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."

From time to time, I'd like to introduce you to some of the people who touched our lives. I hope they touch yours too.

Psalm 118: 18 "Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law."

William

William was our houseman/inside security guard/finder of the toilet paper, etc. He is short, age unknown, face telling of stories never spoken. When not busy, we found him in the old red velvet odd-shaped chair tucked in the corner of the dining area. I went to see what he was doing, and he was reading a 2”x2” white pamphlet with a handful of scriptures. No, he didn’t have a Bible, but he spent hours rereading the few verses he had. Out of my mouth popped, “Do you want to be a pastor?” “Yes!” I could hear the fervor in his voice, and see the longing in his eyes. Tyndale had donated some Bibles that had been sent to the troops. It was the entire Bible, small, and the type was tiny. Regretfully, William said that he couldn’t read that. His eyes were bad, a refrain we heard repeatedly, and needed reading glasses. (Maybe the next trip we’ll bring some from Wheaton Eye Clinic?) I couldn’t find any large-print materials on one of the 4 big tables in the huge living room where we had piles of all of the donations, clothes and print materials. I went to our room, hoping that something had packed itself. And it had. Bob had thrown in his Mom’s brand new leather study Bible. She’s got Alzheimer’s, and is in a nursing home and can’t use it anymore. I waited until Bob came back from his favorite spot in Liberia, the orphanage, and asked if William could have it. “Sure!” He said. When I presented it to William, he was overwhelmed. A wide smile split his face, and can a very dark-skinned man glow? In the days that followed, William was no longer on the red chair, but on the back porch with another young man, reading and teaching the Word. Yes! Another offering had hit its mark!

William's story about poor eyesight hampering the reading of regular Bibles was repeated over and over again. In response to that, we are collecting reading glasses to send with Nancy and the team this month. If you have any that you'd like to donate, you can send it to EMA/USA, P.O. Box 36, Wheaton, IL 60126

Happy Birthday Joelle

Today is my daughter Joelle's 15th birthday. What a joy she has brought to our family! This last January, she joined Bob and I and the rest of the team on our trip to Liberia. I wondered how she would respond, how she would adapt, if the stories she had heard from birth matched up with what she experienced. She is not a "port'o'potty" kind of girl, and conditions would be primitive by her standards -- toilets flushed with a bucket of water, no electricity, no refrigerator, only Liberian food, lots of bugs including fire ants, etc.

The first night, as I lay exhausted from the day long trip, desperate to quickly fall asleep, I heard a shriek from the room next to us, where Joelle and Katie, her cousin were staying. Too tired to move, I sent Bob to investigate -- a sand crab in the corner of their room! But that was pretty much the worst of the trip.

The rest of the time, she embraced the Liberians, and especially the young people. She and Katie enjoyed meeting, talking and getting to know many of the Liberians, and enjoyed distributing the clothes and swim goggles we had brought. She and Katie witness to several kids on the beach, and spent extended time with Vashti, a young 12 year old girl, and Barbara, and young mom with an infant and a toddler.


The highlight for me, though was to see her serving at the Orphan Retreat we put on for 50 teen girls. She took charge of one of the crafts, finger knitting, and taught so many of the girls! And then, during one of my lessons, I asked if she would sing. Without complaining or embarrassment, she belted out "I am a Promise" to the astonishment of us all! It was the first time I'd heard her sing in public. I can't wait to go back with her, and I know she feels the same way. I am so proud of her, and blessed to be her mom.

Happy Birthday, honey -- I love you!

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.
1 Thessalonians 3:12

ELWA Ministries USA

God bless you for giving to the poor. (Isaiah 58:6-12)

Earlier this past year, a group of us formed a new ministry, ELWA Ministries USA, or EMA+USA. It is a non-profit charitable organization incorporated in the State of Illinois for the purpose of assisting Radio Station ELWA in Liberia with its religious, educational and charitable goals in service to the people of Liberia.

ELWA has been serving the Liberian people on this campus on the outskirts of Monrovia for 55 years through their radio, medical and educational ministries.

