day 6. (sabbath)

Hello everyone! Danielle here. :) I thought we'd give sleepy eyed Annie a little extra rest tonight. I am personally loving being here with the team. Today was our Sabbath, so we took some much needed rest. We woke up this morning to a special Sunday Liberian breakfast. They feed us so well here. The table was filled with cornbread, fruit, ham, scrambled eggs, and oatmeal, then we headed off to church. In my limited experience of travel and missionary work in Africa, I always find so much joy in going to church here. This morning we went to Providence Baptist church in Monrovia. Everyone here puts on their best for church, and I can't get enough of the ladies fashion. So maybe the land is one of the poorest places on earth, but not on Sunday morning. Ladies dresses are vibrant and tailor made for their shape. Beautiful dresses and head dresses shine out against the red dusty roads. Its like a painting.

Church was so encouraging to me. Africans in general, seem to have such a special way of doing it. There is so much joy overflowing out out everything they do. They dance and sing and hug, and hug while they sing. I would recommend it, to anyone who has never done this.

Our goal today was to be refilled. All of us have been pouring out a lot of ourselves here, and we all felt the need to take some chill time. So Brent, Dave, Rodney, Jesse, and Annie took naps this afternoon. Dimitri, Amy, Jeremiah, and Kayla visited our neighbors next door for a football (soccer) game, and I spent some time resting and looking at the other team blogs. (I am so encouraged by what God is doing all around the world.) A Liberian tailor came over, and we are all getting dresses made for us, so hopefully we can do a fashion show for you of some kind.

I'm curious to know if anyone more then our parents are reading this blog, so please take a second to show us some "comment love :)" if you are following us.

Brent is doing great. We are so proud to have him as our leader. He such an example to follow went it come to crossing cultural barriers to form meaningful relationships with the Liberians, and the kids at Rafiki adored him. He is always so good at engaging the kids. He just oozes with love and joy over them, and the kids just soak it all up.

Dave is sitting in front of me, but he doesn't know that I'm writing about him right now. His love for Liberia is uncontainable, and he is such a constant joy to have around. He is always the first one to glorify God through some amazing story, in fact he's working right now--so hopefully you'll be able to hear some.

Jeremiah is full of energy, and full of Jesus' love for the Liberian children. He has recently discovered that teaching children is a large part of his calling... which is incredible news for any 18 year old seeking purpose. We can always count on him for jokes too, he loves to make the kids laugh however he can.

Jesse is soaking this place in. Last night Christine Norman told us her testimony. What an incredible woman she is. Jesse really connect to her story. Christine told us about the coup, when her father, the President of Liberia, was assassinated, and she was put under house arrest with her sisters among other things (solitary confinement, refugee escape, battling food shortage, depression, and a victorious round of cancer). Christine life is so full of trusting God one step at a time-- which seems to be a theme for Jesse this trip. Jesse is so precious.

Dimitri is so good at connecting with people. The soccer players have all nicknamed him Drogba...which he is loving. He brought a guy named Henry to church with us this morning. It was cool because when Dimitri met Henry in the neighborhood a few days ago, Henry told Dimitri that he couldn't go to church because he didn't have shoes. So Dimitri, without thought, gave Henry his extra pair of shoes, which lead to Henry coming to church with us today. In many situations, Dimitri seems to find many creative ways to be generous and practically love people.

Lindi is connecting with the girls really well. She's been here a week longer then any of us because she got here before Christmas with her Dad. Lindi LOVES the children, and she is so good with them. Her teachers heart shines through whenever she speaks to them. Her stomach was feeling better today, but I'm sick of this. Please pray that she will be able to enjoy the rest of the trip without having to think about feeling bad.

Kayla is such a sweet soul. She connects so well with the young women here. (I am secretly jealous) ;) Yesterday she boldly walked around the hospital, and prayed for women. Some of them woman were so close to death, and she was fearless in the way she interacted with them. Today she taught the children in the neighborhood dance moves. She is becoming more and more alive.

Amy is loving this place. I've heard her say a few times, "I just feel like everything in my life has led my up to this point." It's so good to hear from her. Right now she is trying to figure out what direction God would have her take for her life. Pray that God would direct her steps in every way. She also went to the neighborhood next door today, and also came alive. She painted nails and danced with them. (The kids here really like to dance).

