WE'VE MOVED!

We are excited to announce that our EMA+USA website is up and running!  Check us out at http://www.elwamausa.org/.  ELWA Palava Hut Blog is now part of that site, and you can go directly to the blog at http://www.elwamausa.org/blog/.  Hope to see you there!

ELWA ACADEMY

I attended and was one of the first seven 8th grade graduates of ELWA Academy.  You don't need to know the year --it was a while ago, OK?  Many of us thought that the Academy is no longer viable, destroyed in the war.  Praise God, this is not so!  Here is an update:  

ELWA ACADEMY

ELWA Academy's purpose is "to train the mind and character of children in preparation for life and leadership in the church and society." That purpose is accomplished through a Christ-centered educational experience, from the curriculum to the interactions of teachers with their students. The priority of the ELWA Academy is to provide affordable, quality education for families who are involved in full-time Christian ministry. 

History of the New ELWA Academy

For 5 years after the 1996 crisis in the Liberian civil war, the ELWA Academy campus sat idle.  No one swinging on the swings, no one singing praises to God in early morning devotions, no school bells ringing and children’s voices in the school yard.

The buildings had once housed a school for missionary children, but more than a decade of civil war, the school was no longer in operation.  In 2001, three local mothers asked to used the preschool building to host a childcare program for 2-3 year olds.

The children showed such benefit from the care and attention and teaching, that the parents were soon asking if the childcare could become a school.  In 2003, just months after the civil war ended, the ELWA Academy opened the Kindergarten division. In 2004, grades 1-4 were added.  Another grade was added each year so that by 2009, the Academy is  a complete preschool, elementary and junior high school, up through 9th grade.

The Need

 Prov. 3:27 Never walk away from someone who deserves help; your hand is God's hand for that person. Don't tell your neighbor, "Maybe some other time," or, "Try me tomorrow," when the money's right there in your pocket.

•  · ELWA Academy serves the staff and surrounding  community of Radio Station ELWA in Monrovia, Liberia. 
• · It is bursting at its seams with 495 students, and 33 staff
• · There are approximately 40-45 students per class
• · There is a brand new, 4 classroom building that is almost complete, needing money to finish the work.  
• · For about $150 a year, you can give a scholarship to a student who would otherwise be unable to attend school.  
• Tuition costs across Liberia have increased greatly, as as Elwa Academy.
  

EMA+USA Scholarship Fund

While working on the ELWA sign painting project in January 2007, several young boys, including Archie and Emmanuel, came by and volunteered to help. In conversing with the boys, we found out that the reason they were “free” on a school day was because they had no money for school fees, so couldn’t go to school. When the project was completed, Nancy Molenhouse went with them to their schools and paid their fees so that they could start attending school again.  This was when Nancy began to realize the desperate need for scholarships for children in the ELWA community, and the idea to start the ELWA scholarship program began. 

Currently we provide scholarships to 31 deserving students. It costs about $150 a year per student for school fees.  School fees throughout Liberia have greatly increased, making these scholarships even more critical.  Board members review the applications and select students, and the staff at ELWA coordinates with us to disburse the funds to the schools. 

CAN YOU HELP?

Prov. 11:24-25 The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller. The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped.

• · Donations for the Scholarship Fund
• · Money to complete the new building
• · School Supplies
• · Pencils, pens, crayons, paper
• · Flashcards
• · Reading books for grades 1-6
• · Dictionaries
• · Textbooks for Jr. High (biology, chemistry, physics)
• · Encyclopedias
• · Printers, computers (desktops and laptops) for student and teacher use
• · HP ink toner cartridges 51A, 51X, 13X and 12A
• · NIV Bibles for students
• · Tracts for evangelism
• · Instructional posters
• · Sporting materials (balls – playground, soccer, basketball), shoes and jerseys, preferably blue)

Principal:  Rev Benedict Nagbe

snorseo@yahoo.com

CURRENT AND UPCOMING SERVING TRIPS

A team from EMAUSA has just arrived today in Liberia -- Nancy and Jim Molenhouse, son John, daughter Katie, daughter and son-in-law Crystal and Nate Miller.  They are being joined in a couple of days by Clip Kniffin and David Parker.  Nancy and kids will stay about 10 days, the rest of the men a week longer.

