We are returning to Liberia

Our possessions being shipped to Liberia

Our family is happy to announce that we are officially making plans to return to Liberia.  We have not purchased airline tickets yet but we are looking at March 18th or 25th as target dates for our return.  Our calendar between now and March is filled with speaking opportunities, family appointments, and meetings with Wordsower leaders here in the States.  Last week, we shipped many of our possessions and ministry supplies to Liberia in preparation for our return.

December 2014 Ministry Report

 This report was written by our mission partner, Kim Smith.

Christmas in Zwedru, 2014

Christmas: 
Christmas is very different here in Liberia.  There are no Christmas trees, no gifts wrapped or a special morning for kids to excitedly wake up to.  But, the kids have a good time!  Those who can afford will buy their kids new clothes and shoes (often these clothes are U.S. Goodwill rejects).  The girls will get their hair fixed beautiful.  The boys love sunglasses.  They will get dressed up and go from house to house to show off and receive their “Christmas” much like our Halloween.  The homes fix extra food and purchase candy to give. 

Kim handing out Christmas dresses

Dresses:  
Greene St. United Methodist Church had given us over 80 dresses for young girls that we handed out on Christmas day.  

Field Leaders being trained in Maryland County

Blessings:  
This month we cut our missions in half and gave over 70 of our sacrificial, unpaid, volunteer leaders that live in extreme poverty a blessing.  45 received $40 each and 18 received $15.  Others also received Christmas blessings.  It was so they could have a Christmas for their children.  The blessing was much appreciated.  Imagine your children not receiving anything for Christmas; well this did not happen to these this year!  Amen!

Toffi:  
During a recent mission trip to Toffi our field leaders invited the elders, youth, Zoes (medicine men), and Bodeos (society priests) to a Bible teaching.  The teaching was called Dancing with the Devil, it teaches about separating from the Satan.  The head devil (witch doctor) from the next town was present and brought confusion.  He was angry and said that these have come to destroy our traditions.  The complaint was brought to the chief elder, so they went under the cocoa bush for discussion.  The devil threatened to take them into the bush and tie them (tying is very brutal and can leave huge scars).  The team told the devil and his disciples that they were living sacrifices and did not care what they did to them and that they would continue speak the truth and preach the Gospel.  After more than an hour of heated discussion and threats the chief elder stood and said, “No! No need to tie them.  The time is now for us to do away with our traditional practices because they are not profitable to us.”  Then 4 of the elders renounced the society and the devil, stating that they would no longer serve the devil.  Many verses come to mind.  Here are a few:  

• 2 Cor 4:11, “For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body.”  
• Matt 11:12, “From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.” 
• Phil 1:28,”Without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.”

French Bibles for the Ivorian Refugees:  

World Missionary Press donated 1,500 French Bibles to be used in the refugee camps.

Wordsower Bible Institute:  The president has lifted the State of Emergency and now allowed schools to open.  Praise God!  WBI will start right after I return from the U.S.  

Kim working in the Print Shop

Coming Home:  

I fly out of Liberia on January 16^th.  When I arrive there will be a car full of provisions waiting at the airport.  I will immediately go to a remote cabin in Kentucky for 21 days of isolation because of Ebola.  My return flight is April 30^th.  That will give me 3 months to be with family, friends and to visit churches.   I hope to spend time with each one that prays and supports us here.  It will be good to be home!

Christ Cares School.  The teacher is one of our field leaders

Prayer requests:  
Schools are opening.  Most do not have school fees, every day they struggle just to find their daily food.  Pray for the schools fees of our committed leaders, there are no free schools.  Please make these prayers part of your daily prayers: 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.  

December’s Statistics:  
- We went on 109 mission trips.  Many towns we went to more than once.  A mission trip can last up to a week and go to many towns. 
- We visited 163 towns, villages and communities
- We went into 3 new communities
- 42 people were baptized
- 111 people completed our extensive Bible study program
- We printed 33,700 pages of training material

“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.

