"There's no place like Home"

We made it home from Liberia! I have so much to share with you... expect many posts over the next few days, weeks, maybe even years ;-)

I've never seen such abject poverty before in my life. Even our little apartment is shockingly glamourous in Liberian standards. Electricity? Running water? Nutritious food? It's unheard of there. Even the Bishop of Liberia only has electricity a few hours a day and no flush toilets (I know because we got to visit his house! wee!!)

A woman bathing her child outside our "hotel"

But even in their poverty, these are the happiest, most spiritual people I have ever met. I was shocked by their level of joy. We prayed, we marched, we danced, we sang... we even clapped our hands for Jesus! The children especially were fountains of hope. They were so excited to hold our hands and show us our houses. Every moment was a game. Their favorite game was for us to take their picture then turn the camera around and show them. Many have never seen their own faces except reflected in the river.

Circle Game in Salala

Praise be to the Lord! Our mission was beyond what one would consider "successful." Out of our three missionary crusades, we had results that made my heart sing for joy:

• In Salala, over 100 people came to faith in Jesus. 34 were baptized during the crusade and another 20 requested further instruction.


• In Totota, 39 souls were baptized and 147 names were given for follow-up.


• In Rubber Camp #7, 44 people were baptized. During the Celebration Service, local men volunteered their homes and services to help during the construction of the new church start and provide for the new (non-salaried) pastor.

Oh my goodness, I have so much I could share with you. My heart is just so excited and full of hope and ideas. Thank you so much for your prayers while we were gone! More tomorrow... now it is time to sleep!

Our "son" Tonia. We are sponsoring his school fees.