Annie's hearts melts when she holds the

African babies, and at this point she would say that she has not held nearly enough. Pray for the next week that God would set her exactly where he wants her. Pray that God would put her in her "sweet spot".

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! For continuing to keep us in your prayers!

Tomorrow Brent, Jeremiah, Kayla and Lindi are going to Diana Davis Orphanage, and Jesse, Annie, Amy, Dimitri and I will be going to THINK (Home for Sexually Abused Kids). Please pray for us.

Good night :)

Danielle

 

Everything is MIRACLES!

Posted by Danielle:
Ok, I don't know if you have ever tried to go to Africa before, but it's more difficult then it looks. :) Everything is MIRACLES to us poor college kids. The way that God is blessing us is beautiful, and we are seriously thankful to all of you who have said even just a word of prayer for us because God is responding.

All 10 of us have our airfare money for Liberia, and the tickets are bought! WE ARE SO EXCITED! I'm telling you- The week before the airfare money was due, we just saw miracle after miracle after miracle, and we praise God for our faithful supporters this far. We truely love you, and are so grateful for you!

Now the remainder of the money we will raise will go directly towards our living expenses and ministry! We have only 6 weeks before we need the rest of the money in [$11,757], so PLEASE include us in your prayers. We only have 2 monthes we leave! Please pray that God's will would be done in the greatest ways for the people of Liberia!

I don't want these brave young people's stories to be forgotten. So in an effort to glorify God for his provision so far, let me introduce you to a few people in our Liberia Mission Team Family... :)

Dimitri Iliadis

A couple weeks ago, Dimitri needed...a lot, and yet he was so clearly dependent on God. God gifted him in only the way that a Father dotes on a son that he's truely proud of. It was so cool to watch!

"My name is Dimitri and I am a native of Greece now involved in Water's Edge and have the amazing opportunity to go to Liberia with the team. My biggest set back and fear in the upcoming trip to Liberia was the fundraising, I doubted that I would have ability to raise nearly enough money for this trip. God has provided money for me on this trip when I doubted and thought it was impossible. He has shown me that He is faithful, and He is good, and my doubts of His provision will never stop Him from proving himself to me. He has been and still is blowing me away with His greatness."

Amy Lyford

Amy is a beautiful, incredible joy. It's know wonder that she has found favor with so many loving people. Thank you for praying for and supporting Amy!

"Knowing I had to raise a lot of money through sharing my story with others and actually asking others for money was a scary thought at the beginning. I've always had a hard time sharing my spiritual story. I was always scared of what somebody would think, and I had no idea if people would respond positively to me asking them for money. After I sent out most of my letters, I was told almost every week that I got money in for my trip! Not only that, but people loved hearing my story! This process has really shown me how important every single one of our stories is. You never know who was inspired by your story or not because you were too scared of them judging you. I also grew in faith that God would provide and that people really do care enough about me and believe in me enough to support me to go on a mission trip! This is just the beginning I can't wait to see how God continues to grow me through this journey!"

Jeremiah Klinect

If we gave out an award for getting the most people involved--it would go to Jeremiah. He has an infectious passion for ministry in Africa, and he is such a joy to have in our Liberia Mission Team Family. THANK YOU if you have supported him! God is doing something lifechanging in his heart. Please pray for him. :) I'm excited to see what God is going to do in him!

"God is faithful in all things! He is giving me many opportunities to earn or receive money to fund this trip. It is amazing to see what God is planning. With earning money, God has provided some landscaping jobs and recently a second job at Dick’s Sporting Goods. In donations, I had about 35 of the 80 support letters help me by giving money, and almost all the people I sent letters to are keeping the Liberia team and me in their prayers. As PK always says “God is good all the time, and all the time God is good."

The Currency We’re Dealing With

Hello, Danielle here. I’m hijacking the blog from the normal author for a few moments because something is pressing on my spirit. We as a team are desperately calling to Jesus. Our airfare money is due in 7 days exactly, and if the money is not in—then we will as lovingly as possible be drawn off our mission team.