Villages, towns and cities we have been working in:

Sinoe County: Bah, Bannah, Bardoua, Beatuoken, Beeweyee, Bilibokee, Bluebarrack, Blumsville, Boah, B.O.P.C., Charlie, Cass Town, Ceeubo, Chea, Cheepoyee, Chebioh, Cheboken, Congo, Cura Wah, Dagbe, David Kuma, Deedo, Dejila, Deyankpo, Dioh, Donnah, Down, Down the Mangrove, Eni, Farmersville, Fanfin, Fish, Funnioh, Gardoway, Gbalawin, 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, Judu, Kakpo, Kamus, Karquekpo, Katuzon, Kelgbeh, Kilo, Alvin Koon, Korjayee, Kpantan, Kuwait Gold mining camp, Lexington, Louisiana, Mama Creek, Melvin Lai, Monueh, Murraysville, Neinplikpo, New Kru, New, Nyanphio, Nyennwlejen, Panama, Patern, Patricia, Paul, Peace Camp (a gold mining camp), Pellkon, Penny, Plandiaba, Planksite, Pokpaken, Putu Jadweodee, , Poblee, Po-River, Pogbaken, Polay, Pratt, Prison of Sino County, Pynes Town, Qutatozon, Red Hill, Saikas, Sackor, Sarpo Community, Sargbah, Saygbeken, Seebeh, Seedubo, Seth, Seetor, Saybaken, Saydee, Senquene, Sennajalh, Shakepeh, Shalee, Snoboe, Spansor Baily, Swangba, Swenpon, Tabti, Tarta, Teah, Terison Gee, Tiakah, Titus, Tudee, Tuobo, Unification, Voobadee, Wiah,  Zanwonjah, Zayzaz Kollie. 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, Blessing Hill, Billibo, Blown, Boe, Boley, Boplue, Borbor Freeman, Border, Boundary, Bouduo, Brown, Buhou,  Cartumacy, Chandy, Chayee, Chebeh, Chebeor, Chensla, Chete, 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, Ducas Wulu, Duo Town, Dweh,  Enoch Nahn, 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, 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, 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.  Montserrado County: Bannerville, Bassa, Gbenbah, Jacob town, Monrovia, New Georgia, Pipeline.  River Gee County:  Bletiken, Cheboken, Dweaken, Fish Town, Fish Town Prison, Gbaweleken,Geeken, Jarkaken, Jarlatuken, Jaytoken 1, Jaytoken 2, Kanweaken, Kaytoken, Klaboken, Knowluken, Myoken, Podroken, Putuken, Sargba, Sueaken, Sweaken, Tartiken, Tuaken, Tuobo, Tuumaken, Wartiken, Whesatuken, Worleken.  Bomi County:  Beh, Jaway, Joes Town, Tubmansburg.  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, 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, 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.  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, Towah, Unification, Venn, Whea, Wontoe, Yiteepea, Your Peg, Wesseken, Zarwulugbo, Zautuo.  River Cess County: Darhga, Gbee.  Grand Kru County: Baclaville City, Baclaville Check Point, Bewane, Boniken, Camp Spin, Company Camp, Doubbo, Dweaken, Farina, Gbarken, Gblebo, Geneken, Genoyah, Big Suehn, Glabroken, Iron Bridge,  Kladipah, Leaceco, Newaken, Solokent, Sorroken, Woelowinken, Wropluken. Grand Bassa County: Bucannon, Baccoline, Dayes, Goah, Nagbeh, Nyudeh, Penney. Bong County: Baptist Clinic Community, Belefana, Blama, Chief Compound, Cuttington Univeristy, Deemita, Foebilla, Galatua, Gbalatua, Ganyea, Gbarnga, Gbarnga Central Prison, Gbenniquileh, Gbolue, James Flomo, Janyea, Kokoyah Community, Kpatawee, Lelekpayea, Phebee Junction, Suakoko, Tamayata, Taylor, Tubman Army Barracks.

December, 2014 Ministry Expense Report

Mission expenses:
$1,087 – Pens, folders, Bibles, mission trips feeding, etc.  
$1,376 – Motor bike gas and repair, we have 15 bikes.  Gas costs from $5 to $10 a gallon.    
$88 – Bong County base development  

Wordsower Bible Institute:
$195 - Print Shop: This includes all expenses for printing Bible training material.
$440 – New printer for our Maryland County base 
$0 – Our school has closed because of the Ebola crisis.  In Liberia’s state of emergency all schools have been ordered to be closed. 

