"On the Road back from Zwedru"
We are back safe after 3 days of traveling from Zwedru to Nashua. On Saturday, July the 10th we left Zwedru in the morning around 8:30. We had received a send off the night before at the Central Church in Zwedru, Pastor Galladay’s church. The congregation put on a wonderful service to say good-bye. Pastor Geoff and Tom both spoke and expressed for all of us just how blessed we were for their acceptance of us and their gracious hospitality. We learned so much from them and we developed lasting relationships. Many of these same people showed up Saturday morning to send us off again, Pastor Galladay, Pastor Augustine our master brick layer, Enoch for a final good-bye.
We finally said our good-byes and drove away. We were only on the road a short time, maybe 10 minutes before we met our first issue, a security check point. They delayed us for about 30 minutes. They were trying to force a “pay-off”. Pastor Daniel Johnson said fine, no problem just provide us with an official receipt which they refused, but continued to delay us. We finally called Pastor William Grant who arrived and immediately got us released without a fee.
The remainder of the trip was somewhat uneventful except for the near rollover of our truck driven by Moosa. We did a 180 on the road and slammed thankfully into a small hill and not a gully. He refused to slow down despite our repeated attempts at telling him to slow down. He eventually slowed down and at lunch time Pastor Johnson firmly instructed him to stay in between the other 2 vehicles. The only other mishap was another ball bearing failure in our truck; we had to wait for 2 hours for it to be repaired. Fortunately this happened in Ganta City where we had stopped for lunch at Pastor David’s church. We finally arrived back in Monrovia at 10 PM at night at the Baptist Church Guest House.
We awoke early and had breakfast at the Palm Springs Hotel next door to our guest house. It was a beautiful setting overlooking the ocean and it we enjoyed a delicious buffet. We then split up into 3 groups for church services. We all crammed into a rented van to be dropped off at the various churches. We had an eye opening experience driving through some of the poorer neighborhoods of Monrovia. Again we all experienced warm welcomes and beautiful services. The singing was exceptional at all 3.
Geoff and I had attended the Outreach Church which is the church that Pastor Daniel Johnson attends when he is home. We were greeted there by Devin, Jennifer and Sadie whom we had met briefly on our first day in Monrovia. They are from the Nazarene Youth in Mission program and have been in Liberia for 5 1/2 weeks now and have 10 more days to go before returning to the US. These young girls who are in the late teens and early twenties and in college are truly inspiring. They have gone all over Liberia putting on vacation bible schools (VBS) for the children. We wish them well and we ask all of you to pray for them.
Finally, we headed for the airport. We arrived at 5 and went through customs with no problem; we had a 3 hour wait at the airport. At 8:15 we left Liberia for Brussels. After a 6 + hour flight we landed in Brussels and after a short nap by some of us we headed into Brussels via train for a short tour and a lunch. We then headed back to the airport where our flight was delayed another hour so. Finally we left there and made it to Frankfurt for the final 7 hour flight to Boston. This was uneventful and we arrived in Boston at 8 PM and we made it through customs quickly and we arrived at the Community Chapel at 10 PM. We were greeted by many of our family members and friends. It was a wonderful reunion.
Though it is over, we will not forget our Liberian brothers and sisters. God has truly blessed us all with many new friends and memories. I know that our presence among them encouraged them and strengthened their faith because ( I think I can say this for the group) all of us have had our faith encouraged and strengthened by their humility, their graciousness and their love for God. May God bless them and us; and thank you for all your support and prayers.
John Dionn
In A Shepherd's Word - Liberia Edition
"Just Come Home"
It is amazing what you discover at a distance. Absence does make the heart grow fonder. When away from family and church and friends, those who matter most to you in life, you realize what you have and miss it terribly when separated from it. So, I am very grateful to be home. I also am wrestling with my own emotions about leaving behind my Liberian "family". Today, emotions are close to the surface for me. I miss Pastor Augustine and Pastor Galladay. I want to hear Alfred's unique way of leading a worship surface. I want to do push ups with children who are amazed at my camera. I want to encourage people who still live with (and always will) the deep scars that a horrific civil war left behind. Yes, absence makes the heart grow fonder.
It makes me think O god's heart toward us as well. Whether the people of war torn Liberia or the neighbors I bump into each day, God's heart is very fond for us...especially when we are absent from Him. In fact, He is dying to be with us so much so that Jesus died for us to be with Him. And it is that awareness, that love from God, that makes me want to live and love for Him wherever I am.
"God so loved the world that He gave His only son that whoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) That is the heart of the God who loves us so much and yearns to be with us. It is the heart of God that reminds me that I am a missionary wherever my feet take me, whether the streets of Nashua or the road to Zwedru. It is the heart of God that makes me know that the Liberian people will indeed find hope and healing in a land ravage by hopelessness. It is God's heart for us all. The heart that says, "I miss you. Just come home."
So, the reminder to me, in this final post is simply that God's heart is for all of us to be with Him...to live for Him...and to bring Him to our world. After all, He misses each one of us when we are at a distance from Him. And simply wants us to come home.
In HIS Adventure,
Pastor Geoff
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Some More Pictures- A last post is coming tomorrow
Fixing a flat along the Road to Zwedru- The children gathered to watch
Leaving for Zwedru- Geoff, Shirley, Ann and Penny
Digging the Well for the Project- Hand Dug by 3 Zwedru men- 22 feet at this point
Dan getting a ride on a motocycle taxi
John on the motocycle taxi and Tim fixing the cargo
Pakistani Solider Guarding the UN Compound next to our hotel
A Zwedru Lumberjack carrying the WaWa board
On the road to the worksite
Singing Our National Anthem on July 4th prior to our Soccer match with the local youth
Shirley and John working on the roof trusses
Penny helps a puppy
Shirley, John, Penny and Tim shopping in downtown Zwedru
A Liberian Gas Station-note the jars- only way they
can guarantee a gallon
Filling up at a Liberian Gas Station
Many of the Pastors
Emmanuel- the businessman who loaned us his internet aircard
Tom is handing out gifts to some of the works- Ellis, Cephus and Hardy
Our last picture at the Start Mart Guest House in Zwedru-July 9th
Pastor Geoff preaching at the Outreach Church in Monrovia-Sunday July 11th
Youth in Mission team- Devin, Sadie and Jennifer with Jeannette and Matthew of Liberia
Monrovia
More inner city pictures of Monrovia
Friday, July 9, 2010
Friday - July 9, 2010 -
On the Road to Zwedru
This is our last working day. We are all tired, but it has been a fantastic week. We have experienced more than we ever could have imagined prior to coming. The Liberian people are warm, giving and gracious and hard working, we have definitely learned from them this week and we are grateful for this opportunity.
