July 2010 Archives

There are some prayer request for missionary kids of SIM missionaries. Please lift them up to our loving, all-powerful God!
Alton and Helen Buck's son-in-law, Tim Graham, is 41 years old and in the hospital in Atlanta with Congestive Heart Failure with scarring. The doctor says his heart is only functioning at 5-10%. He and Sara have 4 children ages 5 to 12. He had a defribillator put in on July 26th, but has a long road to go. Please pray.

Jonathan Stoll helped his folks (Fred and Goldie) move to Sebring, Florida on May 13th before he left for Ethiopia on May 27th. Jonathan's support was provided in less than 6 months. PTL! Please pray for Jonathan's health and adjustment to a new culture.

Andrea and Monte Wilson (Glenda and Gerry Johnson's daughter and son-in-law) have been in the process of adopting Nicole in Bolivia. Nicole has been a part of their family for several years now as they have been trying to adopt her. Glenda writes, "Things were looking good and now are at a total standstill, and there is much confusion in the court system. All four of the judges in Cochabamba who were overseeing juvenile cases, including adoptions, have resigned and no one is quite sure what the process will be for appointing/choosing new ones. Of course this is a major disappointment to all of us."

One of EMA+USA's main focus is its scholarship program serving young people who would otherwise be unable to attend school. Currently we have 32 students, with at least that many who have applied. The is an EMA+USA Scholarship Board that includes Benedict Nagbe, Principal of ELWA Academy (where about half of our students attend), and James Kessely, Assistant Director of ELWA Ministries, and they meet together each year when board members return to Liberia.

In order to maintain the integrity of our scholarship program, students must reapply each year and have an interview. Last year, Crystal Molenhouse Miller interviewed many of the students, and this year we asked Judy Slater to interview and videotape our scholars. Hopefully (if I can figure it out!) we can post those at a later date. Here's is Judy's report about those interviews.

I went with Benedict to interview children. I am so thankful to be able to do this. It has certainly heightened my concern for the EMA scholarship fund.

One thing I thoroughly enjoyed was the children telling us what they want to do when they grow up. Each one wants to help the country of Liberia. So far we have one potential general, a girl who wants to be president, a boy who wants to be a civil engineer, two who want to be doctors, and one lawyer. Thank God for the vision and hope He gives each new generation in spite of what appears to be insurmountable odds. These scholarships are really helping a lot of people.

It is so rewarding to be able to help these precious young people. Many of them are children of ELWA employees, or Liberians who used to work at ELWA. They are the future of Liberia! For about $300 a year or $25 a month, you or your small group/Sunday School class/Awana group/youth group/etc, could sponsor one of these deserving students. Here are some of our students. Contact us if you can help!

Nanee Goffa, 3rd..... Grace Nyancie, 7th ..... Charles Dixon, 8th....Solomon Klon Jarpah, 9th

Clarane Gray, 2nd.....Erica Dayougar, 3rd.....Fatoria Harris, 3rd.....Hannah Gargannah, 9th

Grace Nyancie, 7th...Henrietta Zinnah, 3rd ...Jacob Tokeh, 4th....Julius William, 9th

Mercy Peters, 3rd.....Nyanda Lahai, 9th

Alan and Cheri have had a busy few months. In addition to preparing to return to Liberia with SIM (Serving In Missions) and raising support, they moved into a new home, and on July 13, Nathaniel Paul Shea was born, joining "big" brother Josiah.

Houghton Wesleyan Church supports Alan and Cheri, and their mission's website, http://www.hwcmissions.org/AlanShea.htm includes the following information:

Alan and Cheri are missionaries with SIM (Serving In Mission), currently living in Goshen, Indiana, while they raise support to move to Liberia as long-term missionaries.

Cheri's primary ministry is to their son Josiah, who was born on November 4, 2008 (8lbs, 12oz and 21"). As Josiah grows, Cheri is also picking back up working with a Transformational Education Network (TEN3) team preparing curriculum & textbooks for Christian universities in Africa. Her group is writing the Biblical Worldview core for the curriculum. She is also teaching adult ESL (English as a Second Language) weeknights here in Goshen.