Assistance to the poor:
$2,764 – Humanitarian assistance:  This month we assisted over 70 of our committed, suffering, sacrificial leaders who are in extreme poverty.  They are volunteers and do not receive pay.  In 2014 they went on 1,300 mission trips; they needed a rest and a blessing.  We also assist refugees, orphans, widows and the handicap.                     
$97– Medical expenses (average treatment cost per person is $1.00 - $10.00). 

Team food and house supplies:
$1,830 – 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.
$490 – Vacation pay for our pull time base leaders

$8,367 - 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!

"Hunger in Liberia" by my son Christian Riley

     My son, Christian, recently posted this article about hunger in Liberia.  It is a worthy read.  If you are interested in following my children's adventures in Liberia, you can subscribe to their blog at liberiacalls.blogspot.com. 

  Hi, my name is Christian Riley.  I live in one of the poorest places in the world.  My home, where I live, is Liberia, Africa.  When we were going to Africa, I thought this is going to be so fun because I can do whatever I want, be outside, hunt, and have fun.  After I got to Liberia, I learned that it was fun but it was also hard.  The reason it was hard is because of the disease and the pain.  The reason it was fun, is because I can do what I dreamed I could do.  When Ebola hit, we came to the USA because we did not want to get it.  My first thoughts were, it is so nice here, everyone is so rich, and everything is so fun.  The reason I thought that is because the food was so good, my extended family lives here, and you can get everything here.  Now, Dad is talking about going back to Liberia.  My first thoughts were, no, because I like it here with my family and I like all the fun stuff. 

     One day, Dad and I where talking in the car.  We just got home from finishing our time together.  I said, “Why can we not have TV and video games?”  Dad said, “No because it is a waste of time and money,” I did not understand.  In my mind, I said, “I really, really, really want TV and video games!”  That night, I went to bed and listened to my Go Bible.  It showed me James 2:14-18.  It said, “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action is dead. But someone will say,  “You have faith; I have deeds.”  

     That verse showed me that I have to do something.  I now realize there are things that are more important than TV and video games.  After I read this verse, I was so excited that I ran over and showed it to Dad.  Dad listened to me talk about it and then he said the verse had also spoke to him.  He played a song he wrote about that verse.  The song he wrote was titled, “Are We Alright?”  Dad also shared James 1:27.  It said, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”  After that, I said to myself, “I really, really, really would like to help these people.”  Here is a link to Dad's song.  https://soundcloud.com/freely-given-music/are-we-alright-2

     Dad and I decided to do research on hunger and Ebola in Liberia, Africa.  We learned that 9 out of 10 people are eating less food each day. 1.4 million people are hungry due to ebola.  Now, food prices are going really high because some ships are not bringing food to Liberia due to the fact that they do not want to get Ebola and spread it.  In addition to this, farmers were not able to plant their fields and now are eating their seed rice. That means there will still be high hunger rates next year.

  

     One way I want to help Ebola orphans is through child sponsorship.  That is where someone will donate money to pay for a child’s food, clothes, and schooling.  My dad has been talking about starting a child sponsorship program for ebola orphans when we return to Liberia.  I want to help with this.  I also want to try to help adults and families who have no money.  I want to try to help them start small businesses so they can feed their families.  Dad and I have also been studying how to raise meat rabbits.  Maybe God could help us start rabbit farms for the hungry.  Rabbits have a high reproduction rate and they have enough meat to feed a family.  We will start with maybe 10 rabbits.  After we have raised enough rabbits we will pass them out to families who need food.  We can help them start rabbit farms.  

     When I am in Liberia, I am going to keep you up-to-date with my blog.  Our family is hoping to return to Liberia in March.  Thank you for helping us and our mission.

God Bless,
Christian

Hunger in Liberia

  Hi, my name is Christian Riley.  I live in one of the poorest places in the world.  My home, where I live, is Liberia, Africa.  When we were going to Africa, I thought this is going to be so fun because I can do whatever I want, be outside, hunt, and have fun.  After I got to Liberia, I learned that it was fun but it was also hard.  The reason it was hard is because of the disease and the pain.  The reason it was fun, is because I can do what I dreamed I could do.  When Ebola hit, we came to the USA because we did not want to get it.  My first thoughts were, it is so nice here, everyone is so rich, and everything is so fun.  The reason I thought that is because the food was so good, my extended family lives here, and you can get everything here.  Now, Dad is talking about going back to Liberia.  My first thoughts were, no, because I like it here with my family and I like all the fun stuff. 

