After a memorable night of celebration and worship followed by the Liberian Team surprising us each with our own festive Liberian attire (how sweet and what a treat!) And after saying an emotional good-bye yesterday to our new family members - we have started our journey back home. We are in Accra, Ghana right now where we had an interesting overnight stay and are getting ready to go back to the airport and board our second flight of the journey to New York. Then 8 of us have a 4-5 hour lay over and flight to Atlanta.
We ask for your prayers for safe travels and smooth transitions through customs and airports. Please pray for Erin's extended travel through Sierra Leone and Paris- she has a long day couple of days ahead of her on her own. We pray for safety and that everything goes as planned while she visits her sponsored child.
And also please pray for Cathy. She is still feeling under the weather with a head cold and having 6 more take-offs/landings is not going to be helpful for her cold.
We cannot thank you enough for following our blog and praying for us while on this trip! Means so much to each of us! We love you and will see you soon! :).
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Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Our last full day...
Wow! What a wonderful last full day together! We woke up and spent the morning touring the US AID sponsored learning resource center. It was awesome! It was fun to learn about the work that is being done in Liberia via US AID. At the resource center any man, woman or child can come and study, use the internet, do research in the library, take classes, etc, all for free! It is a non profit where many men and women have dedicated themselves to educating those in the surrounding community. It is a wonderful place for James and his team to do contact work and meet kids and young adults!
We spent the afternoon walking through town and the busy marketplaces, then returning home to spend the evening with all of the Liberian YL leaders and staff. We played baseball on the beach, had dinner together and shared in worship and thoughts about the last 10 days. It was a bitter sweet evening, so happy to have had this time, but so sad to leave our brothers and sisters. We have been blessed by their love for us and their passion for reaching kids!
Philippians 1:3-6
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus!
May He be Glorified!
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We spent the afternoon walking through town and the busy marketplaces, then returning home to spend the evening with all of the Liberian YL leaders and staff. We played baseball on the beach, had dinner together and shared in worship and thoughts about the last 10 days. It was a bitter sweet evening, so happy to have had this time, but so sad to leave our brothers and sisters. We have been blessed by their love for us and their passion for reaching kids!
Philippians 1:3-6
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus!
May He be Glorified!
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Day 07 Orphanage Visits
Day 07 was a special day. It has taken me awhile to post this day because all the overwhelming emotions felt after visiting the orphanages. Coming into the trip I knew and had heard visiting the orphanages would be tough but it was above and beyond any feeling I have felt in a long long time!! We had our night share time and everyone voiced the same- its hard to explain and put into words. So many emotions overcome one - sadness because they are suffering, joy by their smiles and faith, but then guilt because you feel so helpless, anger b/c you want to scream 'WHY!? Why do they have to live with out their parents!?, and why do they have to suffer so much from hunger!? But then there is a sense of peace and comfort because they have such a strong faith and trust in God! Someone in our group asked one of the orphanage workers a question similar to (sorry can't recall the exact wording) - 'How do you provide food and who helps you feed the kids?' And the worker simply answered without hesitation- 'God provides'. Simple as that. It blew me away!!!
The kids ranged from young 2-3 year olds to 18 year olds. They each were so disciplined. They sat still and listened and followed directions when we did a Cross necklace craft with them. Emily led us all in song and dance. They were so filled with joy and each smile melted each of our hearts. It was a tough time leaving feeling we did so little but in reality we did bring them so much love and joy. We are so thankful for God bringing us here to share time with the Liberians. We are so inspired by their belief and passion for God.
After the visits to the orphanages James took us to his home village, Mount Barclay. The home he was born in was just down the road from his village's check point during the war. There was a field next to the check point where they disposed of the dead bodies. If you did not know the dialect, you did not pass and were killed on the spot. James said they would just pile the bodies on top of another in the field. It was an overwhelming feeling and very hard to grasp that this war and happenings were only a few years ago. And now the field was lush and green. And there even was a soccer goal for kids to play with now. To be able to share these stories and stand on the ground were humbling. Our generation in the US has no clue what it is like to experience war. The leaders we are with each have their stories and said they each could probably write their own books on their personal experiences. After going through such tough times they are able to laugh and crack jokes about what happened, of course they are still healing but it is ONLY God's love that allows them to heal and discuss the war. I cannot say enough how their love for Christ is AMAZING! The US team feels so blessed to have had the opportunity to come here and meet each of them!