I’d like share a story from the book, Voices of the Faithful.

“Fourteen women stood in a circle as we prayed for the young Costa Rican woman who was about to leave as a missionary to a Muslim country. All of them were committed to pray for our church’s first international missionary. But what brought tears to my eyes that afternoon was not their commitment to pray.

In many evangelical churches across Latin America, God’s Spirit is raising up a missionary movement from areas that have traditionally been our mission fields. From our small church in San Jose, Costa Rica, He called out “Farisa” to go to one of the darkest corners of Central Asia.

When Margarita’s turn came to pray that afternoon, she prayed, ‘Lord, You know our family’s commitment to the faith promise offering so that Farisa can go to another land. As I’ve told my children, ‘First, we will give the offering, and then if there is anything left, we will eat.’

She continued her prayer, but I didn’t hear the rest. Tears flowed as I realized that this woman, whose husband was dying of cancer, was truly committed to the high cost of reaching the world for Christ. She was teaching her children where a Christian’s priorities should lie.

In the United States, the vast majority of those who support missions do so out of relative wealth. But the missionary movement from the Two-Thirds World (outside the U.S., Canada, England and Europe) is being supported in most in most cases out of dire sacrifice.” – Wilma, pg 305

WHAT DOES THAT STORY DO TO YOU?!

When I read it I immediately felt God telling me that the vision for this Missions Ministry is still much larger then we have made it to be. We are in obedience of God by pursuing this vision. EVERYTHING so far has been set in place by his hand. I have NO interest in pursuing my own plan. I only want Jesus’ glory to be made magnificent among us and the whole world in huge, glorious ways. The question that we are asking ourselves is, “Is our missionary work worth Margarita’s family’s food?” Is our work THAT valuable, that we could accept an offering like that?

The honest truth is that as a follower of Jesus—redeemed fully by him. Our body could die tomorrow and we would be okay because we would finally be with Him, but there are lost nations. There are pre-redemption stories everywhere we look. Don’t think that this mission work is not valuable… I would be hesitant to accept Margarita’s offering, but she understands something about the dire need to further the kingdom of God through the world. She understands it so deeply, that she will not feed her family until it happens.

How do we make this personal? Please pray and give generously and sacrificially to these mission efforts. Allow the Holy Spirit to “break your heart to the point of giving to missions with exuberance, not only because of the vast lostness and depravity of the peoples of the world, but because the supreme sacrifice of redemption has already been made for their salvation, of only they hear. Amen.”

“For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.”
2 Corinthians 8:3-4

These are orphans at one of the poorest orphanages in Liberia.

PS: If you don't know how to give please e-mail liberia.we@gmail.com

Pictures from Collin's Gallery

Collin was our "official" photographer for the whole trip. His gallery is http://gallery.me.com/bellcollin Click on "ME gallery Liberia".

Below are some pictures that Collin, Belynn, Emily and Jose took while we were there.

Dave has love for Liberia in him all the time. Can you see it?

We were able to give a generator to Robert Cuppah's church.
The team split up for church on Sunday.

Sunday afternoon fun

Belynn and I with the kids next to the house. Matt "Chiquita Bananna" Elsberry
Yanni, when they drove out to the "bush" to install a generator.

Brent working on the Generator Shed out in the bush.

Our Shopping Day in Monrovia.

Jose with the hope of the nation.Emily, in her awesome braids with James.

Us girls, no Emily :(, with Dave at the Lake.

Travel Day

So we've had two flights so far, and now we're in Amsterdam. This is a really nice airport, so we're just relaxing and walking around. Since our last flight was delayed they had to rearrange our itinery. Now we get to go to Detriot too! I only wish we had a couple more hours in Detriot because my own family lives so close to that airport, and it would be fun to take the team to visit them for a couple hours. Oh well...

So we're going to arrive home a bit later then we thought. I guess we'll get into ATL at around 11:30pm tonight.

Please pray for Yanni. We think he has a touch of food poisoning, and we still have a long day of traveling ahead of us.