Our purpose is to serve as a vehicle to raise, collect and disburse funds to meet the educational, medical and broadcasting needs of ELWA and the Liberian community in general. We have been and hope to continue to be supported by our ELWA Extended Family, former missionaries and missionary families, and others whose lives have been touched and moved by the ministry of ELWA, as well as people who have a heart for ELWA and the people of Liberia.

Nancy Molenhouse has written the following about their upcoming trip to Liberia the end of this month.

To you and me, water is the norm, something taken for granted. In a developing country such as Liberia, clean water is a challenge every day for most of the population. Education also continues to be a problem as the few government run schools in Liberia are extremely overcrowded. Private schools have recently raised their tuition fees in order to pay to improve the quality of education, but at the same time causing families to be unable to pay for their children’s education.

EMA+USA takes these challenges seriously, and we are partnering with organizations in Liberia in order to help in the rebuilding process following Liberia’s brutal 14-year civil war. In January of this year, our team worked on the project of digging a well at the Susie Guenter Orphanage and installed a “first in Liberia” merry-go-round well pump and water storage tank, which now provides the orphanage with clean water for drinking, cooking and bathing. The ELWA Scholarship Program was also begun in January and we currently have 31 students who are enrolled in school through this program, with more students on a waiting list.

(Judy) Currently, we need $800.00 by January to fund the next semester of school for our 31 scholarship students. It takes about $150 a year to support each student, who would otherwise be unable to get any sort of education.)

Ninth grader Emmanuel Blackie (nephew of Blackie, the carpenter who worked alongside Elzworth Balzer for so many years), says, "If I did not have a scholarship for school, I will pray to God so He can get me back in school". Emmanuel wants to be a science student in college and become a medical doctor.

We have a team of nine traveling to Liberia in January 2010. Some of the projects we will be working on are:

putting a roof on the new school building at the Susie Guenter Orphanage
doing repairs and upkeep on the well pump
repairing equipment at ELWA
meeting with the scholarship committee.

We would appreciate your prayers for the team as we travel and minister through the various projects. The team has personally covered their travel expenses, but funding for the projects is still needed. Tax-deductible gifts may be sent to


EMA/USA
PO Box 36
Wheaton, IL 60187-0036.

Thank you for your prayers and may God’s richest blessings be yours.

Serving Him,


Nancy Molenhouse

P.S. The EMA+USA website is scheduled to be up and running soon, so stay tuned!


If God is leading you, we would love for you to partner with us, spiritually in prayer and financially. EMA/USA received approval as a 501(c) (3) tax-exempt organization on April 3, 2009. All contributions made to EMA/USA are exempt from federal income taxes.

Liberian Christmas Carols

"Green, Green Christmas" was written by our beloved, Aunt Clara Letitia Blaine-Wilson. She was a well-known storyteller on Radio Station ELWA, and we all loved to hear her Spider stories, prefaced by "Once upon a time..." Her audience then had to chorus "TIME" before she would continue. She was so well-regarded in Liberia, that she was given a state funeral upon her death in 1979.

Aunt Clara was returning from a wintery trip to the US, and on the plane back home, penned her longing for home in this classic song. Those of us who were privileged to know her can vividly remember her sitting in front of us in her white dress, singing this, complete with motions. It wasn't Christmas until "Green Christmas" was sung, and it still isn't!  Her story about writing it http://k003.kiwi6.com/hotlink/31v56i25x1/how_aunt_clara_wrote_green_green_christmas_06_elwa_jubilee_audio_archives_volume_2.wma  and part of the song  with Arn Lueders on the guitar http://k003.kiwi6.com/hotlink/n4yql0k6wr/green_green_christmas_05_elwa_jubilee_audio_archives_volume_2.wma has been saved on the ELWA Archives CD's, disc 2.


GREEN, GREEN CHRISTMAS BY AUNT CLARA BLAINE WILSON


Some folks like a cold, cold Christmas
With a lot of ice and snow.
So they put on their coats and sweaters
And away, away they go.

