Dave - (Day 6) REAP and the University of Liberia

Today included a miracle visit to the University of Liberia; they did not know we were coming! Not important here to detail why. We drove up, pulled over to the side of the road, contacted the school via phone to a contact we had ‘inside’ and already knew were sure not on their agenda. When Christine arrived and found out, she said to follow her and off we drove and ten out and walked to one of the school entrances and in we went. We asked to see a ‘leader on the ground’ and soon found ourselves in the office of a lead professor. He was more than kind, heard our sad story, granted us grace and led us in a tour of the old University through its halls. On the way, we peeked into one class on agriculture and soon found us on stage (front of room) with many students and the professor asked us to into ourselves etc. and then opened the floor for his students to ask the team questions. Since no questions were expected about the use of a slide rule (yes, I still have mine form college!)I stepped down. Our “kids” (as I have their permission to call them) did a great job. The team prayed over the Liberian students from the stage and off down the hall we went and it happened all over again; this time drafting desks filled the room jammed with students. In we went, and the questions began. The 1st student welcomed us and was glad to see we had 3 beautiful white girls because he wanted to marry a white girl (his goal) and went into a mini discourse of why. The crowd went wild, not so much our girls. Two early questions from students: was Jesus also God soon followed by did Judas have a choice to betray Jesus or was he predestined and had to do it? Yes, eventually there were general education related questions more on the lines of why we were there etc. We then prayed and stepped down and into the hall. We were very, very warmly accepted by all the professors and students; wonderful time in the classrooms. It was so good, frankly, to see the openness of taking in a college class to talk about Jesus and permission to pray…..prayer being our trip’s primary goal. It was also so encouraging to see a college with the capacity up to 5,000 students at a cost of $2.00 a credit. Did I say we were not expected there by the school at all?  A miracle in itself but God had more!

While there, Christine ran into a senior prof who she knew from work she is doing at at a k-12 school and asked if there was any way he get us in for a tour of soon to be opened new and beautiful (and hugh!) facility next door. I had been watching this being built in my previous visits to Liberia…amazing facilities AND student dorms! Bottom line, we not only got in but were given a personal, detailed tour by a security guard. Education in Liberia, of the highest priority need in Liberia in 3-6 months was going to another level. More healing and answers to prayer for Liberia.

Next we traveled ‘down the street to REAP the organization Christine Norman started (2005?) and immediately walked into their new recreation center where lots of kids along with the village elders were singing etc. After our 3 girls ‘powered their noses’ the team jumped into (not planned) leading another singing and teaching time. This time was followed by a group picture with the team and village elders and then lunch with the REAP leadership and then a tour of the REAP facilities. (NOTE: 1st Waters Edge Team to Liberia – Generators you installed 3 years ago still up and running…not that I am surprised..ok, maybe a little ) We then went down into the village and walked through town, meeting and learning from the families there. It was amazing/extreme to see how the teaching and empowering of REAP to their neighbors has transformed this village since my first visit there with the 1st Team 3 years ago. The tactical and strategic execution of plan and God’s favor on this organization is so obvious. Of course, the children of the village gathered and our girls held another ‘jam session’ for a long, longtime! Deep and wide was the favorite and has become our ‘staple’ song. Of course, soccer with some of the older kids was taking place at the same time. Before we left, walked to when the agriculture plan was emerging, the gardens that have been and will more and more teach families how to grow their food and sell some. REAP plans on partnering with the University of Liberia and have students apply what they are learning in their agriculture classes in college. The potential in this education partnership is enormous!

On the way out we stopped to see the local church and clinic that serves the community and the home President Tolbert (Christine’s Dad) lived in and Christine’s first home. Still in shambles from the war and the coup in 1980 when President Tolbert and other Tolbert family members were assassinated. Then the “ brutal” ride home as we had to work our way through the Red Light market at rush hour. Did not help that the President of Liberia and her security were driving through at the same time and the road closed till they passed. A ‘tad’ hot and stifling.

After diner, Christine shared some of her testimony and her journey and deliverance from the coup, her life was spared. From the palace to losing everything except her Jesus. She is writing a book about it.

That summarizes it. The kids are all doing well; honest – doing a great job. Still waiting for the rainy season, though..pretty hot and not much rain except some nights. Keep praying for us, please! That we all would get all we are individually are asking God for and He would continue to protect us from any harm. When you get the “pinch” to pray, please ‘STP’ (stop to pray).

I miss you Precious, much more than you will ever know. Always do when I am not with you. Will be that way ‘till the end of time’.

david