IT IS OFFICIAL!

Winston Churchill once said, “There is nothing wrong with change, if it is in the right direction”.  Well, we are changing directions, and we know it is the right one! 

Fredna and I will be returning to Africa at the end of our furlough – but it will not be to Malawi.  We have been asked by our leadership to change to another country:  Liberia.  So, we will be going to Monrovia, Liberia, West Africa. 

Early in February, we made an exploratory trip to Monrovia.  We visited with the National Executive Committee of the Liberia Assemblies of God, as well as travelling to two of the Bible schools and preached in one church.  We were detained three days due to the Harmatten Winds, enjoyed fellowship with the missionaries on the ground, and saw first-hand some of the desolation and destruction caused by the civil wars. 

In 1980 a military coup overthrew the Americo-Liberian leadership, marking the beginning of political and economic instability and two successive civil wars that left approximately 250,000 people dead and devastated the country's economy. A 2003 peace deal led to democratic elections in 2005. Today, Liberia is recovering from the lingering effects of the civil war and related economic dislocation, with about 85% of the population living below the international poverty line.

During the 20 years of civil war, the Liberian Assemblies of God lost over 350 churches and two Bible schools at the hands of the rebels.  Thousands of Liberians fled the country during this time period, as entire villages were massacred.

The UN maintains some 15,000 soldiers in Liberia. It is one of the organization's most expensive peacekeeping operations. The country is now trying to rebuild the infrastructure, economy, and lives that have been broken or destroyed.  The Liberian Assemblies of God is doing the same – trying to rebuild, not only the broken or destroyed buildings but, the broken lives of countless numbers that have lived through some of the most horrific times.  Young boys were forced to join rebel factions and forced to do things so horrible that they have left scars that may never heal.  The church has a wonderful opportunity to rise above the desolation with a beacon of hope and to offer a healing balm that has the power to resurrect the spirit of every man, woman, and child.

We will join AGWM missionaries DeVane & Mary McGee as we walk by the side of the national church reaching into the darkest corners of the country and lives.  The Liberian A/G has committed themselves to build 800 churches in the next 10 years. 

Construction has already begun in the process of rebuilding the Owensgrove Bible School – a place of training for future pastors who will step into the calling of God in each of their lives.

There is much to do – more than we alone can accomplish.  We invite you to join us in this change and to become involved in the eternal work of building the kingdom of God.  In the days ahead I will share with you many stories and pictures, along with ways that you and your church can be part of something truly magnificent.

 

 

 

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?

Then said I, Here am I; send me.  (Isa 6:8)