The day ended with the US team fixing dinner for the Liberian team. We fixed burritos - there was a little improvising but hey T.I.A. (this is Africa). :). It was a great way to end the day with fellowship.
The kids ranged from young 2-3 year olds to 18 year olds. They each were so disciplined. They sat still and listened and followed directions when we did a Cross necklace craft with them. Emily led us all in song and dance. They were so filled with joy and each smile melted each of our hearts. It was a tough time leaving feeling we did so little but in reality we did bring them so much love and joy. We are so thankful for God bringing us here to share time with the Liberians. We are so inspired by their belief and passion for God.
After the visits to the orphanages James took us to his home village, Mount Barclay. The home he was born in was just down the road from his village's check point during the war. There was a field next to the check point where they disposed of the dead bodies. If you did not know the dialect, you did not pass and were killed on the spot. James said they would just pile the bodies on top of another in the field. It was an overwhelming feeling and very hard to grasp that this war and happenings were only a few years ago. And now the field was lush and green. And there even was a soccer goal for kids to play with now. To be able to share these stories and stand on the ground were humbling. Our generation in the US has no clue what it is like to experience war. The leaders we are with each have their stories and said they each could probably write their own books on their personal experiences. After going through such tough times they are able to laugh and crack jokes about what happened, of course they are still healing but it is ONLY God's love that allows them to heal and discuss the war. I cannot say enough how their love for Christ is AMAZING! The US team feels so blessed to have had the opportunity to come here and meet each of them!
The day ended with the US team fixing dinner for the Liberian team. We fixed burritos - there was a little improvising but hey T.I.A. (this is Africa). :). It was a great way to end the day with fellowship.
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Monday, August 17, 2009
Prayer Request
The team has a prayer request: First, Cathy slipped yesterday and dislocated knee cap. She is feeling better today and has gotten a X-ray done. The results came back good. Nothing is damaged, thankfully, but she still has pain and discomfort. Please pray for her healing. Also, Please pray for Cathy and Sally- both woke up today feeling ill. Please pray for healing and the ill feeling to go away so they can enjoy the rest of the trip. We have been blessed to have a healthy team for majority of the trip- we ask you to help us pray for their healing so the last couple of days are healthy for all as well.
Thank you! We love and miss you !
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Thank you! We love and miss you !
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Day 06 - Beautiful Day!
The day was filled with love and worship. We woke up to clear skies and a nice breeze. The team split up into groups to join the Liberian team leaders at their church services. What a treat for us! The Liberians have such a warm energized spirit. Their worship is filled with such passion for God. One feels so alive and free in their presence. It was definitely an inspiring experience.
After church James welcomed us to his home, then took us to see the Liberia Young Life office. When one walks into the office, you feel at home. They hold neighborhood club at this location. It is in the midst of a rough area of town and instead of being discouraged by the location (as we might be in the US), they look at it as an opportunity. The kids in that neighborhood need a positive influence the most and the leaders take on the challenge without batting an eye!
The morning was followed by a lunch buffet at a local hotel. All the leaders and work crew from the camp dined together. I can't really find the words to express how special this time was for each of us. We met the Liberian team leaders and work crew only 5 days ago and it is amazing the close bond we all have already created. Sharing life stories, dreams, and goals has really been an incredible opportunity. It was really hard to leave the leaders - they each are in our hearts forever now.
After lunch was a relaxing time back at the house - we had some down time to walk and sit on the beach, have more fellowship, and some of the guys even took a swim in the ocean.