We are going to miss Liberia. After hearing everyone talk about this trip, the common opinion is that this trip was INCREDIBLE. God has worked everything out for us. Most of us can see ourselves going back there in the future. The children captured our hearts. We are both honored and humbled to have worked with the Liberian people. We've met several leaders who are full of life and desire to be apart of how God is restoring their nation.

Yesterday Belynn, Dave, Rodney and I took our last visit to THINK, the home for sexually and pychsically abused children. Before Miles left a few days ago he gave a little money to THINK so they coud have toys. They didn't really have any to begin with. In Liberia, a little money goes a long way. I wanted to laugh and cry when I walked in and saw that their floor was covered in all sorts of toys. They had whistles, paint brushes, blocks, string, board games, card games, and all sorts of little toys. I walked outside and there was all sorts of paintings drying on the floor. They had so much joy on their faces. We took the moment to teach them about how Jesus provides for them...even toys.

This ministry has touched my heart so deeply. I feel like God made a very important connection by introducing me to this ministry. I had no expectation for my feelings to run so deeply for these children after only meeting them three times, but if you had been there, you would have thought we had known them for monthes.

Well. We're not in Liberia anymore. Please pray that God would help us in regard to culture shock. Most commonly the real culture shock is not going to Africa... it's coming home from Africa. Please understand that the team has witnessed new levels of heartbreak, poverty and the distruction that comes out of a grusome war. I pray that as you receive the team, that God gives you a special sensitivity in your spirit.

Prayer Requests

• Pray that we would get home safe, and that Yanni would feel better.
• Pray that we would give God the most Glory possible for all he's done in the way we talk about it with people.
• Pray that God would continue to grow us in faith. Stretch us. Stretch us. We want to trust you with everything.
• Pray that we would be able to adjust quickly into American culture, BUT at the same time allow God to WRECK us for the poor, the orphan and the widow.

God, Please guide our steps. We trust in you.

Our Last Full Day

The Whole Team at Blue Lake

I'm sorry about yesterday. We had a long good day, and I just didn't have the energy to blog. Yesterday, the whole team went to Blue Lake. We weren't sure exactly what to expect, but we were excited about going swimming. We've been sweatin non-stop since we've gotten here. It's been hot every day. None of us have really gotten sunburned though Mom.



Yesterday we drove about 3 hours to this lake, and when we got there we found out that it was closed to the public and protected by the UN. We needed "special permission" from some authority to get in, so after making some phone calls and pacing back and forth for about an hour we finally got the word we needed to go swim. It was such a relief to be able to jump into that cool water, and it was refreshing after a busy week of working hard on generators and ministry. We played volley ball, jumped off the diving board, and the boys played soccer for a while. It was a good afternoon. Later that night we got some hamburgers at a restaurant called Groovies. It was pretty groovy.

Belynn and Peter in Monrovia

Today was a busy day. I can't say we've had a bad day since we've been here. God has just been so good to us. He has been faithful with everything, and we are amazed by him. We woke up a little earlier today and split into two groups. Matt lead a Crown Financial Meeting with some leaders from the minister of finance. This was an incredible opputinity because Matt was given the priveledge to teach some very influencial people God's Principles on finances. Just one more step in helping to restore this country. Matt did this almost all day while our groups got to go shopping in Monrovia. My group was the first to get to go shopping. Collin, Brent, Belynn, Peter (our awesome driver) and I hit the town. Peter lead us all around the city. It was a blast walking around the city. When I first got here I thought it would be more industrialized or more modern, but it definately is a different world then what we're used to.

Collin, Peter and Brent in Monrovia

After we were done shopping Peter asked us if we wanted to go check out the Monrovia YMCA. It was really cool to go to the Monrovia YMCA because Brent works at the one back home. They were so hospitable and showed us every room and every office. They took us to the basketball court, and they explain to us that the court floor was messed up because during the war displaced people lived in there, and cooked by building fires on the floor. I have a hard time imagining what it would be like living through such a horrible war, but these people have beautiful joy in their spirits dispite the fact that they suffered so much.

After both teams were done shopping and done helping with Matt's Crown Financial Meeting we went to eat dinner at a nice hotel. I got pizza. Andrew and Debbie, who us girls worked with on Saturday with Orphan Rescue and Relief, joined us at the resturant. It was fun to see them again, and let them meet the rest of the team.