     One day, Dad and I where talking in the car.  We just got home from finishing our time together.  I said, “Why can we not have TV and video games?”  Dad said, “No because it is a waste of time and money,” I did not understand.  In my mind, I said, “I really, really, really want TV and video games!”  That night, I went to bed and listened to my Go Bible.  It showed me James 2:14-18.  It said, “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action is dead. But someone will say,  “You have faith; I have deeds.”  

     That verse showed me that I have to do something.  I now realize there are things that are more important than TV and video games.  After I read this verse, I was so excited that I ran over and showed it to Dad.  Dad listened to me talk about it and then he said the verse had also spoke to him.  He played a song he wrote about that verse.  The song he wrote was titled, “Are We Alright?”  Dad also shared James 1:27.  It said, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”  After that, I said to myself, “I really, really, really would like to help these people.”  Here is a link to Dad's song.  https://soundcloud.com/freely-given-music/are-we-alright-2

     Dad and I decided to do research on hunger and Ebola in Liberia, Africa.  We learned that 9 out of 10 people are eating less food each day. 1.4 million people are hungry due to ebola.  Now, food prices are going really high because some ships are not bringing food to Liberia due to the fact that they do not want to get Ebola and spread it.  In addition to this, farmers were not able to plant their fields and now are eating their seed rice. That means there will still be high hunger rates next year.

  

     One way I want to help Ebola orphans is through child sponsorship.  That is where someone will donate money to pay for a child’s food, clothes, and schooling.  My dad has been talking about starting a child sponsorship program for ebola orphans when we return to Liberia.  I want to help with this.  I also want to try to help adults and families who have no money.  I want to try to help them start small businesses so they can feed their families.  Dad and I have also been studying how to raise meat rabbits.  Maybe God could help us start rabbit farms for the hungry.  Rabbits have a high reproduction rate and they have enough meat to feed a family.  We will start with maybe 10 rabbits.  After we have raised enough rabbits we will pass them out to families who need food.  We can help them start rabbit farms.  

     When I am in Liberia, I am going to keep you up-to-date with my blog.  Our family is hoping to return to Liberia in March.  Thank you for helping us and our mission.

God Bless,
Christian

Picture Bible Update

I have been working with an amazing artist, friend, named Andrew Beverly to create a wordless Bible for illiterate Christians in Liberia.  We are very excited about this project because of it's potential impact not only in Liberia but around the world.  This Bible can be used anywhere because it will require no translation.  Simply listen to an audio Bible and follow along with the pictures.  Here are some of Andrew's first pictures.  I have included the Scripture verses that go with each picture so you get the full effect.  The goal is for the illiterate to listen to Scripture, memorize it, and teach it.  

Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."

Genesis 1:2 "Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters."

Genesis 1:3-5  "And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light.  God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness.  God called the light "day," and the darkness he called "night."  And there was evening and there was morning - the first day."

Genesis 1:6-8 "And God said, "Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water."  So God made the vault and separated the water under the vault from the water above it.  And it was so.  God called the vault "sky." and there was evening, and there was morning - the second day."

I want to put a little plug in for Andrew.  Andrew has been offering his services to us free of charge.  The vision for this Bible is for it to be available for anyone around the world to download and use free of charge.  What an amazing gift Andrew is giving us!  If you are in need of a graphic artist, I highly recommend Andrew.  You will not find a better Christian brother to work with (andrew@anchorgraphics.biz).

November Ministry Report

Coming Home:  (A note from Kim Smith)

I will arrive on Jan 17^th.  There will be a car full of provisions waiting for me at the airport.  I will immediately go to a remote cabin in Kentucky for 21 days of isolation.  My return flight is April 30^th.  That will give me 3 months to be with family, friends and to visit churches.  I will also see two new grandchildren for the first time.  I hope to spend time with each one that prays and supports us here. I miss the three big F’s - food, family and friends.  A good time to invite me over is at about 5:00 PM or so, but I beg you no rice!  It will be good to be home!