In the evening we had a fun worship time with the Liberian team followed by them sharing stories from the war. It is very hard for one of us to imagine it was only a few years ago they were surviving day by day, starving, and fearing for their lives. The stories are mind boggling. The love and trust they have for God is so amazing and inspiring. It is only God who saved them and provided for them. That IS the only explanation.
We pray for Liberia and for continued healing and reconstruction of the country.
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After church James welcomed us to his home, then took us to see the Liberia Young Life office. When one walks into the office, you feel at home. They hold neighborhood club at this location. It is in the midst of a rough area of town and instead of being discouraged by the location (as we might be in the US), they look at it as an opportunity. The kids in that neighborhood need a positive influence the most and the leaders take on the challenge without batting an eye!
The morning was followed by a lunch buffet at a local hotel. All the leaders and work crew from the camp dined together. I can't really find the words to express how special this time was for each of us. We met the Liberian team leaders and work crew only 5 days ago and it is amazing the close bond we all have already created. Sharing life stories, dreams, and goals has really been an incredible opportunity. It was really hard to leave the leaders - they each are in our hearts forever now.
After lunch was a relaxing time back at the house - we had some down time to walk and sit on the beach, have more fellowship, and some of the guys even took a swim in the ocean.
In the evening we had a fun worship time with the Liberian team followed by them sharing stories from the war. It is very hard for one of us to imagine it was only a few years ago they were surviving day by day, starving, and fearing for their lives. The stories are mind boggling. The love and trust they have for God is so amazing and inspiring. It is only God who saved them and provided for them. That IS the only explanation.
We pray for Liberia and for continued healing and reconstruction of the country.
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Saturday, August 15, 2009
Day 05 Sports Day
Sports Day! Today was a blast! Liberia Young Life is proving that anything can happen-rain or shine:) We woke up today to a nice heavy rainfall. We all were secretly thinking - "hmmm... Great day for outdoor sports-not! How are we going to have an all sports day in this weather!?!?". But we went on to the outdoor sports/activities center. We pull up to a football (soccer) field and volleyball field completely full of standing water. As we processed the day this evening in our "highs and lows" we from the US shared how we all would,
one, not have even left the house and canceled the game,
or,
two, saw the field and left. But we're not in the US- praise the Lord we're in Liberia! James was a little hesitant, but they prayed over the football/soccer field and then started digging a hole at one end of the field to try and drain it. Yes, they began created their own drain system! We don't see that happen in the US very much, do we? And what do you know- by the time it was time to play football/soccer- the field was about 90 percent drained and ready for play! Prayer is powerful and it works!!!
What we see as obstacles Liberians see as opportunities... So many things on this trip have been a taste of young life in its purest form-after all, what's not great about playing sports in soaked puddled fields?!?!
The day was filled with energy and God's spirit. Liberians got to play baseball and American football for the first time. And we have determined playing in the puddles is definitely more fun! We all split up and played on the 6 different club teams. We rotated games- first, kickball, then basketball, American football, and football/soccer. Seeing the smiles and spirit on the kids faces was priceless. We praise God for being this joy to the yl leaders and passed onto the kids. There are so many lost and broken kids and we are so grateful for God using Young Life to be a safe home for them.
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one, not have even left the house and canceled the game,
or,
two, saw the field and left. But we're not in the US- praise the Lord we're in Liberia! James was a little hesitant, but they prayed over the football/soccer field and then started digging a hole at one end of the field to try and drain it. Yes, they began created their own drain system! We don't see that happen in the US very much, do we? And what do you know- by the time it was time to play football/soccer- the field was about 90 percent drained and ready for play! Prayer is powerful and it works!!!
What we see as obstacles Liberians see as opportunities... So many things on this trip have been a taste of young life in its purest form-after all, what's not great about playing sports in soaked puddled fields?!?!