Yesterday we completed the foundation walls and have only 4 or 5 support columns to pour concrete into today. So one more day for Tom up on the scaffolding. We found our extra skill blades last night and John F. should have a much easier time building at least 1 if not 2 more roof trusses. This afternoon, Penny, Shirley and Ann will leave around noon time and prepare to spend a couple of hours with the children, they will organize games, songs, and crafts. After the Pastors from all over the district are putting on a "send-off" to us. I am sure that this will be an emotional time for all. We have developed some close friendships and good-byes are always difficult.
Tomorrow we will leave hopefully by 8 AM for the "Road to Monrovia" for our 10-15 hour drive. Pray for good weather and no breakdowns.
I am not sure if we will get to post anything again, but you never know. Like everything else in Liberia being flexible and open is the key and it is possible we could get access to internet. If not we will make a last posting when we return and I will upload as many pictures as possible.
Thank you very much for following and we greatly appreciated reading your comments out loud to the group. They gave us much inspiration after our long and hard days of work. We love you all and knowing you were praying for us has been extremely uplifting. God Bless you all.
John Dionne
IN HIS ADVENTURE - LIBERIA VERSION
"Preparing for Re-entry"
When the Space Shuttle is near the completion of its mission, the news programs report, "The shuttle crew is preparing for re-entry." They than go through a process and protocol to ready themselves for their return to the world they left behind in their desire to fulfill a higher mission. Our Liberia 2010 Work and Witness Team is doing just that.
This may be the last day for our blog live from Liberia. We return the USB Modem today to Emmanuel at the local business center (a Staples of sorts but not so much). But that is just the beginning of our process. As you could tell by the pictures we have posted, leaving this world will carry with it a sense of sadness and loss. Look at the faces that are on this blog. We stare at them everyday. We see their plight. We hear their stories. We receive their hugs and handshakes (with a snap of the fingers at its conclusion). And we have joined them in a common cause of empowering the people of Zwedru to reach children who are in need of education. Families that are made up of relatives orphaned and lost by war. People carrying life threatening diseases such as typhoid and malaria, that have a common cure, but those cures are out of reach for some. We will miss this world. But just like the astronauts, we looks through the lens of our window of our journey and we see our world in a distance. It is time to come home.
So, we are preparing for re-entry. Please pray for us these last few days as we begin our journey with long goodbyes and a long ride back to Monrovia. But especially pray for these dear people who have won our hearts. I began this version of In HIS Adventure with the words that described Jesus entry on our world: "In the beginning, the Word became flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14) May our new friends here know the grace and truth of God, found in the life giving power of Jesus Christ. No doubt we have known it ourselves through the life and grace of our time here.
Preparing for re-entry.
HIS,
pastor geoff
TEAM MUSINGS
MET A LOT OF GREAT PEOPLE, HEARD LOTS OF SAD STORIES, WILL MISS THE PEOPLE OF LIBERIA BUT I REALLY MISS MY FAMILY AND AM READY TO COME HOME. HELLO TAYLOR, MOM, LISA AND MARY!!! ANN D.
I HAVE SMILED, LAUGHED,CRIED AND THANK GOD FOR ALL THAT I HAVE BACK HOME AND ALL THAT I HAVE LEARNED FROM THE HUMILITY AND GENEROSITY OF THE LIBERIAN PEOPLE. AT FIRST LOOK YOU SEE POVERTY AT IT'S WORST AND THEN YOU SEE THE THURST OF EVERY CHILD AND ADULT TO HAVE HOPE AND A BRIGHTER FUTURE. THIS TRAINING FACILITY THAT SO MANY OF YOU HAVE SUPPORTED IS SUCH A SEED OF HOPE IN THAT DIRECTION THAT WILL HAVE A
HUGE DOMINO EFFECT LONG AFTER WE LEAVE ON SATURDAY. GOD BLESS EVERYONE FOR ALL THE SUPPORT AND PRAYERS. CAN'T WAIT TO SHOW YOU PICTURES AND HELP YOU MEET THE WONDERFUL SOULS THAT HAVE TOUCHED ME DURING THIS MISSION TRIP. HOPING TO COME BACK AND TO BRING MORE OF YOU WITH ME TO MAKE ONE SMALL DIFFERENCE FOR GOD'S GLORY AND PURPOSE HERE IN LIBERIA. PENNY
GOD IS GREAT! HE IS WORKING ALL OVER THE WORLD. THERE IS A WONDERFUL PRISON MINISTRY GOING ON IN ZWEDRU, PEOPLE ARE BEING DISCIPLED AND ARE GROWING IN THE LORD. IN THE MIDST OF TREMENDOUS NEED, PEOPLE ARE TRUSTING IN GOD AND WANTING TO DO HIS WILL. I HAVE LEARNED SO MUCH FROM THESE WONDERFUL PEOPLE. THEY HAVE MADE US FEEL AT HOME IN SUCH A DIFFERENT CULTURE. I HAVE UNWILLINGLY MADE SOME CULTURAL MISTAKES, BUT BEEN LOVED ANYWAY. I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU AND TELL YOU ALL ABOUT IT. LOVE, PASTOR SHIRLEY
HAVING A GREAT TIME WORKING HARD ALONG SIDE THE ZWEDRU PEOPLE. TIM EBY HAS BEEN A JOY TO WORK WITH TOO. HE'S A GREAT MAN OF GOD, AN EXCELLENT COOK, AND DOES A WONDERFUL TARZAN IMPRESSION! THANKS FOR THE PRAYERS. I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO COMING HOME! DAN
NEVER BEEN SO TIRED, DIRTY, SWEATY, OR SORE, ALSO NEVER BEEN SO BLESSED TO BE ABLE TO SEE THE LIGHT OF CHRIST IN THE LIBERIAN PEOPLE. SO GLAD THAT I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE HERE. THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT AND PRAYERS. LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU ALL SOON. 18 HOUR RIDE TOMORROW FROM ZWEDRU BACK TO MONROVIA, THEN 26 HOURS FLYING HOME. JOHN F.