Taylor Town

Taylor Town: 

Taylor Town is the former training camp of President Charles Taylor’s rebel forces.  This was one of the most evil places on earth.  There were a multitude of murders, rapes and torturous atrocities.  It was also hit heavily by the Ebola virus.  Before the Ebola virus there were about 50-70 residents. 15 homes were hit by the virus and there were 16 deaths.  Brother Faijue’s wife died leaving him with 4 children.  He says it has brought him a “lifeless life”.  The town chief’s wife died from Ebola.  Their daughter said she left behind 6 children.  She was crying as she spoke.  The town chief is confused not knowing what to do or how they will survive.  WSL visited Taylor Town 3 times before the government told them to stop because the town is still under quarantine.  They did counseling and teaching on salvation and repentance.  Delka, our WSL disciple, said the visits were very, very sad.  They have no church now, but hat will change!

Who owns the creek:  

Rancy led a team into Toffi Town.  The ruling satanic society there is called Quee.  The law of the devil is very powerful.  They went to the local creek to baptize but were met by the devil and his disciples.  They arrested them and refused to let them baptize saying the creek belonged to the devil.  They were taken to the chief and elders.  In defense Rancy asked the council, “Who made the devil and who made the creek?”  After much talk and hesitancy they all agreed that God made all.  Then Rancy said “let God the creator of the devil and the creek use His creek a little.”  Again there was much talk and anger that lasted an hour.  With great reluctance they relented took them from arrest and allowed them to baptize.  It reminds me of the verses in Matthew 10:19-20. “But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” 4 were baptized that day! 

New Motorbike in Bong County

New Motorbike:  

We now have 15 motorbikes!  Our new Bong County base is continuing to be established. They now have 2 bikes and are going on many missions.  The Bong County team is the one that found Taylor Town in the story above.

Peter and Diana Mos

Peter and Diana Mos:  

The Mos family has successfully moved from Zwedru to Gbanga, Bong County to work with Delka Yarl and his family on our new base.  The base now has two families relocated.  When Don and his family return they will join them on the Bong base.  There assignment is to evangelize, disciple, start churches and work with existing churches in each of the villages in their three counties.  Not a small assignment.  Lofa is one of their counties.  It was severely hit with Ebola, it is ruled by the Animist satanic cults and Islam.  Much of Lofa is anti-Christian, very primitive and isolated.  Pray for this team. 

2013 Christmas in for base children in Zwedru

Resting:  

All life rests.  Our Lord commanded us to rest.  WSL is resting in December.  In our Zwedru base we have 43 hardworking sacrificial field leaders.  They remind me of the poor widow in Mark 12, “Jesus… watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts.  But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.  Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.  They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”  They give all and greatly suffer.  We decided to give each of our 42 unpaid leaders $40 each for them to have a Christmas with their families, pay rent, buy food, medicine or for whatever.  To do this we had to cancel almost all of our out of town missions, so we rest.  They were overjoyed and sorrowful.  They love the mission.  Some are even using their blessing to go on missions on their own anyway.

Wordsower Bible Institute:  
Our school has been closed.  The president has lifted the State of Emergency but has not allowed schools to open yet.  

Prayer requests: 
Places that were Ebola hotspots are now Ebola free.  Praise God, answered prayer!  Continue to pray with us for Liberia!  Pray for a great revival to sweep through this country.  Pray for a healthy church in every village in our generation, that every Liberian can walk small and find a healthy church.   Please make these prayers part of your daily prayers.  Pray for our leaders who truly suffer for the Gospel.  Pray for the churchless villages like Taylor.  

November’s Statistics:  
- Went on 183 mission trips.  (Many towns we went to more than once.  A mission trip can last up to a week and go to many towns.) 
- Visited 219 towns and villages
- Went into 36 new communities
- We updated some records and found 21 towns we had been to but had not been recorded
- 28 people were baptized
- 39 people completed our extensive Bible study program
- Printed 116,800 pages of training material

“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.

