12Stone Liberia Blog

This morning had more than few surprises as it started shortly before six thirty. To be honest, I really didn't want to get up, even with the anticipation of our first seminar. By the time I actually did get out of bed, everyone else had pretty much gotten ready. Despite my lagging, when I stepped outside everyone was standing around. One of our cars had decided to not cooperate, giving only an empty grinding sound when the key was turned. Our group of drivers went to work hurriedly trying to find the problem. After switching batteries and relay-switches, still nothing stuck.

With only one functioning car and our backs against the wall, Rodney, Hogan and I chose to stay behind. To the others, this seemed to be the noble choice, the right choice. Unbeknownst to them though, we all enjoyed a nap, lounging around in the sunlit living room.

While we were unconscious at home, the others were putting in the work at the facility. They informed me later of the stress-filled first moments when our starting time came and went, with no one showing. A suggestion from Amy led the group to began to pray, Erica personally feeling the warmth of the Holy Spirit calming their nerves. But at the door, still no one.

Back at the homestead, the car took its first breath, letting us settle down inside. Hogan and I in the backseat, Rodney taking shotgun. We looked at each other and knew, knew we'd make it. Our only worries were those for our teammates.

Moment after moment passed and still the facility was empty, their thoughts running wild with anxiety. Dave went to the wide double-doors, looking up to the hilltop at the mouth of the compound. Coming over the hill, like wanderers from Egypt, a small group appeared. Amy and Erica met them with smiles and warm greetings, an answer to prayers given only moments ago. Soon, more stepped into the horizon.

As their numbers grew, we were pushing through the madness of the Red Light District.

Horns blaring, motorcycles weaving in front of us and exhaust from nearby Mack trucks passing through our windows. Victor, our driver, laid on the horn. For any of you who haven't been in the RLD, it's as close to the combination of a junkyard and an outlet mall as earthly possible, jam-packed with people. At any given time of day it could take you three minutes to an hour and half to pass through this main road.

Back at the facility, the seminar kicked off with a demonstrative game of kickball, explaining the Diamond Life in local terms (they don't play Baseball here). With a few Liberian's playing, and our guys, especially Dan, giving it their all, the proverbial ice was broken. After the game, the people were split into groups which each held a “facilitator,” one of us who would kindly guide the discussions and answer any questions.

As Dave began to teach his way around the diamond, the people gradually began opening up to their assigned groups. The teachings began to gain some real ground! 

It was at this point, the point where God had really begun to provide for our teammates, that we showed up. As quietly as we could, we took our seats, mine being in the back, so that I could maneuver around with the camera without disrupting.

From my perch, I was able to grab a real bird's eye view of the whole seminar, catching glimpses into people's hearts from afar. I can't explain it as well as I'd like but there are just so many tiny emotions that go into a person's eyes and face that tell what they are thinking. I could tell, as Jonathan and Dave spoke, an impact was being made. One reoccurring question, which may sound familiar to those of you at home, kept coming up: what is the difference between my calling and my purpose?

To my surprise, many of the locals stood up to answer this question as it was raised by their neighbors, aiding Hogan and Rodney in their explanations. Looking back, this was definitely the work of the Holy Spirit. I could tell for sure when we broke for lunch, walking by the many conversations and introductions, trying my best to be low key. It was in their vernacular, their curiosity between one another at how the Diamond fit so well into their lives.

As the four o'clock sun held high in the sky, we packed up the projector and cleaned off the tables. But, to our delight, the people weren't leaving! No one left without us getting their registration information, which was something we never expected. This just goes to show the power of God's presence. The Diamond Life was a hit, with two-thumbs up, way up! Well done, Pastor Kevin. Well done.

Zac

P.S. Karen,

Dave loves you.

Dave holding a book

Jonathan throwing some fire

William Tolbert Jr. talking about the Diamond