Chorus:
But I don't like it cold (oh no)!
Don't like to walk on ice and snow.
I like a green, green Christmas
With fresh green everywhere!
Green grass, green bushes--
Flowers blooming here and there.
Green trees, green palms
A-waving in the air! (bum, bum, bum)
I like a green, green Christmas
With fresh green everywhere.
Fresh green a-waving
To greet the infant King.

Verse 2
Bright angels told the story
While the green palms waved and waved:
Christ was born in Bethlehem's stable
And on fresh green hay was laid.

Chorus


Wise men came from the east
For to worship at his feet;
Presented gifts of gold, myrrh, frankincense
And anointed Him King of Kings.
Chorus


John Schindler, of John Schindler Ministries, has recorded the song on a CD of the same name. You can listen to a bit of it at or order it at
http://www.johnschindler.com/ .



I'm not sure who adapted the "12 Days of Christmas" for Liberia, but here it is!


TWELVE DAYS OF KRISSIMAH


On the first day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
A rice bird in a palm tree!

On the second day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
2 palaver Huts,
And a rice bird in a palm tree!

On the third day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
3 Vai hats,
2 palaver Huts,
And a rice bird in a palm tree!

On the fourth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
4 pawpaw pies,
3 Vai hats,
2 palaver Huts,
And a rice bird in a palm tree!

On the fifth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
5 gold v-rings,
4 pawpaw pies,
3 Vai hats,
2 palaver Huts,
And a rice bird in a palm tree!

On the sixth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
6 bowls of fufu,
5 gold v-rings,
4 pawpaw pies,
3 Vai hats,
2 palaver Huts,
And a rice bird in a palm tree!

On the seventh day of Christmas,
7 jars of palm oil,
6 bowls of fufu,
5 gold v-rings,
4 pawpaw pies,
3 Vai hats,
2 palaver Huts,
And a rice bird in a palm tree!

On the eighth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
8 money buses,
7 jars of palm oil,
6 bowls of fufu,
5 gold v-rings,
4 pawpaw pies,
3 Vai hats,
2 palaver Huts,
And a rice bird in a palm tree!

On the ninth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
9 gourds a shaking,
8 money buses,
7 jars of palm oil,
6 bowls of fufu,
5 gold v-rings,
4 pawpaw pies,
3 Vai hats,
2 palaver Huts,
And a rice bird in a palm tree!

On the tenth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
10 lovely lapas,
9 gourds a shaking,
8 money buses,
7 jars of palm oil,
6 bowls of fufu,
5 gold v-rings,
4 pawpaw pies,
3 Vai hats,
2 palaver Huts,
And a rice bird in a palm tree!

On the eleventh day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
11 drummers drumming,
10 lovely lapas,
9 gourds a shaking,
8 money buses,
7 jars of palm oil,
6 bowls of fufu,
5 gold v-rings,
4 pawpaw pies,
3 Vai hats,
2 palaver Huts,
And a rice bird in a palm tree!

On the twelfth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
12 country dancers,
11 drummers drumming,
10 lovely lapas,
9 gourds a shaking,
8 money buses,
7 jars of palm oil,
6 bowls of fufu,
5 gold v-rings,
4 pawpaw pies,
3 Vai hats,
2 palaver Huts,
And a rice bird in a palm tree!

PALAVA HUT

Colossians 4:6 Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.

You may be wondering, “What is a Palava Hut?” In Liberia, a palava hut (or palaver hut) is the town’s meeting place. It is a place where guests are welcome, differences are settled, issues are resolved, and communication takes place.

The word, “palaver”, used as a verb, basically means “to communicate”. Palaver is not an African word, but comes from Pidgin English (which brought words from French and Portuguese). Palaver comes from “parlez vous”, and is used in the Far East as well. It can mean idle talk, or to gain insight from open discussion. In Liberia, a palaver is often a disagreement, but at its core, it describes two or more people acting together.