The day was filled with energy and God's spirit. Liberians got to play baseball and American football for the first time. And we have determined playing in the puddles is definitely more fun! We all split up and played on the 6 different club teams. We rotated games- first, kickball, then basketball, American football, and football/soccer. Seeing the smiles and spirit on the kids faces was priceless. We praise God for being this joy to the yl leaders and passed onto the kids. There are so many lost and broken kids and we are so grateful for God using Young Life to be a safe home for them.
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Day 03 and 04 - CAMP DAYS!
We have had a blast the last two days interacting with the kids at camp. God was definitely present. Seeing the kid's enjoyment and continuous energy let's us know we were definitely meant to take this trip. The last two days we have washed dishes, cleaned toilets, served breakfast, lunch and dinner, held field games for the kids and even did a 'Sexy Walk' skit to show how the white work crew might not have the rythym like the Liberians. All of these activities and jobs could not happen though without the Liberian work crew's help and tremendous hard work. Interacting with the Liberian Leaders has been special. In three days we have built relationships with amazing and inspiring people. It really has been an instant bond. Their life stories have touched each of us and their passion for Christ is incredible and very inspiring. They LOVE life and have amazing spirit even though they have been through the times with having very little- our culture needs to take some lessons!!!!
The last day of camp had a energy about it that only God could provide since each of us probably only got 4-5 hours sleep the previous last two nights. The breakfast dining hall was a dance party, with James showing us some of his break dance moves. :) The spirit in the room filled one's heart!!
After breakfast there was club and 'Say So' (the part of camp where campers stand up and show the have accepted Christ in their life) 50+ kids stood up. (Out of 125 campers)HOW AWESOME!! Majority of the kids had never been to a Young Life event. AMAZING! We praise God for his work done at camp!
After camp was over we headed 'home' to our Guesthouse and James treated us to a great dinner where we reflected on the last couple of days. A fun way to end a hard days work.
Our prayer request is for God to continue to be present in these kid's life and they continue their journey with Christ. And another request is for the weather to clear up for our All-Day Sports Day. Right now it pouring!
Miss you all!!
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The last day of camp had a energy about it that only God could provide since each of us probably only got 4-5 hours sleep the previous last two nights. The breakfast dining hall was a dance party, with James showing us some of his break dance moves. :) The spirit in the room filled one's heart!!
After breakfast there was club and 'Say So' (the part of camp where campers stand up and show the have accepted Christ in their life) 50+ kids stood up. (Out of 125 campers)HOW AWESOME!! Majority of the kids had never been to a Young Life event. AMAZING! We praise God for his work done at camp!
After camp was over we headed 'home' to our Guesthouse and James treated us to a great dinner where we reflected on the last couple of days. A fun way to end a hard days work.
Our prayer request is for God to continue to be present in these kid's life and they continue their journey with Christ. And another request is for the weather to clear up for our All-Day Sports Day. Right now it pouring!
Miss you all!!
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Wednesday, August 12, 2009
1st Day of YL Liberia Camp
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1st Day of YL Liberia Camp
We ask for your prayers for the next two days of camp - that we have the strength to show the kids God's unconditional love, for whatever the weather conditions turn out to be- all activities can still happen, and for God to wrap his arms around each kid at camp and let them see the light and what life can be following Him.
We will update you more tomorrow. It has been a long day and we need out rest- we start at 6:30am tomorrow.
Blessing to you all - we can't express enough how much we appreciate your prayers.
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Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Day 01 - Will you go without knowing?
Day 01- Will you go without knowing? What a perfect subject for out first day devotion. We are learning FLEXBILITY is KEY! Being the first group to Liberia and helping with the first YL Camp in Monrovia is amazing but along with that we all have to be open to taking the planning basically hour by hour. Most all got a great nights sleep - the ocean being 150 yards away from the mission house probably helped with the sounds of the crashing waves. We are blessed to have the accommodations James has provided for us. The setting is perfect for calming the heart and letting one open up and focus on preparing for what God's has planned for the team and the camp this week in Monrovia.