During that time, they will be

·         meeting with the scholarship committee

·         putting a roof on the Suzie Guenter orphanage  classroom building

·         repairing the generators and well

·         hosting a reception for the ELWA staff

·         hosting Orphan Joy Christmas parties for several orphanages. 

We work closely with Christine Tolbert Norman through her organization REAP in our orphan outreaches, and partner with REAP in hosting Orphan Joy parties at Phebe Grey orphanage as well as Susie Guenter orphanage.  At both parties they will shared the love of Jesus through games, gifts, balloon art, stories, and special treats.

Also, be praying for these two trips coming up in the next three months, that the Lord would provide the personnel, funding, logistics, and safety to most effectively be used for His glory.

David Frazee, an electrician and ELWA MK, is going to ELWA at the end of February, in response to a need expressed by Steve Kjer.  Steve says, “I am praying for a team to go with me to rebuild the ELWA power distribution system. Power line and pole hardware has just arrived at ELWA. I am praying that the Lord would provide a team that would include at least one power lineman and at least one electrician.” 

The entire electrical grid for the ELWA compound is in desperate need of an overhauling.  David is only able to go for a week, but a contractor friend is going to be with him, checking out teaching Business and Bible teaching opportunities. 

Dan Snyder is leading a team to Liberia for our March 2010 Missions Trip, leaving March 20. They will be having nightly youth rallies (of the 3.5 m people half are 15 and younger, average age is 18) showing the "Jesus" film, and “Angel in Ebony”, the Sammie Morris story.  They will also be conducting several days of management/leadership workshops for several NGO/mission organizations and holding several days of meetings with various government officials regarding some crucial needs in Liberia and foreign involvement. 

David Jones, son of Howard O. and Wanda Jones, and Annette de la Haye Cooper, daughter of Ray and Sophie De la Haye, will be going as a part of this team. Dan Snyder says, " I believe God has anointed each of them with a powerful message of hope and healing thru a personal relationship with our Lord."

Please prayfully consider supporting these teams in prayer, financially, or joining a team.  There is a special need for electricians with David Frazee's team.

Contact information:

P.O. Box 36
Wheaton, IL  60187

jlkoci@yahoo.com

JACOB AND JUSTYN JR. TOKEH

JUSTYN SR. WRITES ABOUT JACOB

Praise the LORD for such a wonderful plan that you people have concerning the work that you people are doing here in Liberia. Well, the Tokeh Family greatly appreciates the supports that loving and caring people are giving to see young Liberians acquire quality education. The entire family is thankful to God for using all of you people in making Jacob and many other Liberian children become the kind of persons that God wants them to be.

Since Jacob got promoted to the 4th grade, he has repeatedly told his parents and even other members our family that he would like to become a Medical Doctor(MD) when he grows up. In school, he has taken keen interest in two subjects-Arithmetics and Science. He tells me that his teachers of the above subjects are making him develop more likeness for the subjects. His grades in these two subjects are always from "B+" and above.

Interestingly, at home little Jacob and few of his cousins have made their own source of continuous current by connecting used primary cells (battery) to provide light for our parcel. At times I wonder how little children like he (Jacob) and his friends got to understand and even applied some of basic concepts of electricity. It still puzzles me but I strongly believed it is all because of what God has placed in him that can be realized thru the acquisition of sound education. Indeed, he is still a kid but there seems to be a special talent or gifting that this child possesses, and when he is able to acquire the kind of education that match-up with his ambition, he will be very useful to his country and even all mankind.

Again, our family wholeheartedly appreciates all that God is doing thru you people to bring His divine plan and purpose to fruition for little Jacob and the rest of the children you people are supporting thru this scholarship program. May God richly bless u all for being a blessing in the live of one of His hand-made.


JUSTYN JR.



I thank God for this time to be able to express to you all something that the LORD has laid on my heart to appeal to you all for. I hope that this communication finds you all in good health as I trust.

Well, as you may be aware, I am now completing my studies at the University Of Liberia. I have desired to get into a computer school to adequately equip myself with computer skills which will place me in a better position for the job market in Liberia and even our global village. In my quest to see my dream become a reality, I was able to ask a couple from US (that came on some missionary work and I worked for at a school that they operated) for a laptop and they did send it thru EMS (a Liberian courier entity) in August 2009. Very unfortunately for me, this laptop has not reached me up to present. I believe it has gotten stolen in the mail.