In many tribal villages, the only building other than dwellings is the “palaver hut,” which serves as the town hall for resolving issues. In the cities, the palaver hut has been used decoratively, somewhat like a gazebo, and symbolically as describing a town-hall type event.

The palaver hut is usually, but not always, a circular structure constructed of clay and bamboo or wood with a high roof made of thatch supported by posts. Its wall is only waist-high so that those standing outside can see and hear as well as those seated inside. That way, no one is left out. The elders of the town sit and discuss or “palaver” village concerns, as well as acting as a court for disputes. It is the center of village life, and drums, hammocks, and hunting trophies are often found. It is a place to settle differences, and also is the place where guests are welcome.

Blogs are the 21st century palava huts. The ELWA Palava Hut is a perfect name for a place for a dialogue about Liberia, and ELWA and its community in particular. Everyone can be heard, and visitors are welcome. Join us as we celebrate our heritage, and hope for the future.

Isaiah 1:18
“Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.

I Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Loma Christmas Chant

David Naff, author of "Stories From West Africa" has included this Christmas chant from the Loma tribe in Liberia. I hope it will inspire and bless you as it did me.


THOUGHTS FOR CHRISTMAS

Loma Tribal Chant from Liberia

Whoever on the night of the
Celebration of the birth of Christ
Carries warm water and a sleeping mat
for a weary stranger,
Gives wood from his own fire
to a helpless neighbor,
Takes medicine to one sick with malaria,
Brings words of peace
to one who is bound with fear,
Gives food to children
who are thin and hungry,
Provides a torch for a traveler in the forest,
Sings a new song
for the young people dancing under the stars,
Visits a timid friend
who would like to know about Christ.
Whoever does these things
Will receive gifts of happiness
He will have peace as one whose rice harvest is great,
And who hears his neighbors
praise the exploits of his youth.
So will you receive happiness
If you do these acts of love and service
On the night of the celebration of Christmas,
The birth of Christ.

www.vernacularmedia.org
Attribute to David Naff

You can find more of David Naff's stories at http://www.vernacularmedia.org/index.php/West_Africa_Stories_%28Naff%29_-_downloads

James 2:14-18
Dear brothers and sisters, what's the use of saying you have faith if you don't prove it by your actions? That kind of faith can't save anyone. Suppose you see a brother or sister who needs food or clothing, and you say, "Well, good-bye and God bless you; stay warm and eat well" ? but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, it isn't enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn't show itself by good deeds is no faith at all ? it is dead and useless. Now someone may argue, "Some people have faith; others have good deeds." I say, "I can't see your faith if you don't have good deeds, but I will show you my faith through my good deeds."

Changes

January 2006 – It was finally happening…after 27 years, I was returning home—to Liberia, to old friends, to ELWA, to the beach. And I wondered, would it still feel like home? Would we be remembered? What long-dormant memories would be triggered? And what would the country be like after a 14 year old civil war, some of it fought right on the radio compound?

Arriving late at night, the road from the airport was pitch black, with an occasional dim kerosene light showing through a hut or a shack. No electricity in the whole country – no traffic lights, no air conditioning, no running water, no sewer, except for the few with generators. Remnants of the war were everywhere – bullet holes, bombed out buildings with squatters living in them.
Daylight revealed more changes. The studio building and several houses were gone, rocketed and destroyed. Buildings left standing were mildewed and decayed. Fields needed mowing (no tractor) and roads needed grading. The bush was overgrown (providing cover for the many rogues), security walls topped with broken bottles and razor wire surrounded the school, hospital and studio, bullet holes telling the stories. Military check points and UN presence was everywhere, even at ELWA. Each time a UN helicopter flew over us, I was startled. There were huge termite hills everywhere, and tiny pesky fire ants had moved in everywhere, attracted by the deaths at the station, we were told. The graceful palms were all gone, cut down for food. Rogues were a huge and growing problem. “Don’t stay in Monrovia after 5:00 p.m.”, we were repeatedly warned.

