Clip continues his report with the highlight of his trip.
On my third mission trip back to Liberia in the past three years, once again I wrestled with the question of how I could contact a student from my Peace Corps days. It was in the mid-1960s that I had taught part of 2nd grade, all of 3rd grade and part of 4th grade to the same class of students for two years in Old Kru Town, a section of Monrovia at a time when the City was smaller and far less congested.
As I lay in bed pondering this question, the solution struck me: why not just go on ELWA Radio and give the names of the students? So, that Monday morning I marched over to the radio station on the ELWA campus and spoke with Moses Nyantee and asked if I could go on the radio to give the names of these students. He said: No problem - we could do it this evening in an interview with the radio announcer. So, that evening Steve Debleh interviewed me. I rattled off the names of 10 of my students. After the interview I felt that it was worth a try and didn't give it much more thought.
The next morning the coolest thing happened. Someone had called the station to say that they knew one of my students. Perry from the radio station called Angeline Nyante, my former student, and then he gave me the phone number for her. I called Angeline and invited her to come out to ELWA and join me for the noontime meal of good Liberian rice and potato greens.Two days later Angeline came out to ELWA with her son Victor. The girl in my class in 1967 who was about 10 years old was now a mother of six and a strong-looking woman. I remembered her well from my class those many years ago: she had a strong personality and let me know if she had a problem or if there was a problem in the class. Now, about 42 years later, I could still see those features.
Even though we were strangers after all these years, we talked about the war years in Monrovia and how she and her family survived. Also I asked her about the other students. The war years had been a struggle for her as it had been for all Liberians. Angeline and her family had stayed in Monrovia throughout the war but had to go into the bush to get greens and meat to supplement the rice diet. But all of her children were well, even though she had lost her husband. Even her mother was still alive and lived with her in Monrovia.
Angeline had seen several of my other students in Monrovia. Many lived in New Kru Town, a neighborhood on Bushrod Island. One of the girls, she thought, ran a store at Spriggs-Payne Airport.
Some of the strangeness between us lingered. Even though it was a tender, emotional moment for me, Angeline must have wondered why she was with this white stranger from America at ELWA. She gazed around at the beach and the sea that makes ELWA an idyllic setting, probably thinking this isn't the Liberia or city that I know. I gave her cab fare back to Monrovia and thanked her for coming out from the City for the visit. For me I was able to connect with someone from my Peace Corps days in Monrovia.
set, because the circular supports for the chains for the swings were broken. In one case, the circular support loop had cut through about half of the horizontal support bar. Again, very good thinking on Dave's part. The merry-go-round was not operating because it needed a new set of bearings and wheels. Dave replaced the old wheels with new ones that he had brought from the States, and the merry-go-round is pumping water again. These wheels are exactly the same as those used for inline skating. They are very durable. 
constructed. We weren't sure if he had done this work himself or what type of assistance he had procured for its construction. But, with that project already completed, we inspected the roofing on one of the existing buildings that clearly attention. David Williams, the contractor with whom we had worked three years ago on the roofing for the Administration building for ELWA, was with us for this inspection. Dave had been in touch with David Williams, and Williams had sent him a spreadsheet (through Robert Sonday, our driver) 
for the roofing on the other Susie Guenter roof project. We've developed a good relationship with Williams, and he gave us his estimate to remove the existing roof, construct a new supports for the front porch area and build provide the framing for a new roof. Dave's estimates were that with our present level of funding we couldn't afford to buy the zinc (or tin) for the new roof but could get the construction done the framing work done. We plan to raise the funds for the roofing material upon returning home so that Williams and his crew can then put on the zinc roofing. 
world traveler, father of four and father-in-law of 2. He is patient, out-going, gregarious, and takes every opportunity to witness and talk about the Lord. He hates to wear a suit, and loves to get his hands dirty, and fix things--which are perfect for "helping ELWA", which is how he described his work this month. "I was just a maintenance man", he said. (Did I mention he's humble?)
the rest of the time at ELWA, making a critical impact through helping with repairs. The John Deer tractor had been out of commission for some time. Steve Kjer is going to need it next month when he tackles the electrical infrastructure next 
month. Transformers are going to have to be moved, poles and heaving equipment transported, and so on. Jim got it running so that the electrical team can hit the ground running.