However, when i learned thru the recent email from Nancy that they will be making a trip to Liberia in early January 2010, I have decided to appeal to all of you people to please assist me in getting one used laptop that I could be able to repay for when they come to Liberia. I have saved about US $ 250.00 for this purpose. I hope that all of you will please consider this seriously for me. I seek to empower myself in order to help myself, family and even others.

I hope to hear from you people soon. Good day and God Bless!

Justyn, Jr

EMA Scholarhips Help the Tokehs

Today and tomorrow, I'm getting you acquainted with a very special family to us.  We are so happy that we have been able to help them with EMA/USA Scholarships, thanks to people like you with generous hearts.   

Jeremiah 29:11...God has a plan for the Tokehs; plans for their welfare and not calamity, to give them a future and a hope... 

Justyn Tokeh – Justyn was our wonderful cook, a LONG time ago when we were kids.  He was a huge help and blessing to our family when we lived in Liberia.  He made the best bread, sweet rolls and gingersnaps! You might remember him as John Johnnie.  He lives across the road from ELWA, is married and has 9 children!  He’s managed to educate his family, and is living for the Lord, and active in church ministry.  Justyn has shown much love and responsibility for his own family and also for his neighbors and others in need and we thank God for him. 

When we visited his home, I noticed other villagers coming to the back of his compound with 5 gallon containers.  Justyn told me he paid to have a well drilled, and allows everyone to help themselves.  He truly loves the Lord, his family, and his neighbors who desperately need clean water.  

This month he sent a letter to Mom and Dad, regarding the EMAUSA scholarship his son Jacob had received.

Dear Oldma and Oldpa,

Once more it brings great joy to me for a time to reflect on the unconditional LOVE that our Almighty God demonstrated by sending His only Son just to restore mankind unto Him.

The year 2009 that is coming to a close has been a time of challenges and opportunities. It has brought forth time of real testing of our faith as a family. As an example, when the last academic year at ELWA Academy ended and I was thinking whether my little son Jacob was still going to be on the scholarship, it was a time of challenge for me as the Academy made a significant increment in their school fees. I was confused because I never wanted my little boy to quit school.

Well, to God be the Glory as all is fine in terms of Jacob and even the rest of the children schooling. As I usually tell you and most people that have been of blessing to my family, the only true gift or property that I can offer my children is their EDUCATION. So, to all of you people who have made it possible for my children to continue their schooling I say a very BIG THANK-U.

Just as God did sent us His only Son  as gift of salvation for the entire Human Race, you and many others who for this whole year have been keeping and continues to keep us in your prayers have in an proportional manner reminded us of the unconditional love that God made perfect thru the sending of Jesus Christ. And this is the essence of our celebration of Christmas. It wonderful to note these truths and even reflect upon them each time we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Justyn Jr. extends season’s greetings. He has asked me to inform you that as he draws to a close of his studies at the University of Liberia, your entire family has been of great help in many ways and for this he says thank-you ever so much. However, he still appreciates your concerns and prayers especially as he looks into the future.

As I close let me say many thanks to you all for your prayers and concerns for the Tokehs. We love you all and wish you all MERRY, MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HOPEFUL NEW YEAR - 2010!!!

Justyn Tokeh, Sr

More about Jacob and Justyn Jr. tomorrow.  If you would like to help children and families like the Tokehs, send your tax-deductible gift to EMA/USA, P.O. Box 36, Wheaton, IL  60187.

Christmas Joy Orphan Gifts

Prov. 11:24-25 The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller. The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped.

A BIG "Thank You" to all of you who helped provide gift bags to share with Liberian Orphans! We were overwhelmed with the support. Nancy Molenhouse was asked by Christine Norman of REAP http://www.reapliberia.org/ to provide 100-200 gift bags for some of the orphanages that she oversees. Nancy wasn't sure if she could get that many, and put the word out. Neighbors and friends from church kept dropping things off, sometimes just leaving them on our porch, so I'm not even sure who all helped, but thanks so much!

Then I got word that Joelle's 9th grade class at Christian Heritage Academy in Northfield, IL, wanted to undertake putting together all 200 bags! What an incredible out-pouring of generosity and love. Check them out at http://www.christianheritage.org/420151.ihtml#h_3329.