Alan is on loan to the HCJB Global Technology Center in nearby Elkhart, providing assistance to missions and churches planning, building, and supporting Christian radio stations in over 120 nations around the world. Alan's primary role is providing technical support to radio partners, and has made two trips to Belize (Central America) and a trip to Liberia in the past year. He is thrilled to be involved in building God's kingdom through these ministries, and appreciates the opportunities to learn from experienced engineers at the Technology Center.

Alan and Cheri feel their work here is excellent preparation for future work in Liberia with Radio ELWA.

To see pictures of Alan, Cheri and Josiah and Nathaniel, go to http://picasaweb.google.com/alanjshea/

More than once during the trip the Liberian staff at ELWA expressed to Alan how anxious they were for him to come to stay. Can you help Alan and Cheri return to Liberia? They would love to hear from you at alancheri@shea.net. Here is a link to their most recent SheaNewsletter 2010-06.pdf .

For those of you who have followed this blog, "Alan Shea" is a familiar name. He was an integral part of the amazing February 2010 Power project at ELWA that among other things, replaced 22 transformers in one day! In addition to his work on ELWA's power project, Alan also was asked to plan out a new electrical system for Bethesda Christian Mission School (three Miles from ELWA).

Alan is a missionary kid who grew up at ELWA, and though he majored in Bible Houghton College, he has two certifications from the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) -- Senior Radio Broadcast Engineer (CSRE) and Broadcast Networking Technologist (CBNT). Steve Kejr just sent out the following letter detailing an urgent need at ELWA, and how with your help, Alan and Cheri Shea can fill that need.

Dear Friends of ELWA RADIO (Eternal Love Winning Africa),

Since 1954 God has been using ELWA radio as He builds his church in West Africa. He has used individuals committed to Him who are gifted, trained and experienced in the technical fields to make this happen. Today one result is the ECUL church fellowship which is alive and growing. Individuals in many other church fellowships also speak of how God has used ELWA in their lives.

Carol and I have been involved with ELWA since 1970. Before the war I was Services Director. Following the war and ELWA's destruction in 1996, we have been privileged to make numerous trips to ELWA helping the Liberian team as they have labored to get the ELWA ministries back up and running. They have come a long way but the lack of trained and experienced technical personnel has been a big handicap for them. On many occasions we have been able to consult with Alan Shea on technical questions in power, broadcasting and communication issues, to name a few. ELWA Ministries need a Technical Advisor, someone resident in Liberia to help teach and train the Liberian technicians as they work to develop and maintain the technical support structure for the ELWA radio, hospital, academy, and technical services ministries.

Alan and Cheri have answered that call from Liberia. They are committed to serving the Lord and believe God has called them to go to Liberia. Alan's gifts, abilities and past experiences have prepared him to fill this key critical need at this time. They are a huge answer to prayer! The need at ELWA is great and the sooner they can get there, the better.

If you feel the nudge from the Lord to be an active part of God's work in Liberia, I would encourage you to pray about becoming part of the support team for Alan and Cheri Shea. They need those who will commit to pray for them and give to their support.

The urgency of this need was expressed again yesterday by Kedrick White, the ELWA Executive Director, who called from Liberia emphasizing that Rusty Laird who has been helping in the technical services leaves in three weeks. What will happen then??????

Pray also that God would lead ELWA to a Godly man well grounded in His Word with a strong biblical work ethic and the technical skills and experience needed to fill the role of Technical Director. Pray that God will give the leadership of ELWA the wisdom and knowledge to discern the man God would choose to meet this need.

We thank God Almighty who is able... and who meets our every need.

Steve Kejr

Alan and Cherie have a 20 month-old, Josiah, and a brand new son, Nathaniel, and are currently living in Goshen, Indiana. If you feel God is asking you to help get the Shea's out to ELWA, you can phone them at 1-574-538-2250, or contact us at EMAUSA. More about Alan and Cherie tomorrow.

Dear Ones,

Thank God for a beautiful sunny day, a nice breeze and a good night's sleep.

Bill is at the hospital prayer meeting for two days in a row now. Thanks for your prayers. It takes awhile to get organized.

I was able to interview three EMA scholarship children yesterday, and then the video battery needed to be charged. We had charged it before we left home but it wasn't fully charged when we got here for some reason. So today I have two batteries and my little camera and we are going to some distant students.

