked together, God’s church in Gbarnga could meet Kenneh’s needs.  Please pray with me that we will be able to work through these Christians to meet Kenneh’s needs. 

Princess, Samuel, and Christian going to school for the first time

School for some but not for all

Our home in Gbarnga is surrounded by homes of fatherless children.  These children often are hungry and have no or little education.  Families cannot afford to send their children to school.  This month, we paid school fees for several children in our community.  Melanie and I feel called to play a parenting role in these children’s lives.  This week, I had an experience that left me feeling like rejoicing and crying at the same time.  I had been working on getting the Kalie family’s children in school.  Samuel, Christian, and Princess have never attended school and were very excited about the possibility.  After meeting with the school principal and getting permission for them to enter the school, it was now time to share the good news with the family and to take the children to the taylor’s shop to be fitted for school uniforms.  When I told the children that we needed to go to the taylor’s shop they ran into their house overflowing with joy.  They put on their best cloths and loaded my motorbike.  After the three got on the motorbike, other neighborhood children also tried to load the bike with us.  They too wanted to go to school but could not afford to go.  How do you tell beautiful children that you don’t have enough money to send them all to school?  My heart rejoiced as I saw Samuel, Christian, and Princess standing tall and proud at the taylor’s shop while they were being fitted for their school uniform.  I also grieved over those I had to leave behind.  So far this month we have helped 8 of our community children go to school.  Their names are Samuel, Christian, Princess, Hannah, Ruth, Mary, Joe, and Stephen.  We also were able to feed many other children from our house.  Thank you for sending these children to school and for placing our family in a position where we can love on them.

Excerpts from mission reports

From the village of Bartejam:  We met a group of drug addicts and dealers.  They let us teach the lesson on repentance and forgiveness.  They listened and all agreed that they understood the topics.  But they did not repent.  The said, “We want you to continue coming to us so that we can be delivered from these evil habits.”  We prayed with them and went on to the next village.

From the Tarjowan District:  We met Jerome who Wordsower Liberia had discipled in 2008 in a refugee camp in the country of Ghana.  We had lost track of him and found him in this very remote region of Liberia.  He has been producing eternal fruit in his village and in the 5 villages nearby.  Jerome was excited to be reunited with us.  We encouraged him, supplied him with Bibles and teaching material, and promised to return regularly.

From the villages of Morris Dolwhor:  We parked our bike and hiked 2 hours.  In Morris Dolwho we found 8 huts and 58 people.  They are farmers, gold diggers and hunters.  There is no church.  They are full of drunkenness and fornication.  We taught on repentance and sin.  One man, Junior Saydee, fell to his knees with fear and trembling.  In repentance he said, “I am guilty of all these teachings.  I have caused many troubles in this village including my own wife and children.  I hide my sin, drink and smoke drugs.”  The teaching was followed by singing, dancing and eating together.

From the village of Ma Esther:   Here we found drunkenness, fighting, stealing and fornication.  We taught on repentance, sin and demons.  No one repented.  We will return and continue to witness to them.  There is no church.

From the town of Tarwoken:  We have been visiting Tarwoken.  Many of the town have given themselves completely to Christ.  The regional satanic leader heard of it and came to the town. He said that they had broken from the traditions.  Nearly all the men were forced to pay 1 goat and ½ bag of rice.  The leader, Sam Kiyeah, was forced to pay a cow and 1 bag of rice.  The women and children fled to the nearby villages.  The leaders continue to preach and teach in the nearby villages.  Sam was once a leader of this demonic society.  He accepted Christ in 2013 during one of our mission trips.  He is requesting a megaphone so he can spread the words of God to other villages.

From the village of Pourhyonnoh:  The villagers are very happy with our teaching and asked us to continue to come with more teaching.  They are now ready to start constructing a church building.  It will be a regional church for the surrounding villages.

From the village of Neplubo:  This village is small comprised of mostly the elderly and has no church.  Repentance and baptism was taught and Elizabeth Slajah was baptized.  They encouraged our team to always visit them. 

Prayer requests:  Pray for a great revival to sweep through this country, pray that Liberia will have a healthy church in every village in our generation, and pray for our leaders who truly suffer for the Gospel.  

First 3 weeks in Liberia

View from my back porch.  Gbarnga is behind the trees.

I am sitting on my back porch, high upon a hill which overlooks the city of Gbarnga, Liberia.  Gbarnga is a city of 34,000 people.  

Ebola checkpoint

Our new hometown was once the epicenter of Ebola in Liberia.  There are grim reminders of Ebola's devastating tole all around us.  Ebola checkpoints are set up on the major roads.  At these checkpoints, passengers' temperatures are taken.  If their temperature is not elevated, they are permitted to continue their journey.  Signs are posted everywhere warning about Ebola's symptoms and prevention.  Though schools are open, each child's temperature is taken before they are permitted on school premises.  Liberia's traditional handshake is now missing.  People simply do not touch other people due to fear of Ebola.  It is hard to go anywhere in town with out seeing hand washing stations.  In our area, entire villages have be wiped out leaving no survivors.    

Picture was taken with landlord before returning to the States last May

My landlord lost 8 relatives to Ebola.  I will meet with his family this month.  There are three children who have been orphaned in his family alone.  Please remember to pray for post-Ebola Liberia.  Please pray for those still grieving.  Please pray for those who have been orphaned.  Please pray that people would turn to Christ during their distress.

Joe and Stephen going through our garbage.

Our house is surrounded by homes of single mothers.  Sadly, their children suffer greatly from hunger.  Daily, we feed many children from our house.  We often find children going through our garbage looking for something small to eat.  Our hearts break for these kids.  One day we saw three boys going through the brush behind our house.  They looked like they were looking for something they had lost.  I watched the boys to see what they had lost.  Finally, after searching, one boy shouted for joy as he lifted up a piece of moldy bread that we had thrown out to the birds.  The three boys ran around the corner of our house and sat and ate together.  My heart grieves over their suffering.  These boy often eat from our table now.  

View from our front porch

Our house has become a hangout for several neighborhood children.  Everyday, around 2 p.m. the sound of an African football bouncing off of the walls of our house can be heard as children gather to play.  I love hearing their voices and their laughter.  The truth is, I deeply love these children.  I pray that our home will be a house of peace where they can find Christ and learn to follow Him.

Our children have made many new friends.  Christian and Grace have been discipling several children.  Together, they have led 3 children to Christ.  Every Tuesday and Thursday, our children lead a neighborhood Bible Study.  

Bed I made for my wife

Since arriving in Liberia, my focus have been on pastoring my family through our transition back to Liberia's lifestyle.  Daily, you will find me at home building furniture for our house and spending time helping my family acclimate.  I plan to begin going on mission in May.    

Foundation that was dug for the Maryland Base.

Construction of our Maryland base is ongoing.  The well and pump have been dug and installed.  The foundation of the house has been dug.  Thousands of brick have been made.  Maryland's base is run by Liberian Field Leaders.  After the base is completed, a purified water factory will be built.  The vision for this project is for the Maryland base to become our first self supported church planting base.  We praise God for all He is doing in Maryland.

Maryland's well was hand dug.  These cylinders were lowered down into the well to form its walls.  

Upon arriving in Liberia, we purchased a Honda motorcycle for our family.  This is our family's sole means of transportation.  We praise God for giving us a dependable motorbike.

Thank you for your partnership in the Gospel.  Please remember to pray for Liberia.  Please pray that we would see a healthy church in every town and village of Liberia within our lifetime.