I am not looking forward to the ride from Zwedru to Monrovia - pray for a dry day. We have accomplished a great deal this week and will leave knowing we have left a small legacy in Liberia - the district center. The team of pastors will continue the work and hopefully additional funds will come to help complete the construction. The legacy of the Liberian people on the hearts and minds of our team will be the true lasting impression.
Hi Beth, Mason, and Sawyer - I miss and love you and I am on my way back to you.
Tom
This is our last working day. We are all tired, but it has been a fantastic week. We have experienced more than we ever could have imagined prior to coming. The Liberian people are warm, giving and gracious and hard working, we have definitely learned from them this week and we are grateful for this opportunity.
Yesterday we completed the foundation walls and have only 4 or 5 support columns to pour concrete into today. So one more day for Tom up on the scaffolding. We found our extra skill blades last night and John F. should have a much easier time building at least 1 if not 2 more roof trusses. This afternoon, Penny, Shirley and Ann will leave around noon time and prepare to spend a couple of hours with the children, they will organize games, songs, and crafts. After the Pastors from all over the district are putting on a "send-off" to us. I am sure that this will be an emotional time for all. We have developed some close friendships and good-byes are always difficult.
Tomorrow we will leave hopefully by 8 AM for the "Road to Monrovia" for our 10-15 hour drive. Pray for good weather and no breakdowns.
I am not sure if we will get to post anything again, but you never know. Like everything else in Liberia being flexible and open is the key and it is possible we could get access to internet. If not we will make a last posting when we return and I will upload as many pictures as possible.
Thank you very much for following and we greatly appreciated reading your comments out loud to the group. They gave us much inspiration after our long and hard days of work. We love you all and knowing you were praying for us has been extremely uplifting. God Bless you all.
John Dionne
IN HIS ADVENTURE - LIBERIA VERSION
"Preparing for Re-entry"
When the Space Shuttle is near the completion of its mission, the news programs report, "The shuttle crew is preparing for re-entry." They than go through a process and protocol to ready themselves for their return to the world they left behind in their desire to fulfill a higher mission. Our Liberia 2010 Work and Witness Team is doing just that.
This may be the last day for our blog live from Liberia. We return the USB Modem today to Emmanuel at the local business center (a Staples of sorts but not so much). But that is just the beginning of our process. As you could tell by the pictures we have posted, leaving this world will carry with it a sense of sadness and loss. Look at the faces that are on this blog. We stare at them everyday. We see their plight. We hear their stories. We receive their hugs and handshakes (with a snap of the fingers at its conclusion). And we have joined them in a common cause of empowering the people of Zwedru to reach children who are in need of education. Families that are made up of relatives orphaned and lost by war. People carrying life threatening diseases such as typhoid and malaria, that have a common cure, but those cures are out of reach for some. We will miss this world. But just like the astronauts, we looks through the lens of our window of our journey and we see our world in a distance. It is time to come home.
So, we are preparing for re-entry. Please pray for us these last few days as we begin our journey with long goodbyes and a long ride back to Monrovia. But especially pray for these dear people who have won our hearts. I began this version of In HIS Adventure with the words that described Jesus entry on our world: "In the beginning, the Word became flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14) May our new friends here know the grace and truth of God, found in the life giving power of Jesus Christ. No doubt we have known it ourselves through the life and grace of our time here.
Preparing for re-entry.
HIS,
pastor geoff
TEAM MUSINGS
MET A LOT OF GREAT PEOPLE, HEARD LOTS OF SAD STORIES, WILL MISS THE PEOPLE OF LIBERIA BUT I REALLY MISS MY FAMILY AND AM READY TO COME HOME. HELLO TAYLOR, MOM, LISA AND MARY!!! ANN D.
I HAVE SMILED, LAUGHED,CRIED AND THANK GOD FOR ALL THAT I HAVE BACK HOME AND ALL THAT I HAVE LEARNED FROM THE HUMILITY AND GENEROSITY OF THE LIBERIAN PEOPLE. AT FIRST LOOK YOU SEE POVERTY AT IT'S WORST AND THEN YOU SEE THE THURST OF EVERY CHILD AND ADULT TO HAVE HOPE AND A BRIGHTER FUTURE. THIS TRAINING FACILITY THAT SO MANY OF YOU HAVE SUPPORTED IS SUCH A SEED OF HOPE IN THAT DIRECTION THAT WILL HAVE A
HUGE DOMINO EFFECT LONG AFTER WE LEAVE ON SATURDAY. GOD BLESS EVERYONE FOR ALL THE SUPPORT AND PRAYERS. CAN'T WAIT TO SHOW YOU PICTURES AND HELP YOU MEET THE WONDERFUL SOULS THAT HAVE TOUCHED ME DURING THIS MISSION TRIP. HOPING TO COME BACK AND TO BRING MORE OF YOU WITH ME TO MAKE ONE SMALL DIFFERENCE FOR GOD'S GLORY AND PURPOSE HERE IN LIBERIA. PENNY
GOD IS GREAT! HE IS WORKING ALL OVER THE WORLD. THERE IS A WONDERFUL PRISON MINISTRY GOING ON IN ZWEDRU, PEOPLE ARE BEING DISCIPLED AND ARE GROWING IN THE LORD. IN THE MIDST OF TREMENDOUS NEED, PEOPLE ARE TRUSTING IN GOD AND WANTING TO DO HIS WILL. I HAVE LEARNED SO MUCH FROM THESE WONDERFUL PEOPLE. THEY HAVE MADE US FEEL AT HOME IN SUCH A DIFFERENT CULTURE. I HAVE UNWILLINGLY MADE SOME CULTURAL MISTAKES, BUT BEEN LOVED ANYWAY. I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU AND TELL YOU ALL ABOUT IT. LOVE, PASTOR SHIRLEY
HAVING A GREAT TIME WORKING HARD ALONG SIDE THE ZWEDRU PEOPLE. TIM EBY HAS BEEN A JOY TO WORK WITH TOO. HE'S A GREAT MAN OF GOD, AN EXCELLENT COOK, AND DOES A WONDERFUL TARZAN IMPRESSION! THANKS FOR THE PRAYERS. I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO COMING HOME! DAN
NEVER BEEN SO TIRED, DIRTY, SWEATY, OR SORE, ALSO NEVER BEEN SO BLESSED TO BE ABLE TO SEE THE LIGHT OF CHRIST IN THE LIBERIAN PEOPLE. SO GLAD THAT I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE HERE. THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT AND PRAYERS. LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU ALL SOON. 18 HOUR RIDE TOMORROW FROM ZWEDRU BACK TO MONROVIA, THEN 26 HOURS FLYING HOME. JOHN F.