We have arranged transportation to Ganta (shown as "Gahnpa" on the map) so I will start packing and preparing for that trip tomorrow. Bill agreed to preach/teach for four nights and Sat. a.m. for Youth for Christ when we get back from Ganta. It is a heavy schedule as he will be at the hospital in the daytime and with YFC in the evening. He is going to do the book of Romans using some of the material he used in Nicaragua with Campus Crusade awhile back. Please pray for us. We feel very inadequate but are trusting God and doing our best. I will talk with young women individually who come to me.

I have tried several times to send the small video I took of the transmitter guys and the new tube but I am unable to send it so I will do it when I get home. The station internet was in town being worked on and is now back but still not doing too well. I went to the internet cafe yesterday while Bill was in town and it was really precious the way security won't let me go by myself. Yesterday they took me there on a motorcycle with me holding my computer and bag. He drove so carefully. Then when we came back three of them walked us home. Bill had met me there by then. So we had them in for fufu and some freshly baked bread and jelly. Yummy. My friend Esther bakes me something nearly every other day. We have known two of the security guys and Esther since they were children.

Bill is back now so time for breakfast. I hope I will be able to send this today.

Please continue to pray for the hospital. Things are not good. Hey, Mark Neaman, we need you.

Love,

Judy

Then a text from Judy -- lot's of info crammed in a short message!

Rained a lot last nite. 2 leaks in r roof. Not too bad. On r way to ganta. Still raining. Some big potholes. Red lite mkt more than packed. Motorcycle taxis everywhere. Much more careful drivers than used to be. Didn't sleep last nite. Anti Malaria meds keeping me awake an makin me nervous so I'm not goin to take any more. Passing rice farms an old rubber tree forests. So beautiful. Got to backseat drive bill now. Bye

Judy Slater

Judy Slater has called, and says, "I apologize for the comment about the hospital staff and request that it be removed."

Ever wonder just how God is using EMA for His glory? We just saw a big answer to prayer with the shortwave transmitter tube project, but that is not just a "one-time" event. I thought I'd feature an answer to a need that is posted on the front page of this website, and take you through the contacts that were made to see what it takes to receive an answer.

My mother, Betty Thompson, is one the EMA+USA board members, and though she is now in her 80's (sorry Mom!), she continues to be the best "networker" I know.

It all started with an e-mail from Moses Nyantee, director of ELWA Radio. From there, Betty sent the following to Arlene Cornelius, former ELWA missionary:

Arlene...

Moses Nyantee, ELWA's radio director, wrote me asking for sources of children's, youth and women's programs. It's been so long ago that I was involved in children's programming but I thought of you, Arlene (Cornelius) and your work at Harbor Light Radio in the Carribean and wonder if you would have suggestions I could pass along to him.

Arlene's reply...

Dear Betty,

We would love to share our Captain's Kids programs with the folks there in Liberia. The programs are a half hour in length very much like the Palm Tree programs we did years ago there at ELWA. One of our national staff ladies, Francina Little, works with me on these programs. We have a combination of American and West Indian children singing the songs. We could share the Bible story series for a starter, if the folks there would like. There are over 100 programs in mp3 format, featuring dramatized Bible stories from Genesis to Revelation. If Moses would like I could send a sample program or two and he could let me know if he wants them. I imagine they are able to use mp3 programs on their computers, can't they?

We also have a youth program (Bread for Youth) and a ladies' program (Joyful Woman) all done by our West Indian staff.

Tell Moses to e-mail me and let me know if he's interested in my sending some sample programs, either on CD, by e-mail, or if he decides he wants them, we can set up an FTP server for him to download the programs from the internet. And then we can go from there. Thanks for letting me know about the need for programs there.

Love in our Lord, Arlene

Moses... I have just received this reply from Arlene Cornelius (formerly of ELWA whose husband Rolen went to be with the Lord more than a dozen years ago now). They founded a couple of Christian stations in the Caribbean and her son, Randy is now the station manager where she is presently working. It looks like she might be able to help you in all three categories: children's, youth and women's programs. She would like you to contact her directly and she is willing to send you some sample programs.