Nancy will be able to take all of the bags, and extend the project to benefit additional orphanages.  I found a YouTube video about one of the orphanages, Phebe Grey, done by another mission organization.  It will take you there, and you can visualize the children receiving their gifts.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvKRmjiuq0o

In addition to the bags, we asked for reading glasses for the many Liberians who can no longer read regular sized print.  We received about 50 pair, the majority coming from Diane Raup and Anita Baker.

We are so honored to have generous, caring friends like you.  You are indeed the hand of Christ to these precious Liberians.  Nancy and team leave Dec. 31, 2009 for Liberia.  Please be praying for them, that the travel will be uncomplicated, that weight allowance issues be resolved, that their ministry will be fruitful, and that they will be a blessing.  The team will also be assisting in well and generator repairs, a roofing project, etc.  Perhaps someday, YOU could join a team and go as well! 

Climate Change

In honor of the Copenhagen climate conference, I thought I'd share my experience of just how far the tentacles of the climate dogma had reached.

Porter at Robertsfield

As we were landing at dusk, I was excited to see the ocean on our approach.  Rolling waves, endless white beach, wet sand.  I realized that we had approach before!  Then the plane banked, and headed out to the ocean as the pilot came on and said, “As you noticed, we’re not landing right now.  There’s a thunderstorm right over the airport, so we’re going to circle over the ocean for 15 minutes.”  That’s right – it was WET sand I saw.  A thunderstorm?  In January during the middle of dry season? 

Sure enough, it stopped, we landed, and an hour and a half later we were done with immigration, customs, and locating all 18 pieces of our checked luggage.  As we went outside in the warm muggy night, I asked a porter about the rain.  “It’s been raining for a week”, he said.  “Climate change!”

The entire exchange reminds me of Job, and I am reminded of who God is, and His power and might, compared to me.

Job 38:  Then the LORD answered Job from the whirlwind:  "Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words?  Brace yourself, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.

 "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much.  Do you know how its dimensions were determined and who did the surveying?  What supports its foundations, and who laid its cornerstone as the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?

"Who defined the boundaries of the sea as it burst from the womb, and as I clothed it with clouds and thick darkness?  For I locked it behind barred gates, limiting its shores.  I said, 'Thus far and no farther will you come. Here your proud waves must stop!' 

 

 "Have you ever commanded the morning to appear and caused the dawn to rise in the east?  Have you ever told the daylight to spread to the ends of the earth, to bring an end to the night's wickedness?  For the features of the earth take shape as the light approaches, and the dawn is robed in red. The light disturbs the haunts of the wicked, and it stops the arm that is raised in violence.   

"Have you explored the springs from which the seas come? Have you walked about and explored their depths?  Do you know where the gates of death are located? Have you seen the gates of utter gloom?  Do you realize the extent of the earth? Tell me about it if you know!

 "Where does the light come from, and where does the darkness go?  Can you take it to its home? Do you know how to get there?  But of course you know all this! For you were born before it was all created, and you are so very experienced! "Have you visited the treasuries of the snow? Have you seen where the hail is made and stored?  I have reserved it for the time of trouble, for the day of battle and war.  Where is the path to the origin of light? Where is the home of the east wind? "Who created a channel for the torrents of rain? Who laid out the path for the lightning?

 Who makes the rain fall on barren land, in a desert where no one lives?  Who sends the rain that satisfies the parched ground and makes the tender grass spring up?  "Does the rain have a father? Where does dew come from?  Who is the mother of the ice? Who gives birth to the frost from the heavens?  For the water turns to ice as hard as rock, and the surface of the water freezes.

 "Can you hold back the movements of the stars? Are you able to restrain the Pleiades or Orion?  Can you ensure the proper sequence of the seasons or guide the constellation of the Bear with her cubs across the heavens?  Do you know the laws of the universe and how God rules the earth?   

"Can you shout to the clouds and make it rain?  Can you make lightning appear and cause it to strike as you direct it?  Who gives intuition and instinct?  Who is wise enough to count all the clouds? Who can tilt the water jars of heaven, turning the dry dust to clumps of mud?  "Can you stalk prey for a lioness and satisfy the young lions' appetites as they lie in their dens or crouch in the thicket?  Who provides food for the ravens when their young cry out to God as they wander about in hunger?

Job 40 1-5 Then the LORD said to Job, "Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God's critic, but do you have the answers?" Then Job replied to the LORD, "I am nothing – how could I ever find the answers? I will put my hand over my mouth in silence.  I have said too much already. I have nothing more to say."