After a peaceful morning of quiet time, team camp assignments, the team had a great lunch followed by a visit to the University of Liberal. What an experience!! Imagine a group of +/- 15 Christians all wearing the same red YL t-shirt roaming the campus and able to explain what YL is all about to curious students. God's work was definitely among us.
Then our day ended with a fantastic worship session among our team and the Liberal YL team leaders. The instant bond between the two groups is unreal. Relationships have definitely already bloomed and will only grow strong through the Great One above.
What a high and amazing first worship together.
As a group our prayer request is for God to go above and beyond our expectations tomorrow at the first day of camp. We pray each child will be overtaken with God's love! We ask for the energy and strength to be imitators of God these next three days of camp. - Ephesians 5:1-2
We love you and miss you!
Tune in tomorrow for the update of the first day of camp! :).
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Arriving
We've all arrived safely in Monrovia. Thanks to all those at home who are praying for us.
More updates to come.
in HIM,
Drew
More updates to come.
in HIM,
Drew
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Team Prayer Requests
Can't believe we leave for Liberia this coming Sunday! Each one of us is very excited for the trip. Here is a prayer request list the team has put together - This is just a guide, so please pray however the Lord is leading. Thanks so much for your prayers!
Before our team leaves:
· As we pack, for wisdom to bring with us the things that are most needed and will most bless the people/youth we interact with (weight restrictions severely limit what we bring)
· Provision for the youth to get to camp (finances, time, logistics, etc.)
· Hearts of youth to be opened/prepared for God's Word
· Team Unity-- many of us will not meet until August 8th, but we are bonding over the internet!
During the trip:
· That God would bring us closer to Him on this trip
· For God to be glorified to the fullest, whatever it takes
· Protection: physical, emotional, spiritual
· Team Unity; Selfless & Flexible; Good communicators; Reflect Christ in our interactions; Salt and Light; Gracious; Forgiving
· Grace to see and hear difficult things from youth and adults alike (due to civil wars)
· Ability to stay strong while coming alongside traumatized youth
· That our presence of being there would communicate the value and worth of each
student / orphan / worker / volunteer / civilian that we meet
· Details of Outreach Camps, Day Sports Camp, and Orphanage Visits to fall into place
· That the youth would be open to the Gospel and make commitments for Christ
· Interpreters / Middle Men--that they would hear and receive the message of Jesus as well
· For His strength to be perfected in our weaknesses
Prayer Request from James
· That our time together will be blessed and that our ears will be open to listen to the Lord, our eyes open to see that the Lord wants us to see and we shall follow the Lord where he directs us.
· That the 125 kids, who are coming to camp, will experience God’s love in a deeper way and that they will have the best experience ever, experience deep love and friendship from work team and leaders and that those who are led by the spirit, will make a genuine committed to follow the Lord.
· For more committed and Christ-center woman leaders for our ministry, for financial support and for leaders to listen and follow God’s call to serve young people in Liberia
· That our time together will be a blessing to all the kids we will meet and the Lord will change their lives in incredible ways.
· For outpouring of the Holy Spirit’s presence with us
· That the Lord will give us extra energy and boldness to share His word through love.
· For the Lord to prepare and equip me to shepherd Young Life in West Africa.
· That we will have good weather/and not heavy down pour of rain during our time together.
After our team returns:
· Transition back to "normal life" - (re: work, relationships, etc.) -that we let the things we have learned and seen change us in good and mighty ways upon our return
· Seeds planted with the youth would flourish and grow
· Young Life Team: strength, stamina, and vision
· James Davis is training many West Africans from other countries to bring YL to their countries. Please pray that others catch the vision and for courage to implement brand new YL Ministries.
Liberian Young Life Staff: James Davis and his team of national volunteers
Team Members: Heather, Erin, Vanessa, Sally, Mary, Emily, Stefany, Cathy, Taylor, Shelby
Team Leader: Drew
“Now to Him who is able to do IMMEASURABLY MORE THAN ALL WE ASK OR IMAGINE, according to HIS power that is at work within us, to HIM be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” -Ephesians 3:20-21
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