The Team, Andrew and Debbie outside of the Restaurant Tonight

After dinner, we went to Greater Love Church and got to say good bye to some friends we've made. Overall we've had a good busy day.

Prayer Requests

• Pray for Miles and Emily- they flew home a couple days earlier then us. I guess their probably home by now. Pray that God would continue to move in their hearts and help them to process everything they saw and learned in Liberia.
• Pray for us tomorrow-- we'll be debriefing and processing together.
• We fly out of Monrovia tomorrow at 5 something.

"Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls;

all your waves and breakers have swept over me.

By day the LORD directs his love,at night his song is with me—

a prayer to the God of my life."

Psalm 42:7-8

Brent and Dixon

So the bush boys came back today in time for dinner. As it turns out their trip was really successful. Tomorrow morning we go to church. We're splitting the group in half, and we're going to two of the churches where we've put generators.

Brent's Experience of Liberia:

"My experience in Liberia has not been what I expected. God has taught me so much through the people, and their willingness to serve, and their ability to love you as if I had been here my whole life. I've really enjoyed getting to know and build relationships with the people we're around on a daily basis. For example, getting to know our drivers and Dixon, who is the houseboy at the Norman's compound. Dixon has been teaching me "Kissi", which is one of sixteen dialects in Liberia. It's neat to see how God works through relationships that God gives us the opportunity to have.

My prayer is that I will take advantage of each relational opportunity that he gives me, so that I may serve and love others more."

Dixon:

"Brent has been a very good friend to me, and he has surprised me by wishing to learn about people and their culture. I enjoy Brent's pronunciation when I'm teaching him one of the most important dialects in our country, which is Kissi.

My first dream for Liberia is for all the people to accept the Lord as their personal Lord and Savior. The second thing is, to eliminate the illiteracy by providing free education to every child of this soil, and to provide job opportunities for "war affected" youth, and disabled people. It is my dream to become a counselor for war affected youth. Please pray that God will give me favor in this dream, and that God would provide the way. I want to see Liberia build schools, hospitals, better roads, and rebuild our economic systems."

Prayer Request

• A few of us are feeling "under-the-weather". We have some "digestive" problems. Please pray that God would bring healing and balance to our bodies soon.
• We have church tomorrow. Please pray for the two churches we are going to, that we would leave them encouraged and strengthened by the Holy Spirit.

Strike a Pose

My Small Group Today "Striking a Pose"

Because they are protected children, we couldn't take pictures of their faces.

We called the boys in the bush tonight to check up on them. It turns out that they have already finished the generator house (all but the roof), and they already layed the wiring and started the generator. That is incredible. They had a lot of help from people there, and they are right on time, so we'll be seeing them again tomorrow night.

Good News! Brent's bag came today!! <--- the faithfulness of God, right there.

All we are really missing now is a tool bag, but God has been faithful to provide all the tools we need so far. :)

Belynn, Miles and I went to THINK again today, the transistion and counseling home for physically and sexually abused children. The moment we walked in the door we were all attacked(!) with hugs. Belynn and I had already been there on Wednesday, and it was so good to see them again. This time we were a little bit more prepared since on Wednesday we had no idea what to expect. Today we sang songs , played games, read them "The Good Samaritan", and split the kids up into small groups to ask them questions about the story. Belynn took the younger kids, and I took the older kids while Miles took a tour of the place with Theresa, the supervisor. Belynn and I were both excited to talk to each other about our small group time. I think God really ended up using that time to touch their hearts.We both had the oppurtunity to look each kid in the face to tell them that God loves them, they are clean and spotless in his sight because of Jesus, and that we believe that they can overcome and be great through humility in their lives. It really was a beautiful thing. I am so amazed by God.

PRAYER REQUEST FOR TONIGHT: This was not in our plans, but THINK does not have electricity or a working generator, and we have access to one that we could give them. We are tempted to just run over there and give it to them, but we're trying not to make the decision in our own emotion, and it's not such a simple decision. Please pray that God would reveal his will to us. It's his generator, and we want to do what he wants.