I am not looking forward to the ride from Zwedru to Monrovia - pray for a dry day. We have accomplished a great deal this week and will leave knowing we have left a small legacy in Liberia - the district center. The team of pastors will continue the work and hopefully additional funds will come to help complete the construction. The legacy of the Liberian people on the hearts and minds of our team will be the true lasting impression.
Hi Beth, Mason, and Sawyer - I miss and love you and I am on my way back to you.
Tom
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Thursday, July 8th a few pictures in Zwedru
Tom pouring cement into the column forms
Shirley eating lunch during our long work days.
Pastor Augustine our Master Brick Layer
Titus singing to us during lunch
Geoff plumbing the columns
Tom and John with Enoch(left) and Tugbah(right)
Taking down the Ant Hill- Fire Ants
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Thursday, July 8th
"On the Road to Zwedru"
To further accentuate their abilities to do so much with so little. We are having several trees cut on the abutting property for wood. With just sandals on their feet and a very large chain saw they take down huge trees. Then once it is felled, they take the log and with the chain saw cut it into 1 x 10 x 15 right on site in the jungle. We watched them do it, they use no guides or any type, it is a free hand cut and it is just about perfect.
We are learning much from these people who are very friendly, welcoming and extremely hard working. They have really taken us in and they appreciate our presence and our work.
We are getting used to living in Liberia and we seem to be in a groove. Work has definitely been extremely hard but we are progressing very rapidly. Over the past few days we have almost completely finished the foundation walls out of concrete block. We have half of the columns completed and John F has designed and built his first roof truss. However, we will not be around to see the truss erected into place. If we were in the US it would be put into place with a crane, here in Zwedru, they will make use of 2 pyramid ladders (which we made here) as well as long poles and probably 15 men to lift this into place. It is too bad that we will not be around to see that, it will be a feat, but if anyone can do it is the Liberians. As we have said before they are a “can do” people. They have so little in terms of tools, equipment but they manage to do so much with so little.
Pastor Augustine continues to lead, teach, and inspire John D. (our newest brick laying professional) and Tom while laying bricks in the pit. Augustine is a quiet man of small stature – but a man of awesome strength – the strength of character one only finds in a true man of God. A man confident in who he is and at peace with himself and with the world – knowing his God is faithful. He is respected by everyone on the site – and when he yells “mortar, mortar, mortar – people move! I/we enjoy being with him and learning to lay brick under “the master” as we have affectionately nicknamed him.
In addition to the foundation, we have begun pouring the support columns. There are 20 7.5 foot high columns – they have been formed using the chain saw milled waa waa board cut on site. To fill them – Tom has been climbing the forms and dangling on the crossbeams while we lift pails of concrete up to him. Each column is filled one pail at a time. Supporting the columns has been a challenge do to the quality of wood and today we had a minor blowout – but we managed to finish 13 columns. Beth – if you’re reading this – we are glad you can’t see him up there (sorry – we are looking out for him though).
To further accentuate their abilities to do so much with so little. We are having several trees cut on the abutting property for wood. With just sandals on their feet and a very large chain saw they take down huge trees. Then once it is felled, they take the log and with the chain saw cut it into 1 x 10 x 15 right on site in the jungle. We watched them do it, they use no guides or any type, it is a free hand cut and it is just about perfect.
We are learning much from these people who are very friendly, welcoming and extremely hard working. They have really taken us in and they appreciate our presence and our work.
Many of us are making friends. Penney has become good friends with Swrobert the “well digger”. He wants to attend church and Penny has connected him to one of the youth pastors at the local church of the Nazarene. Ann and Penney have also been able to draw Moosa ( our driver) out of his shell. Despite spending 15 hours with him in the truck on the road to Zwedru, Moosa hardly said a word. It turns out that Moosa lost both of his parents during the war at a young age and he has had no education. He is now 28 years old and lives in Monrovia. He would like to learn to read, so he can read the Bible. Hopefully, we can leave him with some hope and Penny has invited him to attend church services with us on Sunday. If he comes we will connect him with the Pastor.
Another church mission located next to the site we are working on is headed by Pastor Richard who also hosts a local radio show in Zwedru from 5 AM to 7 AM. He has invited us to be on his show. So on Thursday the 8th Shirley, Penny and Pastor Galaday(one of the local Pastors who is working with us) will go on the show from 6:30 to 7 AM.
Tim Eby has been a blessing. Tim has not stopped serving us since our arrival – and does so joyfully. We have studied the fruit of the spirit this week during our devotional time and Tim has exemplified this for us. We are grateful for him and his easy going spirit.
It is now 11:40 PM and we are getting a bit tired. So I will sign off and hope to post this in the morning when upload speeds are faster.
John and Tom D.
IN HIS ADVENTURE – LIBERIA VERSION
“BULLETIN BOARDS THAT SELL IDEAS”
In the United States billboards are almost irrelevant to so many of us. We advertise everything from shiny new automobiles to resorts. Really, how essential are these signs to our existence as a nation and our peace as a people? Not essential at all. They could all go away overnight and we would not miss them and they would have minimal impact on our social and civil stability.
Liberia, however, is a world of signs that matter. The “bulletin boards” are not intended to sell the latest material desire. Instead, they are used to promote ideas. Ideas that matter.
“One People! One Nation! One Goal!”
“Country Builders Pay Their Taxes!”
Then there are signs you would never expect to see.
“Stop Rape Now!”
“Resolve Your Differences Peacefully!”
“Violence Is Not Necessary!”