And yet, there was a hum of activity and anticipation of better things to come. Road repairs and painting projects were preparing for the Inauguration. Lack of running water created entrepreneurs selling bottled water. No electricity, but everyone seemed to have cell phones! And internet cafes were all over the place!

Everyone had a harrowing story of loss and survival, and still they had tremendous joy and faith and trust in God. Most people barely existed, and yet they generously cooked and brought food for us every day. There were orphans and orphanages everywhere, and I was struck by the love and care of the staff at Phebe Grey and Susie Guenter orphanages. A Ghanaian house parent, Edmund, told of four three-year olds who had just been transferred from another orphanage that had closed, and how they cried all day, every day for two weeks. He said that he slept every night with all four wrapped in his arms to comfort them.

Time after time, I was overcome with emotions of loss that I had long buried. I had no idea of just how much I had missed this place, and deeply regretted having to leave. There was tremendous grief for what our friends and the country had had to endure.

I sat, trying to understand the emotional roller coaster, and I found myself looking at the big rock in front of our old house – the rock whose 30 year old picture is on my screen saver. It was exactly the same – it had not changed a bit. …“Hear my cry oh God, listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth will I cry unto you. When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Psalm 61 immediately came to my mind. Yes God, You haven’t changed!

“I wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.” (Psalm 62: 5-8)

Encouraged, I looked further. “Do not tremble; do not be afraid. Have I not proclaimed from ages past what my purposes are for you? You are my witnesses – is there any other God? No! There is no other Rock – not one!" (Isa. 44:8)

This was the perspective I needed! This was the truth that sustained the Liberians. Our worlds will always be buffeted by changes, but we must keep our focus on Him! The rest of the visit, I was able to look at the changes through a new lens. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and FOREVER!” (Heb. 13:8) Amen!

PEPPER BIRD SPEAKS

For the first time in 27 years, I had been lulled to sleep by the crashing waves of my favorite ocean, and the booms and pelting rain that only West Africa can bring. Better than Ambien! We, my siblings and I, (a group of 15 including some spouses and children) were home –ELWA, Monrovia, Liberia. We had left a lifetime ago, not knowing if we’d ever return, and yet here we were. It was January 2006, momentous not only for our return, but we were also on the cusp of the Inauguration of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, first woman president of an African country, the hope and future of war-torn Liberia. My parents, Bill and Betty Thompson, had made the return earlier, as had my sister Nancy Molenhouse and her family, but Bill, Brian, Sally, Meanu and I were beyond excitement, yet exhausted from the journey.

I bolted awake that first morning, awakened by a long-buried birdsong – the Pepper Bird! How did I know that was what was that early alarm? Long-buried memory remembered. The Pepper Bird is the national bird of Liberia, named because of its primary diet of wild peppers. Also called the Garden Bulbul, its melodic alarm call arouses and awakens the community early in the morning. As I bounded out of bed to see my home in the daylight, I didn’t then know that I was also being aroused to a new focus, a new mission, and new heartbeat. Liberia still had my heart, which wept for the suffering and devastation of the last 14 years, and I wanted to do my small part to help restore some hope and healing to my beloved home.

Pepper Bird Legend

"When the sun drops behind the trees, Old Father Night steals through the 'softly softly trails' of the jungle, and gathers all his tired children in his arms. In that soft embrace, they rest content, secure from toil and trouble. Old Father Night comforts them with happy dreams that seem to have no end. But there is Father Day who claims these children also. As the sun rises with each new dawn, Mr. Pepper Bird perches on Old Father Night's shoulder, and tells him that he must return the people to Father Day. Old Father Night cannot bear to fire up his people to the burdens and torment of Father Day, so he holds his children tighter and pretends not to hear. Pepper Bird shrieks louder and louder."
“‘Father Night, Father Night, - get up, here's Father Day.' He yells and calls until Old Father Night opens one eye, 'small small,' and sees Mr. Sun glaring at him; then he knows he cannot pretend any longer, and hands over his beloved African children to Father Day."