The crew at Diana Davies (Emily, Dave and Jose) have everything complete in their generator shed except the roof and the wiring. They're hoping to be done with that early tomorrow.

Emly's Thoughts on Liberia so far:

"Liberia has been what I expected and not what I expected all at the same time. Being around fellow believers here makes me feel at home, but I also feel so much darkness here. I knew this to be true before coming, but I know it even more so now--the future of Liberia is dependent on the condition of its citizen's hearts. It overwhelms me each time I speak to someone and hear what their experience was in the war. Today, on the way to Diana Davies Orphanage, we crossed a bridge and the driver pointed out the bullet holes that pierced the metal of the bridge;there were hundreds. But the past 3 days at Diana Davies has shown me what it looks like to start over. I have never had the desire to say 'God Bless You' to anyone more than she. She is raising these 35 kids as her own, providing them with a wonderful education including the arts, and they are all so well-mannered. It is impossible not to fall in love with them. I am ready to see what the second half of this trip brings...I believe there is much stretching, growth and heartbreak to come."

Specific Prayer Requests

• Pray that the Bush Boys (Rodney, Matt, Brent, Collin and Yanni) would finshed their task, minister with Holy Spirit love and power to the people around them, and make it back safe tomorrow.
• Pray for us girls and Miles as we go to "Orphan Relief and Rescue" in Monrovia. We haven't been their yet, but Belynn and Emily have been in touch with the missionaries there for the last 6 monthes. Pray that we would be able to deeply encourage and strengthen the missionaries who work there long term, and that the kids would tangibly experience the love of God as their Father. "I will not leave you as orphans. I will come to you." John 14:18

Off to the Bush!

Diana Davies with Danielle, Emily, Belynn and Stacey

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! We celebrated last night with candy, a countdown and we passed around a bottle of non-alcoholic sparkling grape juice! Whoo hoo! 2009! It may have been one of my most memorable New Years Eve moments.

This morning Matt, Brent, Collin, Yanni and Rodney went to "The Bush" to build a generator shed for a Catholic Seminary. They'll be roughing it for a few days in the middle of nowhere 5 hours away from Monrovia. They are really excited about their trip. We expect to see them back here on Saturday night, but they have a lot to do in the mean time. They made it there safe today, and they'll start their work tomorrow morning.

The rest of us went to the Diana Davies orphanage. Jose, Dave and Miles teamed up with older boys to work on the generator shed and dig a trench to the building, and took breaks to play with the kids. The rest of us girls played kickball, soccer, and coloring with the kids, and since part of the team was there yesterday, they were a lot more open to us today. Stacey was given the opportunity to talk to the older girls about all sorts of bible verses like "Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." and "The Lord is my husband, the LORD Almighty is his name." I admire Stacey so much because she speaks to these girls out of the overflow of her heart, and she was really able to connect with them.

Dave, Jose, Emily and Stacey will go back from their last day at Diana Davies Orphanage tomorrow. Please pray that the Lord would make a way for his spirit to connect personally to each kid. Pray that God would reveal himself to them as a loving and protective Father. God please be near to the orphans! Save their souls! Save their futures God! I pray that with your spirit in them that THEY would be hope and change for Liberia!

Also tomorrow Belynn and I, now accompanied by Miles, will be going back to THINK, The transition home for abused children. Please pray that the Lord would heal their broken hearts. As you pray allow the Father to fill your heart with the righteous anger, sadness, love and hope for these children. All of them are in there because they have been psychically or sexually abused. We only get one more day with these kids, and we are planning on doing a bible story on their worth and healing. Please pray that the Holy Spirit moves in their hearts and restores them!

[Good News/Bad News]: Matt's bags came in!!... Brent's did not. :( He's still just as happy as ever though, it's not holding him back one bit. Please continue praying that his bags will be recovered soon. It would be such a blessing.

Tete and Miles

REAP Generator

The Generator Shed and Water Tower at REAP

Working on the Generator

We started off today going straight to the REAP Camp. The generator shed was already built, so they just had to figure out how to connect the wiring and get it running. The guys stayed at the generator site, and they got it running. Now all they have to do is dig a 100 foot trench on Friday to connect the electricity to the building.