Villages, towns and cities we have been working in:

Sinoe County: Bah, Bannah, Bardoua, Beatuoken, Beeweyee, Bilibokee, Bluebarrack, Blumsville, Boah, B.O.P.C., Charlie, Cass Town, Ceeubo, Chea, Cheepoyee, Chebioh, Cheboken, Congo, Cura Wah, Dagbe, David Kuma, Deedo, Dejila, Deyankpo, Dioh, Donnah, Down, Down the Mangrove, Eni, Farmersville, Fanfin, Fish, Funnioh, Gardoway, Gbalawin, 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, Judu, Kakpo, Kamus, Karquekpo, Katuzon, Kelgbeh, Kilo, Alvin Koon, Korjayee, Kpantan, Kuwait Gold mining camp, Lexington, Louisiana, Mama Creek, Melvin Lai, Monueh, Murraysville, Neinplikpo, New Kru, New, Nyanphio, Nyennwlejen, Panama, Patern, Patricia, Paul, Peace Camp (a gold mining camp), Pellkon, Penny, Plandiaba, Planksite, Pokpaken, Putu Jadweodee, , Poblee, Po-River, Pogbaken, Polay, Pratt, Prison of Sino County, Pynes Town, Qutatozon, Red Hill, Saikas, Sackor, Sarpo Community, Sargbah, Saygbeken, Seebeh, Seedubo, Seth, Seetor, Saybaken, Saydee, Senquene, Sennajalh, Shakepeh, Shalee, Snoboe, Spansor Baily, Swangba, Swenpon, Tabti, Tarta, Teah, Terison Gee, Tiakah, Titus, Tudee, Tuobo, Unification, Voobadee, Wiah,  Zanwonjah, Zayzaz Kollie. 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, Blessing Hill, Billibo, Blown, Boe, Boley, Boplue, Borbor Freeman, Border, Boundary, Bouduo, Brown, Buhou,  Cartumacy, Chandy, Chayee, Chebeh, Chebeor, Chensla, Chete, 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, Ducas Wulu, Duo Town, Dweh,  Enoch Nahn, 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, 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, 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.  Montserrado County: Bannerville, Bassa, Gbenbah, Jacob town, Monrovia, New Georgia, Pipeline.  River Gee County:  Bletiken, Cheboken, Dweaken, Fish Town, Fish Town Prison, Gbaweleken,Geeken, Jarkaken, Jarlatuken, Jaytoken 1, Jaytoken 2, Kanweaken, Kaytoken, Klaboken, Knowluken, Myoken, Podroken, Putuken, Sargba, Sueaken, Sweaken, Tartiken, Tuaken, Tuobo, Tuumaken, Wartiken, Whesatuken, Worleken.  Bomi County:  Beh, Jaway, Joes Town, Tubmansburg.  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, 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, 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.  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, Towah, Unification, Venn, Whea, Wontoe, Yiteepea, Your Peg, Wesseken, Zarwulugbo, Zautuo.  River Cess County: Darhga, Gbee.  Grand Kru County: Baclaville City, Baclaville Check Point, Bewane, Boniken, Camp Spin, Company Camp, Doubbo, Dweaken, Farina, Gbarken, Gblebo, Geneken, Genoyah, Big Suehn, Glabroken, Iron Bridge,  Kladipah, Leaceco, Newaken, Solokent, Sorroken, Woelowinken, Wropluken. Grand Bassa County: Bucannon Baccoline, Dayes, Goah, Nagbeh, Nyudeh, Penney. Bong County: Baptist Clinic Community, Belefana, Blama, Cuttington Univeristy, Deemita, Foebilla, Galatua, Ganyea, Gbarnga, Gbarnga Central Prison, Gbenniquileh, James Flomo, Janyea, Kokoyah Community, Kpatawee, Lelekpayea, Phebee Junction, Suakoko, Tamayata, Taylor, Tubman Army Barracks.

Ministry Expense Report

Mission expenses:

$1,923 – Pens, folders, Bibles, mission trips feeding, etc.  

$1,834 – Motor bike gas and repair, we have 15 bikes.  Gas costs from $5 to $10 a gallon.    

$940 – New motor bike for Gong County base.  It includes helmet, tools, and adaptations for the bush.