These are not bulletin boards! These are signs that are intended to rewire a nation's psyche. Spending a week where the atrocities of the civil war were their worst has been enlightening. Talking with pastors who hid in the bush for two years refracts your vision. Seeing the Pavala Huts used for reconciliation (Google this to discover what they are) makes you realize how fragile peace can be.
Signs. I am not sure I will ever look at a bulletin board the same again. But more importantly, may I not take my relationships for granted again or the peace we share even in our differences.
“As much as within you lies, if it is possible, be at peace with one another, and pursue holiness.” (The Apostle Paul)
In HIS Adventure,
pastor geoff
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Tuesday, July 6th, Part 2
“On The Road to Zwedru”
Sorry for the delay in these postings. We have been extremely busy and getting access has not been easy.
This is Saturday, July 3rd, our second day of work. Things are moving along very well, the walls of the foundation are rising and we have set the rebar for the columns. The work site is a very interesting place and the locals love to come out and see us and they thank us constantly for our work. The wife of a Pastor made us lunch, a very typical Liberian meal. Rice with fish and a sauce made of palm butter and peppers, it was extremely hot. Most of us could not finish it. However, Geoff and John F not only finished it but they ate the fish eyeballs.
Probably the highlight of this work day or really the most excitement of the day was made when several local kids ran to the site looking for Ann to show them their catch. Ann had said she wanted to see a monkey. Well, a local hunter shot and killed a monkey (for food) and they brought it to show Ann and the rest of us. We were not sure of the kind of monkey but it was small. What made it more unusual was the way they presented it. The tail was passed through the back of the head and knotted through the front of the throat. The appearance at first was that it was a stuffed monkey as the tail was stiff and they carried like a purse.
Our transportation back and forth from the hotel to the job site has a been a 4-door Ford truck. However, it is out of commission. The bearings in the front wheel are shot, probably from the incredibly smooth road we took from Monrovia to Zwedru. Therefore, we hired motorcycle taxis to take us to the hotel. That was a sight, we had to pack up all our gear and we strapped 2-3 large duffle bags with 50 lbs of tools on the back and one passenger aside from the driver. The real challenge is what to do with our generator. For Liberians this is no problem at all, as they manage to pack whole families onto one bike, drag iron rebar or carry lumber and everything else. So they just strapped the generator to the back of it as well as a passenger.
What we have learned about Liberians is that they are very ingenious and they make do with whatever they have. They don’t complain, they just do. It really is incredible to watch. They live so differently than us with so much less but you would hardly know it watching them. You only notice it when you come from our background and know how much easier things are back in the USA.
We stand impressed, inspired, and humbled by their constant display of joy in having us working alongside them. Also, many of the people of Zwedru will come to the site just to see us and thank us for our hard work. They are truly appreciative of us being there and caring enough to help them. They have been extremely welcoming and gracious in their hospitality.
John Dionne
“IN A SHEPHERD’S WORD: LIBERIA EDITION”
Living in a Colorblind World
I was a young boy when I was diagnosed with colorblindness. My brother George and I compete for the worst case, but I think I won that competition. But, unfortunately, we do not live in a color blind world much of the time. Martin Luther King had it right (and I paraphrase) when he expressed his heart’s longing: “I have a dream when one day my children and grandchildren will not be judged by the color of their skin but the content of their character.” Somehow, I think we have landed in that place. No, Liberia itself is not that place. There is race and ethnic struggles. But let me tell you about what it is like in the place where colorblindness lives.
It is on a work site where men and women are doing “good work” as our Liberian friends say. Before our very eyes, a building in being erected as walls that separate many are being torn down. Together, we are building the possibility of a better world of education, leadership development and spiritual life among these people who one day were the center of the fiercest war. In this place the swords and guns are being beaten into plowshares, hammers and mason trowels.
Colorblindness lives in the churches across Zwedru. Sent out to four congregations, our team preached, testified, sang and even did push-ups. Joy! Joy! Joy! Mama Saddie dances with joy. Pastor Shirley preaches at a brand new church. Pastor Daniel Johnson, who kept the churches together during the war, declares the Gospel. Pastor Geoff speaks of hope that is larger than war, even the war within us. Drums keep the beat; smiles lighten darkened, thatch roof sanctuaries, small ebony hands touch with joy soft, white skin. Joy! Joy! Joy!
On a field they line up. It is the first and only Liberian World Cup of Soccer. The Liberian Church Youth Team against the American/Liberian Pastors and Missionaries Team. As they line up, the Americans sing the Star Spangled Banner. The Liberians sing they anthem as well. It’s the Fourth of July. Soccer. Sweat. Men and boys falling to ground. Score! You would think this was being broadcast around the world. Score! The sweat of one who is white blends with the sweat of one who is black, Score! Handshakes that end with a snap of the finger and hugs! Score! The whistle blows. 2-2 tie! All standing equal. I think I understand why soccer is the world’s game now. But wait. The ball we used is an E-Ball from the Church of the Nazarene. Its colors represent the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And missionary Tim Eby uses the ball to explain the joy and love and eternal life that is only found in Jesus. Soccer balls purchased with the funds of our church and supporters supplied. And colors are not evident on the skin of the people as he uses the colors on the skin of the ball to explain how Jesus can fill the God shaped hole within all of us, regardless of color.
Yes, we have found the place where color-blindness lives with passion. It is the place where people and Jesus meet. Individually and collectively. May it be for us all wherever we are.
In HIS Adventure,
Pastor Geoff
On The Road To Zwedru:
“I’ve got shoes on my feet….it’s all right, all right””
We arrived early on the work site hoping to complete the entire foundation of blocks, build forms for the concrete support columns, prepare the roof trusses with anti-termite juice (nasty chemicals with oil added to cut the cost), and build a 15’ tall tripod ladder to use to pour the concrete into the forms ---- an ambitious day. Geoff and Tim were not with us as they were off providing leadership instruction to a group of about 30 pastors.
We broke out the power tools today – which brought much excitement; not only because they made the work quicker – but because many of them had never used them before. John Ferreira provided training on how to use them properly. Penny and Shirley, equipped with aprons made from cut garbage bags and masking tape – coated our wood with the noxious homemade creosote – a messy job that we were all very thankful that they so joyfully accepted.