This would be a WONDERFUL answer to your prayers and ours. Happy to pass Arlene's letter along to you herewith. In the love of Jesus,

Aunt Betty

PS: Mrs. Cornelius is Pat Shea's sister, but you may have already known that.
Arlene, thank you SO MUCH for your prompt reply this evening! bjt

Subj: RE: Possible Children's programs for radio for ELWA

Thanks, Betty, for sending this on to Moses. I have received an e-mail from him and will be sending some sample programs to him tomorrow, Lord willing. Love, Arlene

To the EMA+USA board members, Mom/Betty wrote:

Tuesday at 1:16pm

This is another HUGE way God is meeting the needs of Radio ELWA. Arlene was so prompt in getting back to me - within a few hours! Great that their station in the Caribbean can be used to reach Liberian hearts and lives. Betty

There you have it -- from expressed need, to an answer to prayer. This is, I believe, one of God's beautiful plans to use "jars of clay" (2 Corinthians 4:7-11 ) like us to glorify His Name! First, the need is expressed. Second, promptings of the Spirit are obeyed and contacts made. Third, obedient servants respond with generous hearts. Could YOU be the answer to a need today? There is no better place to be than to be used by God!

Bill and Judy Slater have settled in at ELWA, and are thrilled to be there. They are living in G-9, ELWACampusMap.Version2.docx , on Geysbeek Ave., and after some plumbing, septic, screens, and fridge repairs and a rogued phone, they are knee-deep in ministry. Here is one of Judy's first reports:

Yesterday was a beautiful day and a busy one but very good. We met with Kedrick (Kedrick White is the Director of ELWA Ministries) and I was impressed with his leadership skills. He has a definite plan for both of us. He will meet with Bill Monday morning and they will focus on the hospital. What he wants is within Bill's ability and sounds very good. I start Tuesday as his assistant and he wants me to work 14 hours a day or more. I can do what he asks except for the hours, of course, and am looking forward to it. I do wonder how I will do the EMA stuff but will try my very best.

We took a tour of the hospital, studio, clinic etc. and saw so many friends. I can't tell you how that blesses me. We delivered John Corey's MP3 players and the tube and it's papers. James Kesselly came to our house for lunch - some pumpkin soup Natalie (Colby)'s help had prepared. We rested a bit and then went across the road to John Geain's new house and then to Kwenah's. So glad to see Mary and her grandchildren, one a new baby and one a few months old - beautiful children. I gave her the diabetic stuff. She and her daughter will work out how to help me with cooking. We visited for quite awhile as I needed a rest after walking all over. You could hear the football (soccer) game coming from all the houses' radios and a funeral truck and car came by with singing taking the body to rest.

FYI for those who know them, we saw LJ (no one knows LJ by LJ anymore), Cooper (who guarded us during the war), John Tamba (not too healthy but looks good), Esther and Joe Kolleh (Joe's knee is really bad. He's in constant pain. Pray if there is any way we can help him), Ebenezer, Naomi, John Yancy, and so many others.

We came home from Kwenah's and John Geain and son appeared at our house. He had not been home when we went there. His son is going to work on this messy yard for us and he wants Bill to preach at the ELWA LIM church tomorrow. Bill agreed. It's a church plant from the big one in Monrovia.

I'm getting lots of exercise walking in this hot sun. The rain comes in the evening and cools things off. Lots of flowers.

Bill is also working with the new hospital administrator. ELWA hospital has been struggling with many challenges, and needs our prayer. Pray for God's provision, wisdom for Kedrick, Bill and the administrator, and that Satan be bound.

Youth For Christ has brought their schedule, and Bill is going to try to fit in some teaching. Both Bill's and Judy's work with Kedrick is going well, and they continue to visit and encourage their many friends. Judy visited ELWA Academy, and is going to start home visits with the EMA+USA Scholarship students.

Judy went to town with NeNe Wankollie, and had a "fantastic time of fellowship." She couldn't believe how the clean streets and raked grass throughout Monrovia. Apparently Monrovia has a new mayor who insists that the city be cleaned up, PTL. "Thank you, yah!" says Judy.

Judy has more updates on her Facebook page. She ends with, "We've been doing all kinds of work and fellowship. We love Liberia and all is going really well. God is good." Will you remember to pray for Slaters and the ministry of ELWA?

We're on our way to the Cocoa Beach ELWA reunion tomorrow. Pray for safety as many of us travel long distances. The furthest is Warwick Walker and his wife who are coming from Australia! I hope to be posting some updates from there.