While the guys did that, us girls went with Christine to help her with the kids and helping her get ready for a big meeting. We all got to see the Vice President today along with many other distinguished people. It was an honor to be with them.

Quotes from Yanni, Collin and Belynn

Yanni- "We played soccer with 15 kids in the rainforest today... we lost, and we wouldn't have had it any other way."

Collin: "How many lion teeth do you want? ZIIIIIINNNNNNGGGGG!"

Belynn: "I connected with a girl today who lost her father in the war, and she and her siblings are being raised by their mother who is single and tryng to support her children to go to school. The young girl is 12 years old and loves school. Her mom said she wish that she could afford to pay for her kids to go to school. The entire time we were there she followed me everywhere. My heart grew for her. I just wish I had more time with her..sigh."

We saw a cockroach, and Yanni was scaring Belynn at the same time.

Our full first day in Liberia

Us at the Beach

Walkin Around

You'd be happy to know that most of us slept well last night, and we woke up this morning to eat breakfast with the Norman's at about 9am. It's been a good day. First, we went to visit the Greater Love church, the same church that had the tragic fire. Sadly the fifth man's funeral was last week. Pastor Wesley was so kind to us and showed us around everything they had there. he showed us their church, clinic, school, and the burned radio station. We will be going back there to install a generator for them in a couple days.

After that, we drove around downtown Monrovia. I personally have never seen such a bustling chaotic citiy before. The people have been exceptionally kind to us, and we're looking forward to jumping into ministry tomorrow.

We also got to go swim at the beach today. It was good to have some more time to unwind and have some fun before we start the real work tomorrow.

Good News!!! Biamba and Joseph made it here after a detour to Ghana, and my bag came today!( which I am currently rejoicing over) However, you can keep praying because Brent and Matt did not receive their lost bags yet... which is a bummer.

Dave and Emily are sitting with me out on the porch.

Dave is sad that the Jets lost, and he loves Karen.

Emily, is taking in this culture around her and it feels surreal.

Everyone else has gone off to bed.



We send our love!

The Rocks at the Beach

We're Here!

So it’s 9:52 pm Liberia time and we’ve just finished eating dinner at the Norman’s house. I’m not going to write much tonight because I haven’t really slept much in these last 30 hours (I’m not the clearest thinker right now), but most of us made it safe! Biamba and Joseph had some difficulties at the Amsterdam airport and they had to separate from us. We expect to see them tomorrow.

Everyone is well-fed and going to bed. Pray for us that we can sleep well and deeply, and that our bodies would become quickly accustomed to the heat which is in the 80s and 90s.

Also another thing you can pray about: Brent, Matt and I lost our luggage somewhere along the way. It would be such a huge blessing if you all would pray that we’d get it back soon.

We send out love! Thank you!

Danielle

Tragic Fire in Radio Station

Liberia Prayer Team
Pastor Wesley just emailed Rodney Edwards this note. This happened at a location where we will be installing a Generator. Please pray for them, and for the families of the two men that died, and for the men who are in serious condition. The Waters Edge Liberia Team will still go to serve Greater Love (medical clinic, nursing school, radio station, church) as planned.

Dear Brother Rodney Edwards,

This incident happened last week Wednesday and I have been so down to even write has been so difficult for me Brother Edwards. Technicians from another radio station were hired to fix up our radio station studio by making it sound proof. Five of them came to work around 11: 00AM on Wednesday to do the job. By 6:15PM, they were still working. After our Wednesday Bible Study, I went upstairs where they were working and told them that it was late and they should go home and come the next day to continue the work. They insisted on finishing the job that night. I left the church compound with my family for home. At about 8:15PM, Deacon George Togbeh called me on the phone and said the studio was on fire. What the technicians did is that they bought gasoline and mixed the gasoline with the glue they were applying to the acoustic materials they were mounting on the wall and floor of the studio. When it got dark and they could not see clearly, they bought a candle, light the candle and forgot they had gasoline near at hand and they put the candle near the gosoline trying to see what they were doing. The candle put the gasoline on fire, the studio caught on fire and the five technicians were caught up in the fire and got severely burned . They were taken to the JFK and Catholic hospitals that night. Yesterday, one of them died and this morning another died. The other three are on critical list. I’m really in distress and our church is mourning right now. I need your prayers and if you can get to some friends to help us help the bereaved family for burial of the two dead and to redo our radio station studio. Please see attached photos of burnt studio.