I began moving concrete blocks, hauling wood, moving more blocks, and finally laying blocks. Laying blocks is not as easy as it seems. Augustine – our “master-builder” set out all the guide lines for us – even with this it can be tedious and a bit frustrating – but we all persevered and continued. John and I were a team, and Ann and Daniel also a team – blocks blocks and more blocks
The sun was scorching hot today. My feet were aching – I took a break. As I sat on a block to remove my new $100 boots and rub my aching feet – Toobah (he is about 19 years old, weighing maybe 100 pounds soaking wet, with a serious look, but a wonderful bright friendly smile – a great kid) passed by with a wheelbarrow full to the top with mortar. I was looking right as his feet – his feet – protected only by his flip-flop sandals with a piece of plastic shopping bag used as a string to replace the broken strap…the broken strap on his flimsy drug store flip-flops….working hauling heavy block, wheelbarrows, clearing fields,…working construction in flops. Did I say my feet hurt? This was just another of many humbling moments in Liberia. Darious Rucker’s song entitled “ it’s all right” has a verse about having simple things like shoes on my feet, and a roof over my head and everything is all right. Even as simple as that sounds, the Liberians like Toobah have even less yet I got the impression that, at least with Toobah – “it’s all right, all right now”.
John completed the ladder, several of the forms, and the rest of us completed most of the foundation. Tim and Jeff arrived around 3pm – a late lunch with the team and the pastors from the leadership class. After lunch – we focused on preparing the forms for concrete – however leveling and securing 14ft plus tall forms made of waa-waa board (boards cut by chain saw) proved to be troublesome – we poured none of the support columns today – but a very productive day nonetheless.
Good news – our driver Moosa returned from Monrovia late Sunday evening with the part for the truck – and this morning driver and truck were back in business. Penny has spent much time talking with Moosa (he is not very comfortable with us yet and says very little) – and today she heard his story. This young man lost his parents in the war and has had no education. He would love to learn to read. Penny has invited him to join us for service on Sunday in Monrovia. God willing – he’ll be there. Penny’s heart continues to be poured out and into everyone she meets – she spent time with the young well digger this morning encouraging him to meet pastor Augustine and petitioning Augustine to make a space in his next class on cement work and building. That’s church building.
For a change, we had dinner at the “Florida” tonight – yes the same restaurant again. Rain showers again tonight. Tired again tonight, dirty and dusty again tonight. But – looking forward to tomorrow again tonight.
Let the adventure continue.
Tom
Sorry for the delay in these postings. We have been extremely busy and getting access has not been easy.
This is Saturday, July 3rd, our second day of work. Things are moving along very well, the walls of the foundation are rising and we have set the rebar for the columns. The work site is a very interesting place and the locals love to come out and see us and they thank us constantly for our work. The wife of a Pastor made us lunch, a very typical Liberian meal. Rice with fish and a sauce made of palm butter and peppers, it was extremely hot. Most of us could not finish it. However, Geoff and John F not only finished it but they ate the fish eyeballs.
Probably the highlight of this work day or really the most excitement of the day was made when several local kids ran to the site looking for Ann to show them their catch. Ann had said she wanted to see a monkey. Well, a local hunter shot and killed a monkey (for food) and they brought it to show Ann and the rest of us. We were not sure of the kind of monkey but it was small. What made it more unusual was the way they presented it. The tail was passed through the back of the head and knotted through the front of the throat. The appearance at first was that it was a stuffed monkey as the tail was stiff and they carried like a purse.
Our transportation back and forth from the hotel to the job site has a been a 4-door Ford truck. However, it is out of commission. The bearings in the front wheel are shot, probably from the incredibly smooth road we took from Monrovia to Zwedru. Therefore, we hired motorcycle taxis to take us to the hotel. That was a sight, we had to pack up all our gear and we strapped 2-3 large duffle bags with 50 lbs of tools on the back and one passenger aside from the driver. The real challenge is what to do with our generator. For Liberians this is no problem at all, as they manage to pack whole families onto one bike, drag iron rebar or carry lumber and everything else. So they just strapped the generator to the back of it as well as a passenger.
What we have learned about Liberians is that they are very ingenious and they make do with whatever they have. They don’t complain, they just do. It really is incredible to watch. They live so differently than us with so much less but you would hardly know it watching them. You only notice it when you come from our background and know how much easier things are back in the USA.
We stand impressed, inspired, and humbled by their constant display of joy in having us working alongside them. Also, many of the people of Zwedru will come to the site just to see us and thank us for our hard work. They are truly appreciative of us being there and caring enough to help them. They have been extremely welcoming and gracious in their hospitality.
John Dionne
“IN A SHEPHERD’S WORD: LIBERIA EDITION”
Living in a Colorblind World
I was a young boy when I was diagnosed with colorblindness. My brother George and I compete for the worst case, but I think I won that competition. But, unfortunately, we do not live in a color blind world much of the time. Martin Luther King had it right (and I paraphrase) when he expressed his heart’s longing: “I have a dream when one day my children and grandchildren will not be judged by the color of their skin but the content of their character.” Somehow, I think we have landed in that place. No, Liberia itself is not that place. There is race and ethnic struggles. But let me tell you about what it is like in the place where colorblindness lives.
It is on a work site where men and women are doing “good work” as our Liberian friends say. Before our very eyes, a building in being erected as walls that separate many are being torn down. Together, we are building the possibility of a better world of education, leadership development and spiritual life among these people who one day were the center of the fiercest war. In this place the swords and guns are being beaten into plowshares, hammers and mason trowels.
Colorblindness lives in the churches across Zwedru. Sent out to four congregations, our team preached, testified, sang and even did push-ups. Joy! Joy! Joy! Mama Saddie dances with joy. Pastor Shirley preaches at a brand new church. Pastor Daniel Johnson, who kept the churches together during the war, declares the Gospel. Pastor Geoff speaks of hope that is larger than war, even the war within us. Drums keep the beat; smiles lighten darkened, thatch roof sanctuaries, small ebony hands touch with joy soft, white skin. Joy! Joy! Joy!