Wordsower Bible Institute:

$118 - Print Shop: This includes all expenses for printing Bible training material. 

$0 – Our school has closed because of the Ebola crisis.  In Liberia’s state of emergency all schools have been ordered to be closed. 

Assistance to the poor:

$639 – Humanitarian assistance: This includes food (average cost is $1.50 a day for food) rent, home repair, etc. Most of this fund assists our sacrificial leaders that live in extreme poverty.  We also assist refugees, orphans, widows and the handicap.                     

$153– Medical expenses (average treatment cost per person is $1.00 - $10.00). 

Team food and house supplies:

$1,830 – 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.

$7,437 - 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.

Black Friday in Liberia

Main Street of Zwedru in July

Did you know that Liberia has an event much like our Black Friday?  A few days before Christmas last year, the main street of our home town, Zwedru, was shut down as store owners and venders brought their merchandise into the street to sell.  Melanie and I went to town during this festive time to pick up groceries.  We will never forget what we saw.  The street was packed with Liberians frantically looking for that special gift to give their loved ones just like our stores are packed in the States on Black Friday.  Liberians, however, are among the world’s poorest.  For most them, they walked the street that day with friends dreaming of owning things they will never be able to afford.  So what do Liberians dream of owning?  Imagine the worst garage sale you have ever gone to and you will have a mental picture of the types of things that filled the Zwedru's streets.  The streets were covered with things that were obviously rejected from 2nd hand stores in the States.  The toys were scratched and broken.  Baby dolls were missing eyes.  Toy cars had bent axels or were missing wheels.  The street literally looked like it had been polluted by garbage from the United States.  People were dreaming of owning our Junk.

Imagine the irony we felt as we stood and watched people fighting over junk.  Christmas felt completely different that year.  Our hearts, for the first time, were untouched by materialism.  Sales people tried to sell us broken toys for our children but they could not convince us to buy anything because we saw everything for what it really was.  It was junk.  

At one point, Melanie and I stopped in the center of the chaotic street and said to each other, this is what we must have looked like to our Heavenly Father as we prepared for our past Christmases in the States.  Though we had great spiritual need, we earnestly prayed that God would help us purchase things He knew were junk.  We too have been guilty of dreaming about owning garbage.  I can’t help but wonder if any of our old Christmas presents were in the streets of Zwedru last year. 

Children in Sino Town

This Christmas, let us remember to store up for ourselves treasures in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy and thieves do not break in and steal (Matthew 6:20).  How can we do this?  Jesus said, “Whatever you do to one of the least of these you have done to me” (Matthew 25:37-40).  Let us remember the poor, the orphans, and the widows (James 1:27).  Let’s spend away ourselves on behalf of those who cannot help themselves.  I love you all.  I pray that you have a very Merry Christmas Season!

Update on Yosselin

(Updated letter from my Daughter)

Hi,

My name is Grace.  I have some good news for you who have been praying for Yosselin.   Thank you for donating money to help her.  As of now, more than enough money has been given to pay for her surgery.  I just wanted to say, thank you, thank you, thank you for giving and sharing.  
Love, 
Grace

Help the Children

(Letter from my daughter Grace)
Hi, 
My name is Grace.  In Guatemala, there is a ministry for helping kids that don’t have a mom or dad or need medication.  There is one kid that needs $3,400 for a brain surgery.  Let me explain the brain surgery to you.  It is when your brain has water in it and your head keeps getting bigger and bigger and bigger.  Eventually, she will just die.  A message has been brought to us that told us about this and my dad met the baby while he was in Guatemala.  In the message, it said, send all you can, please help us with this, and spread the word about it.  The surgery will save her life.  The baby’s name is Yosselin.  The guy that sent this to us asked us to pray and spread the word and for the people who heard the word to please pray also.  Josselin has a mom and dad that loves her.  They are very poor and cannot afford the surgery.  Even if children don’t have a mom or dad the ministry still helps those kids.  Thank you for reading this update and please help us with this.  
Love,
Grace

For more information about Josselin and how to help, go to: http://hopeforhome.blogspot.com/

You can subscribe to my children's blog at liberiacalls.blogspot.com

Pictures and updates from Guatemala

Hope for Home's group home

For the last 3 weeks I have been in Guatemala learning about orphan ministry.  Our family's goal is to take what I have learned and apply it to orphans in Liberia.  The Ebola crisis in Liberia has made over 2,000 orphans.  We pray that God would use us to help these children.