Last month, we got word from ELWA Radio that the shortwave transmitter, that sends Christian programs to all of Liberia in various dialects, was not working. From then until now, God has been at work, using His obedient servants for His Glory! Here is a chronology of the events that have transpired in less than a month. It gives me chills! Why are we surprised when God answers prayer?

• John Stanley, the radio engineer who installed the transmitter, got the information and specs needed to purchase a replacement tube
  
• Faithful supporter responded to the need and donated the money
  
• The tube was sent to Bill and Judy Slater, who left for Liberia on July 29
  
• Though the 10#, 10 inches long, 5 inched diameter tube had to be removed from its protective box, Judy Slater wrapped it in a pillow and carried it in her purse.
  
• The tube arrived at ELWA and was installed
  
• PRAISE God, 19 days later, the shortwave transmitter is back on the air!

From Moses Nyantee, Director of ELWA Radio, comes this word:

ELWA Shortwave is back on again. The tube was installed on Saturday afternoon and it is working perfectly since Saturday.

Special thanks to you for your part and for all those who contributed financially and prayerfully. The Liberian Language programs will go on the air today. The men are very excited again.

I thought you'd be interest in the response to this exciting news. From Steve and Carol Kejr:

Praise the LORD!!!

19 DAYS!!!!!!!... and Radio ELWA Shortwave is back on the air. Yes, 19 days after you heard and began to pray and those who the Lord nudged to give responded, ELWA Radio shortwave is back on the air. Many Liberians both in English and Liberian dialects throughout Liberia can again hear the Word of God over the air waves of Liberia.

Bill and Judy Slater were able to hand carry the transmitter tube arriving at ELWA July 1st. By July 3rd the transmitter was working. As mentioned, any extra funds will be used to get other spare parts on hand. $3400 came in. Bill and Judy will bring the defective tube back and we will get it rebuilt and sent with other needed spare parts to Liberia to have on hand.

Pray that the team at ELWA will have "A Passion For Souls" and a commitment to God's Kingdom business. May many of us around the world join with them to see many lives enter God's Kingdom and grow to be great lights for God. Betty Thompson reminded us of the following song. May its message be true for each of us.

A PASSION FOR SOULS.doc

Give me a passion for souls, dear Lord,

A passion to save the lost;

O that Thy love were by all adored,

And welcomed at any cost...

To God be the Glory!!!!!

Steve and Carol Kejr

From Jon and Pat Shea:

Dear Knee-benders,

Praise God! ELWA shortwave back on the air! Radio Director Moses Nyantee reports that "the tube was installed on Saturday afternoon and it is working perfectly since Saturday... You were part of that in your prayers. Thanks!

Pat & Jon Shea

From Bill and Betty Thompson:

PRAISE GOD, Moses! Can imagine how excited the PEOPLE will be to hear their own language programs!!! May many come to know our Savior through these broadcasts and others strengthened in their faith... We are so grateful for the way the ELWA family responds to our posted needs - by praying and giving.

Betty & Bill

One additional request from Moses: "ELWA radio is looking for more good Bible teaching programs for Youth, children and women. If you know of a church who may be interested in doing a Bible teaching program on the radio in Africa, please put them in contact with us."

Moses Nyantee ELWA Radio P.O. Box 192 Monrovia, Liberia West Africa

Here is the first of many reports to come from Judy and Bill Slater, who will be in Liberia for 5 weeks. They hand-carried the short-wave transmitter tube in Judy's pillow, after the airlines made them remove its box, but their 2 extra bags went through without charge, praise God! Here is Judy's first letter to us:

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to let you all know we had a really great 10 hour flight to Ghana and are with Lee and Michelle. So thankful to God for taking such wonderful care of us. I already told some of you they let us take some extra bags with no charge. That was a blessing.

We took a taxi and ran a few errands for Suzanne (their daughter who served with SIM in Ghana) and greeted some Ghanian friends. Everyone here still remembers her. We drove by the house where she lived and they finally finished the road. I took pictures for her.

We leave for Liberia in the a.m.

The tube we are carrying for the radio station is still fine but makes a heavy purse. We have 6 suitcases and 4 carryons.

The weather is beautiful. I love Africa. I like the smells and sounds and friendly people. I think we encouraged a few. They certainly encouraged us.

Love,

Judy

You can find quick updates on the EMAUSA Facebook page -- Join us there!