On a field they line up. It is the first and only Liberian World Cup of Soccer. The Liberian Church Youth Team against the American/Liberian Pastors and Missionaries Team. As they line up, the Americans sing the Star Spangled Banner. The Liberians sing they anthem as well. It’s the Fourth of July. Soccer. Sweat. Men and boys falling to ground. Score! You would think this was being broadcast around the world. Score! The sweat of one who is white blends with the sweat of one who is black, Score! Handshakes that end with a snap of the finger and hugs! Score! The whistle blows. 2-2 tie! All standing equal. I think I understand why soccer is the world’s game now. But wait. The ball we used is an E-Ball from the Church of the Nazarene. Its colors represent the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And missionary Tim Eby uses the ball to explain the joy and love and eternal life that is only found in Jesus. Soccer balls purchased with the funds of our church and supporters supplied. And colors are not evident on the skin of the people as he uses the colors on the skin of the ball to explain how Jesus can fill the God shaped hole within all of us, regardless of color.
Yes, we have found the place where color-blindness lives with passion. It is the place where people and Jesus meet. Individually and collectively. May it be for us all wherever we are.
In HIS Adventure,
Pastor Geoff
On The Road To Zwedru:
“I’ve got shoes on my feet….it’s all right, all right””
We arrived early on the work site hoping to complete the entire foundation of blocks, build forms for the concrete support columns, prepare the roof trusses with anti-termite juice (nasty chemicals with oil added to cut the cost), and build a 15’ tall tripod ladder to use to pour the concrete into the forms ---- an ambitious day. Geoff and Tim were not with us as they were off providing leadership instruction to a group of about 30 pastors.
We broke out the power tools today – which brought much excitement; not only because they made the work quicker – but because many of them had never used them before. John Ferreira provided training on how to use them properly. Penny and Shirley, equipped with aprons made from cut garbage bags and masking tape – coated our wood with the noxious homemade creosote – a messy job that we were all very thankful that they so joyfully accepted.
I began moving concrete blocks, hauling wood, moving more blocks, and finally laying blocks. Laying blocks is not as easy as it seems. Augustine – our “master-builder” set out all the guide lines for us – even with this it can be tedious and a bit frustrating – but we all persevered and continued. John and I were a team, and Ann and Daniel also a team – blocks blocks and more blocks
The sun was scorching hot today. My feet were aching – I took a break. As I sat on a block to remove my new $100 boots and rub my aching feet – Toobah (he is about 19 years old, weighing maybe 100 pounds soaking wet, with a serious look, but a wonderful bright friendly smile – a great kid) passed by with a wheelbarrow full to the top with mortar. I was looking right as his feet – his feet – protected only by his flip-flop sandals with a piece of plastic shopping bag used as a string to replace the broken strap…the broken strap on his flimsy drug store flip-flops….working hauling heavy block, wheelbarrows, clearing fields,…working construction in flops. Did I say my feet hurt? This was just another of many humbling moments in Liberia. Darious Rucker’s song entitled “ it’s all right” has a verse about having simple things like shoes on my feet, and a roof over my head and everything is all right. Even as simple as that sounds, the Liberians like Toobah have even less yet I got the impression that, at least with Toobah – “it’s all right, all right now”.
John completed the ladder, several of the forms, and the rest of us completed most of the foundation. Tim and Jeff arrived around 3pm – a late lunch with the team and the pastors from the leadership class. After lunch – we focused on preparing the forms for concrete – however leveling and securing 14ft plus tall forms made of waa-waa board (boards cut by chain saw) proved to be troublesome – we poured none of the support columns today – but a very productive day nonetheless.
Good news – our driver Moosa returned from Monrovia late Sunday evening with the part for the truck – and this morning driver and truck were back in business. Penny has spent much time talking with Moosa (he is not very comfortable with us yet and says very little) – and today she heard his story. This young man lost his parents in the war and has had no education. He would love to learn to read. Penny has invited him to join us for service on Sunday in Monrovia. God willing – he’ll be there. Penny’s heart continues to be poured out and into everyone she meets – she spent time with the young well digger this morning encouraging him to meet pastor Augustine and petitioning Augustine to make a space in his next class on cement work and building. That’s church building.
For a change, we had dinner at the “Florida” tonight – yes the same restaurant again. Rain showers again tonight. Tired again tonight, dirty and dusty again tonight. But – looking forward to tomorrow again tonight.
Let the adventure continue.
Tom
Friday, July 2, 2010
Liberian Adventure- Volume 1
“On the Road to Zwedru”
We apologize for the disjointed nature of this post, but we were really pressed for time and upload and download speeds are poor.
We left for Liberia Tuesday the 29th around 6:15 PM after an hour delay. As a result we missed our connecting in Frankfurt to Brussels. However, we arrived and managed to get on the next flight to Brussels then onto the Ivory Coast and onto Liberia. The remainder of the flight went well. We landed at Roberts field Airport outside Monrovia around 8:15 PM and got through customs with little fanfare. We exited and immediately hit by humidity you could cut with a knife and the smells of burning wood and coal. It is the winter season and it is already dark. Despite the dark we were able to enjoy the sites of Liberia, people fill the streets and highways, walking, driving and at a crazy and chaotic pace. We arrived at St. Teresa’s Convent which was our hotel for the evening. We got to bed around 11:30 PM.
We awoke and were served breakfast. Some of us went into the city of Monrovia to shop for a few staples. After some bickering we managed to complete it and get on our way. We left the convent around 10 AM for our 10-15 hour drive to Zwedru and it was hot and humid already. We took the inner city route which took us through the Red Light of Paynesville. This is essentially a 2-3 mile market road with every vendor of every type you could think of. Cars, motorcycles and people on foot. It was the most chaotic thing we have ever experienced. It is bumper to bumper traffic with tens of thousands of people driving and walking. Kids walking up trying to sell gum, candy, roasted corn, pillows and more. Our driver just weaved in and out as fast as he could. Soon the clouds came and a heavy downpour for about 30 minutes. Most people ran for cover but not many places to go, most continued their routine. We eventually made it through the Red Light and were finally out of Monrovia and on the highway to Zwedru.
Now comes the interesting part, a very narrow 2-way road with every driver going 60-70 miles per hour weaving in and out with no signals. Actually, they honk whenever they pass. Needless to say our driver was laying on the horn the entire time. We passed through numerous villages/towns/cities they all seemed to blend into one, but the sights and sounds never changed. Children and adults filled the streets selling our begging. It was very exciting.