Jim also worked on fixing a tire on the three wheeler. Though the tire waiting to be put on was stolen from the repair shop, it was recovered thanks to Jefferson Zeon. The tire tubes split three times (the stores in Liberia don't sell the right size tube for that vehicle), so the right tube needs to be brought from the States in order for the tire to be fixed completely.
exciter on generator #4). All four generators are operational, however it's important to keep an eye on #4 to make sure it is ok (it caught fire in December the week before we arrived. 
block is needed for a series 3 Perkins diesel engine. Please pray for a good used engine block so that this standby generator can be put back into service."
now considered the poorest country in the world. More than 50% of the people are uneducated, and more than 80% are unemployed. There is a tremendous need to hear the message of a loving God who can deliver forgiveness, healing, lasting peace and eternal life. Another staggering statistic is that during the past 25 years, 80% of all the women and girls were raped, including Liberia's new President and some girls as young as three. 
given the honor to return HOME to Liberia to share with her own people. She will also speak at several women's conferences, homes for Girl Child Soldiers (most of whom were raped themselves) and in the Liberian Senate. 
market. The Executive Director and International Director of Adoptions for Lifeline Children's Services will also be at these meetings to see how we can help Liberia in reopening the adoption process. Lifeline has been involved in opening a number of countries around the world for over 30 years and has received the "Hague Accreditation", the highest rating possible for these agencies.
Edwina Zeon Kamara is the daughter of Jefferson and Helena, directors of the Susie Guenter Orphanage. She just wrote me to thank EMA+USA for their work at the orphanage. I thought you'd like to hear the impact this project has made from one of the recipients.
you were among us but thank God for his blessing , we had a great party had some time of craft making , the children play soccer, and at last got gifts. Thanks to Joelle and her school mates who send those gifts to the kids they are all happy and believe that they will use it for the intended purpose. 
The most wonderful miracle God has performed on our Campus is changing the roof the Our Old School building which is the reproach and affliction to my parents, especially my Dad. It is like a dream to him up to now. 
to go outside of the building and then mop our wipe out the water through the leaking hole of the roof. After a few minutes, they then would allow the children to go and sit for class, 
Bro. David and his son Seth, Mr. Molenhouse and Bro Cliff are all busy here working toward the project. And they are also preparing some benches. Thanks to God and your team who has done a great great wonder in our Life and the life of our children to come. 
for the 40 plus people (even baking the chocolate cakes in the outdoor coal pot). We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner Friday evening. Nene and her helpers did a superb job of preparing and cooking for the dinner!
nurses who she worked with in June 2005. Frieda (she is from Canada and was previously with Mercy ships) along with Dr. Keith Chapman work in the ELWA hospital dental clinic. Frieda says that one of the biggest problems is tooth decay due to breaking teeth while chewing bones. They see about 20-30 patients a day Monday through Friday at the clinic that has been built attached to the front side of the hospital.
Christine Norman, and some were given to the Sacras for use at ELWA hospital. This will be an on-going need, as we seek to help others beyond ELWA campus.
Thursday evening, we, along with Jefferson Zeon and his two daughters Edwina and Jackie, drove to Christine and Laurence Norman's for dinner. The Normans were hosting a group of about 12 with Service to Servants from Atlanta, so it was a full and enjoyable evening for all of us.
After a 32 plus hour journey, we arrived in Liberia New Year's evening. On the drive from the airport, we were struck by the many new buildings, including houses and even gas stations. In the past, gas was bought in large mayonnaise jars along the side of the 
road. 
Orphan Joy party. Christine and her REAP staff were there with the children and staff from Susie Guenter, all sitting in a group under the trees when we arrived. After a time of singing and introduction, Clip gave a devotional, challenging us all to run the race in our 
Christian lives to the finish line. We then had a craft time, along with handing out stickers and balloons, after which we all enjoyed a jollaf rice dinner. Our party ended with soccer game and then handing out gifts to all of the children and caregivers. Many thanks goes to Dr. Roth, Joelle Koci, and the students at Christian Heritage Academy, Community for Christ at Wheaton Bible church and others who donated zip lock packaged gifts for the orphanages.
around 9:45 am to host their Orphan Joy party. Phebe Grey is the orphanage where Crystal spent so much time in 2005 during her college internship. Jefferson kindly allowed us to borrow his van for the trip. Our first stop was the gas station, but we weren't able to get gas because the gas cap was stuck, so we headed back to the guesthouse at ELWA for some tools. After another stop at Rusty's house, Jim and Nate were able to figure out the problem, and we were on our way again (only an hour late).
answering God's call. Here is his latest news, and how YOU can help:
But they are laboring under great pressure. The technical infrastructure on the campus was completely destroyed during the war. They have been able to restore enough to operate the ministries on a limited basis, but so much more is needed. On this trip we want to help by replace the transmission lines which connect the generators to each building on the ELWA campus. These lines and transformers have been repaired so many times that they are always at the point of failure. The much needed power to the radio station, school and hospital is continually interrupted by the condition of these lines. 
children. Her husband Jim is staying another week to help with repairs of equipment.
the well by hand, and make the merry go round, tower and tank. Not content with running water, the team, which included Bob Koci, Clip Kniffin, and Jim Molenhouse, decided they needed other playground equipment, and so they build a swing set, made a basketball hoop, and build some picnic tables. 
conditioned bedrooms.
And what a great excuse it's been to go through all my dad's old photos. This one is of me and Jimmy Reed recording something under Aunt Sammie's guidance in May 1964. (Thanks Dad, for scanning all your negatives and pictures, and giving me a copy!)