Home for Hope, a Modern day parable:
Years ago, Daryl Fulp (the director of Hope for Home Ministry) and I were prayer partners in the States.  We met often for prayer and accountability as we prepared for foreign missions.  I praise God that many of Daryl's prayers have now been answered.  Take a good look at the picture of Hope for Home's group home.  There is a beautiful story behind this house.  As Daryl and Wanda prepared to move their family, they made a trip to Guatemala to find a house in which they could begin their ministry.  They searched for days but found nothing that would meet the needs of special needs children.  Reluctantly, they looked at the last home, the nicest house in town.  Their hearts were wanting to live in a simple concrete house with concrete floors but God had something different in mind for them.  God wanted to use their lives to teach a modern-day parable to the people of San Antonio Aguas Calientes.  In Guatemala, special needs children are viewed as being a curse.  These children are among the most overlooked and neglected members of this society.  Today, every square inch of this house is used to help special need's children become all that God intends them to be.  The house is also being used by God to teach the people of this town about God's love.  What's the message?  "God deeply loves those you have overlooked." People are surprised when they see special needs children being cared for in the nicest house in town.  

Meet the children:
The Bible says, "God sets the lonely in families" (Ps 68:6)  For these children, Daryl and Wanda have become mom and dad.  The Fulps limit the size of their group homes to 12 children so that the children are raised in a family environment rather than feeling institutionalized.  One home is now filled.  They are praying that God would lead another family to Guatemala to help open a second home.  This last month, the Fulps have had to turn away several special needs orphans.  Each time this happens, there are tears and prayers made for more people to join this ministry.  Take a look at this home full of beautiful children.

Humberto

Ruavis 

Alejandra

Giovanni

Rafael

Yeni

Brayan

Olimpia

Esther

Racquel

Angelita

Meeting the greatest need, LOVE:
For the Fulps, love looks like 1,800 diaper changes each month, every child's birthday being celebrated, messy play days, countless kisses and hugs, daily devotions.....  Each child in this home now knows what it means to be a son or a daughter.  

Daily Devotions

Countless hugs 

Every Birthday Celebrated

Homemade Cakes 

Count the Cameras.  At one time 5 people were taking pictures of Christian's birthday.  Once an orphan now a son!

Christian's Birthday Party

Daily expressions of love

Happy Birthday Rafael

Outdoor Playtime

Messy Play Day

Messy Play Day

Messy Play Day

Messy Play Day

Medical needs:
Home for Home runs with the efficiency of a hospital.  Medicines are administered and charted, weekly visits are made to the house by the doctor, the psychologist visits the house twice each week, and daily personalized therapy is done for each child.

Poo and Pee charts

Medicines and Computerized medical charts

Personalized therapy for each child

Wheels of Hope Ministry:
Hope for Home Ministry also has a child sponsorship program called Wheels of Hope.  This ministry delivers medical supplies, food, and financial assistance to special needs children throughout Guatemala.  Currently they are working with 70 families each month.

Food is weighed and divided

Food baskets are prepared 

Long mountain roads are traveled

Children are loved on.  Michael - Chromasonal disorder  

Maria - Cerebral Palsy and genetic disorder

Marta Delores - Deaf and Seizures

Yosselin - Hydrocephalus

Andrea - Seizures

Katy - Down Syndrome

Oscar - Spinal injury

Martha - 13 years old with Cerebral Palsy and Malnutrition 

Pablo Michel - Cognitive delay and Seizures

Evening medicines and toothbrushes laid out to administer to each child

Summary of my experiences here:

This week, I will be returning home with my head spinning on how our family can help meet the needs of orphans in Liberia.  I give Hope for Homes an A+ on their ministry.  If you are looking for a ministry to support or a child to sponsor, I highly recommend Hope for Home.  

Hope for Home Contact Information:

Webpage: hopeforhome.org.   

Director's Blog: hopeforhome.blogspot.com

Child Sponsorship Webpage: hopeforhome.org/Sponsor.html