Though the road so far is paved it is rutted and our driver spent much of his time on the left lane just honking for the other cars to get out of his way. The pedestrian definitely does not have the right of way. After 5-6 hours of driving we eventually took our first turn and made it to a new Start-up Nazarene church which the children greeted us with excitement. We left there and darkness eventually hit and we were hit with 2 flat tires on 2 of the 3 vehicles we were driving in. At around 1 AM Friday July 2 we arrived in Zwedru. Rev. Tim Eby greeted us with semi-hot hamburgers and fries. After showing us to our rooms we crashed for the night.
Friday, July 2 we awoke to a great breakfast and to sunshine and more humidity. We started the day with another flat tire and made it to the work site around 10:30. Tim gave us the tour and we began laying block for the center.
I will try and attempt to post again this weekend. John Dionne the “Zwedru blogger”.
“IN A SHEPHERD’S WORD: LIBERIA EDITION”
God’s Humanity
Humanity. In a sea of humanity we travel. From Boston Logan, through the airports of the world, we were awash in this sea. And in that sea we have found that this mosaic comes in so many colors. Yellow, brown, fair skinned white and deep, beautiful black. And no wonder. We are God’s prize piece of artwork, hung in the galleries of the cultures of the world.
For us, we have touched this humanity, God’s humanity in the welcome of total strangers in an airport far away. The immigration woman. The drivers who transported us in the dead of night. The pastors who keep saying “Thank you” to us. Pastor David in Ganta city with a smile of joy and the children who stood and screamed with delight as we changed our second flat tire…at 9:00 PM, in a far away village on the road to Zwedru.
We have touched humanity. We have touched people. We have touched cultures. We have touched one another. And in that we have all been touched by God. That ought not to be surprised. John the Apostle describing the entry of Jesus, His redemptive invasion, into our world said this: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory.” (John 1:14) One translation says Jesus “moved into the neighborhood.” And in so doing He showed us the way to eternal life. And that is what we have done.
We have walked into the neighborhood of God’s humanity. And we will never be the same.
Next entry: IN A HOLE DIGGING FOR HOPE
In HIS Adventure,
Pastor Geoff
We apologize for the disjointed nature of this post, but we were really pressed for time and upload and download speeds are poor.
We left for Liberia Tuesday the 29th around 6:15 PM after an hour delay. As a result we missed our connecting in Frankfurt to Brussels. However, we arrived and managed to get on the next flight to Brussels then onto the Ivory Coast and onto Liberia. The remainder of the flight went well. We landed at Roberts field Airport outside Monrovia around 8:15 PM and got through customs with little fanfare. We exited and immediately hit by humidity you could cut with a knife and the smells of burning wood and coal. It is the winter season and it is already dark. Despite the dark we were able to enjoy the sites of Liberia, people fill the streets and highways, walking, driving and at a crazy and chaotic pace. We arrived at St. Teresa’s Convent which was our hotel for the evening. We got to bed around 11:30 PM.
We awoke and were served breakfast. Some of us went into the city of Monrovia to shop for a few staples. After some bickering we managed to complete it and get on our way. We left the convent around 10 AM for our 10-15 hour drive to Zwedru and it was hot and humid already. We took the inner city route which took us through the Red Light of Paynesville. This is essentially a 2-3 mile market road with every vendor of every type you could think of. Cars, motorcycles and people on foot. It was the most chaotic thing we have ever experienced. It is bumper to bumper traffic with tens of thousands of people driving and walking. Kids walking up trying to sell gum, candy, roasted corn, pillows and more. Our driver just weaved in and out as fast as he could. Soon the clouds came and a heavy downpour for about 30 minutes. Most people ran for cover but not many places to go, most continued their routine. We eventually made it through the Red Light and were finally out of Monrovia and on the highway to Zwedru.
Now comes the interesting part, a very narrow 2-way road with every driver going 60-70 miles per hour weaving in and out with no signals. Actually, they honk whenever they pass. Needless to say our driver was laying on the horn the entire time. We passed through numerous villages/towns/cities they all seemed to blend into one, but the sights and sounds never changed. Children and adults filled the streets selling our begging. It was very exciting.
Though the road so far is paved it is rutted and our driver spent much of his time on the left lane just honking for the other cars to get out of his way. The pedestrian definitely does not have the right of way. After 5-6 hours of driving we eventually took our first turn and made it to a new Start-up Nazarene church which the children greeted us with excitement. We left there and darkness eventually hit and we were hit with 2 flat tires on 2 of the 3 vehicles we were driving in. At around 1 AM Friday July 2 we arrived in Zwedru. Rev. Tim Eby greeted us with semi-hot hamburgers and fries. After showing us to our rooms we crashed for the night.
Friday, July 2 we awoke to a great breakfast and to sunshine and more humidity. We started the day with another flat tire and made it to the work site around 10:30. Tim gave us the tour and we began laying block for the center.
I will try and attempt to post again this weekend. John Dionne the “Zwedru blogger”.
“IN A SHEPHERD’S WORD: LIBERIA EDITION”
God’s Humanity
Humanity. In a sea of humanity we travel. From Boston Logan, through the airports of the world, we were awash in this sea. And in that sea we have found that this mosaic comes in so many colors. Yellow, brown, fair skinned white and deep, beautiful black. And no wonder. We are God’s prize piece of artwork, hung in the galleries of the cultures of the world.
For us, we have touched this humanity, God’s humanity in the welcome of total strangers in an airport far away. The immigration woman. The drivers who transported us in the dead of night. The pastors who keep saying “Thank you” to us. Pastor David in Ganta city with a smile of joy and the children who stood and screamed with delight as we changed our second flat tire…at 9:00 PM, in a far away village on the road to Zwedru.
We have touched humanity. We have touched people. We have touched cultures. We have touched one another. And in that we have all been touched by God. That ought not to be surprised. John the Apostle describing the entry of Jesus, His redemptive invasion, into our world said this: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory.” (John 1:14) One translation says Jesus “moved into the neighborhood.” And in so doing He showed us the way to eternal life. And that is what we have done.
We have walked into the neighborhood of God’s humanity. And we will never be the same.
Next entry: IN A HOLE DIGGING FOR HOPE
In HIS Adventure,
Pastor Geoff
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