Pastor Richard Wesley

Resource Update

So December 27th is getting closer, and the team is getting so excited about going. It looks like we’re going to have some rich opportunities for ministry. The final details are being put together and we are praying harder now more then ever because the date is finally almost here. Our small group has been meeting every week, growing in community and in planning for the trip.

Although almost 70% of the budget has been paid (TY LORD!), $15,000 in travel costs (mostly airfare) is still needed to insure all will be able make the trip. This final 30% is needed by December 19th.

As you may already know, the Water’s Edge College Ministry’s involvement in Liberia is a long term investment, and we hope that this is the first trip of many. We expect resistance, because we are in the business of His love and restoration while the enemy wants to see God’s precious people in bondage. We are praying that we can give ourselves away, be used by God, and be a catalyst for both love and restoration. We are firm in the belief that this is what God has called us to and we are trusting in Him to provide His resources; His power for His purpose. We have grown in passion for this work and have focused our hearts and actions to see His will done through us-complete the mission given to us.

People of God, I pray should the Lord press on your heart to be a source of helping meet this need and if so you will hear and obey. Please join us in this ask of God as you pray with us, that He would move on His people to provide for the need in full. May His will be done.

We are so grateful for all of you. Thank you!

Yanni, Collin, Stacey, Lisa, Brent, Dave, Joseph, Biamba, Matt, Miles, Belynn, Emily, Jose and Danielle

Should you be led to give, please make checks payable to: 12Stone Church and put in the memo section on the check “WE Liberia Mission”.

Mail checks to:

12Stone Church
1322 Buford Drive

Lawrenceville, GA 30043
Attn: Stacey Belflower

Generator Training Day

This past Saturday the team met at 7:45am and worked hard until 7:30pm to build a generator shed. The team did a magnificent job, and if I might say, it is the nicest looking generator shed I've ever seen! The plan is to build sheds exactly like this at our different locations in Liberia. We all feel like we know more about what to expect now that we've done it once. Next step...repeat in Africa in the summer time!

Starting the day working hard.

Note to self: Don't jump on trampoline right after lunch.

Belynn and Emily having too much fun. :)

Collin, Brent, Drake and Joseph workin hard.

Lisa, my friend... I love Lisa.

Biamba and Joseph, assessing the situation.

Jose, Ron, Brent and (I think) Collin leveling the bricks to perfection.

After a long day, we pose by our new masterpiece.

We want to thank Lon Vonkohn and Ron Kaye for being our trainers for the day. We couldn't have done it with out you. Thank you!!

Success!

The Liberia Awareness Event ended up being a huge success! Thank you to everyone who came, and everyone who made it work. It was so good to meet so many people that were passionate about Liberia in the same room. We all feel like we know a little bit more about God's heart for Liberia then before.

Feel free to leave us some feedback in the comments. Here is the link to the video we used in the meeting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uwWlFHhB2o

Generators

The Generator

It is our plan and goal that as long as we are going to Liberia, that we would also be installing generators. Just as we hope to bring energy and light to the spirituality in the country, we will also be doing this is the most basic of ways. Not only do we hope to bring light into dark hearts, but we hope to bring light into dark homes and orphanages. This brings Jesus's, "You are the light of the world" to a more tangible concept then we've ever seen before.

This Saturday (November 22nd) the team is going to be learning how to build a shed and install a generator. Those who will pray, please pray that this time will be effective. Its sure to be cold outside, and a little difficult for those of us who are mechanically challenged. :) Its so important that we have a good knowledge of how these things work, so that we can install them with excellence, and teach the people how to maintain them.

Also, DON'T FORGET!! The Liberia Awareness Event is tonight! Come to the Cafe Theater in 12Stone Church at 7pm. Invite anyone you wish! It will be a compelling evening, that will allow us to look into the heart of God. We can't wait to see you there!