Sorry about the long stent of time with no posts. I've have a crazy couple of weeks between traveling up country and being sick. Here are a few more shots from here in Liberia.

Christmas in Liberia

Over the past couple of weeks we’ve been teaching and celebrating Christmas with the children here in Liberia. One week was spent talking about the Christmas story with the children. We read some children’s books about the meaning of Christmas and then did some crafts. We gave them a styrofoam object (a stalking, tree, present, or wreath) and asked them to decorate with stickers. The kids love any chance to display their artistic ability.

The next week we gave out christmas presents to all of the children. When we were deciding what exactly we could get for the children we learned an interesting tid-bit of Liberian culture. In Liberia, an apple is representative of love. It carries the same significance as red roses would in the states. So this year, every child got a new outfit, new shoes, a stuffed animal, pencils, a toothbrush, some candy, a washcloth, a notebook with a note inside from a child in the states, a piece of lapa, and an apple.

Watching the kids tear into their presents was truly humbling. In that moment I recognized that God had used 5 under qualified people to be a representation of the love of God to 100’s of kids that week. I saw a kid raise his toy victoriously in the air a scream in absolute bliss I realized that God had used us to bless a group of people who had thought they had been forgotten. That child could not believe he received his very own toy for Christmas. He thought it to be impossible. But at the end of the day, God came through for that little boy.

A big thank you to the supporters who were able to help

us make this happen. Hundreds of children

were blessed by the gift that Orphan Relief & Rescue

were able to provide.

Top 3 Businesses In Liberia.

As I've been driving around Monrovia, I'v noticed some pretty peculiar business names and signs. I thought I'd take a moment to share them with you in a top three contest.

In 3rd place we have PMS gas station. And yes, they did opt to display "PMS" twice in one terrible awkward sign.

In 2nd place, may I present God's Explosive Evangelistic Forces Incorporated. America needs more church name like this. No more "Sunnydale Baptist Assembly"

And the 1st place winner is the Amputee Rescue Mission. If you're wondering why, then check out the acronym.

Look forward to a new post coming soon!

Just a few shots I snapped so far. Hope you enjoy!

*from my June-July trip to Liberia

Child Development Program

This time around I'll be working with the Child Development Program (CDP) for about 3 months. The CDP job is to mentor and disciple the children at the orphanage and make sure that they all know who Christ is, and secondly, who they are in Christ. It is incredible to be a part in the life change that I see taking place in these kids. Some of these kids spent years fleeing from the war. Some of these kids fought in it. Others can only barely remember their parents before a bullet claimed their lives. But all of them have a name, a dream, and a destiny. It is the CDP's goal to encourage those dreams, and to equip them to realize those destinies.

This week has been testing week, so I've spent most of my time helping the children study for their tests. The way the Liberian shool system works is this: a teacher copies the text from a book on the board and the kids copy everything the teacher writes in a "copy book" (a small paper notebook). If the kids don't understand, they receive little or no help. They memories everything in the notebook and are tested at the end of each period. I've had to use lots of rust arithmetic and geography to help the kids learn or relearn some of the things that they have been taught. I'll let you know how the kids did as soon as they get their report cards.

It has been so encouraging to come back 4 months later and see the change that has already taken place in the kid's lives. They are getting the attention the need and the love they deserve. I am incredibly humbled at the thought that I will be partnering with God to bring His kingdom in their own person lives. I'll try to keep posting pics of the kids as I take them. Maybe even do a story on a particular kid...

Back in the L.I.B.

Finally back in Liberia! Oh how I have missed bucket flushing toilets, noisy generators, mosquitos, and the complete lack of any traffic laws. I have even missed the club next door that plays ridiculous music into the wee hours of the night (although I'm starting to remember the joy of leaving it behind)

This time around I brought Brian O'Connor, a good friend of mine, to do a soccer ministry with some of the boys from an orphanage home we have been involved in for almost 3 years. It is Brian's first time back to Liberia in about 2 and a half years. We plan to use soccer to mentor the boys and teach them life lessons like teamwork, accountability, how to listen to God's voice, the wages of sin, and discipline.

Over the coarse of my trip, I will be doing my best to keep you updated with what's going on here on the field. Look forward to blog entries, photos, and video blogs.

Consumed by the call,

Will T