EMA USA

Steve Kejr Back to Help

2012-05-01T11:07:09Z

Today, Steve Kejr and Bob Blees arrive in Liberia with seven pieces of luggage....most all filled with possible parts for the generator Steve will be overhauling. (Steve's been doing this a long time, as you can see from the photo)

Be praying that all the luggage will arrive with them and customs will go well. For Steve to have the generator in good condition, he will need to have the necessary parts.

Steve and Carol wrote a letter a couple of weeks ago outlining the trip and prayer requests and how YOU can help.

Over the past few months the statement of Jesus where He said in Mathew 16:18, "I will build my church and the gates of hell will not overcome it", has often come to my mind. It is easy to question why God has allowed the ELWA studio to burn down and the government of Liberia to threaten to take some of the ELWA land, thus putting the building of the new ELWA hospital by Samaritan's Purse on hold. We know God is sovereign and when He says He will build his church that He will do it and nothing will stop Him. I have come to realize that it is only up to us to ask God what part he wants us to have and then to do it.

God is building his church! It is reported that 21 individuals came to know Jesus as Lord and Savior through the Hospital Chaplaincy Ministry in 2011. Also on Easter Sunday three ECUL churches at a joint service had over 600 people attending. What a privilege to be a part of what God is doing.

What does God want me to do? ... I received a request from Liberia to come help rebuild their main diesel generator. This has been put off for six months due to lack of funds to get the parts. So I am busy now getting engine parts together for this project. I plan to leave for three weeks in Liberia about the 1st of May. Pray we will be able to get all the needed parts and get them to Liberia.

I plan to travel with Bob Blees who will be assisting the SIM Liberia director in setting new direction for the administration of ELWA.

Bob and I will be there when a steel building builder arrives to see how his company might be able to assist ELWA with the repair and/or construction of steel buildings on the campus.

Carol will remain in Charlotte involved at the USA SIM office in member care. My responsibilities here will be covered by my co-workers.

Two project accounts are listed below for those who want to help build the church in Liberia by giving finances needed by the ELWA ministries.

Radio ELWA Restoration Project #95107 ......will go to help build a new studio to replace the one burnt down.

ELWA Ministries Fund Project 082900 ........will help to provide the technical support needed by the various ELWA ministries.(like rebuilding the generator I am going to do now)

Funds can be sent to SIM, P.O. Box 7900, Charlotte, NC 28273 or online at SIM.org. Mention one of the project numbers above.

Thanks for praying and being on the team with us.

Together we trust Him and serve Him.

Steve and Carol Kejr

Carol has added the following:

Isa. 65:24 NLT "I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!"

The above verse is a great comfort to me right now....what a great God we serve!!

Another major matter for prayer is that the government is still wanting some of the land, actually now more than they first asked for. (They are wanting the land where the hospital is to be built.) Be praying that the Lord will accomplish His purposes. This is HIS work, not ours!

Jefferson Zeon Remembered

2012-03-02T22:43:13Z

EMAUSA is setting up a Jefferson Zeon Memorial Fund, and is accepting donations to help with the funeral and upkeep of his ministry, the Jahzjet Children's Outreach Ministry. You can click on the "Donate" button on the home page if you'd like to use PayPal, or mail us a check (with an attached note indicating its designation), or mail us a check at: EMAUSA, P.O. Box 1, Warrenville, IL 60555.

Jefferson Zeon was sold out to God, and his passions and ministry and family reflected that desire. He was a Godly husband and father, and a man of remarkable integrity. He touched many people's lives, and some of them have written condolences and remembrances that I'd like to share.

Dear Friends and Partners,

As most of you are aware, Brother Jefferson Zeon went home to Jesus few weeks ago. Jefferson is the founder and Director of the Susie Guenter orphanage near ELWA.

Last Friday, Esther Bomosy (Director of Project Hannah in Liberia) accompanied me to visit, encourage and pray with Helena, Edwina, Jackie, the boys and the orphans at the orphanage. We presented our small gift intended to assist the family with some personal needs. Even though they looked strong in faith, they need our fervent prayers, for all funeral arrangements and the continuous caring for the children.

The final funeral ceremonies will be this Friday and Saturday at the orphanage in the auditorium; the burial will be at a site near ELWA.

For your information, REAP has provided love and encouragement to the Susie Guenter Orphanage since 2004. REAP coordinated the process to have three children from that orphanage to be adopted (by a family in Pennsylvania, USA. We extend our love and prayers to the children, who we know are also affected by the news of Uncle Jefferson home going.

To the entire ELWA Ministry Association, who have invested so much love and care for the Susie Guenter Orphanage family, I say (never mind Yah!) We have lost Uncle Jeff but we will not lose hope be cause God has a plan for all of the children at the orphanage, and for Helena and her family.

Love and blessings always,

Christine

Executive Director of REAP

Our hearts go out to all the Zeon family. You have all been such a blessing to us. Thank you for enabling us to bless the orphans and Jahzjet school. Your father was and will always be an inspiration to us. To live is Christ, to die is gain. bro Dave
(David Parker)

Dave talked by phone with Helena today. Jefferson, Helena and their wonderful family have inspired me from across the world by their generosity, hospitality, and faithful selfless service, in the name of Jesus, to those without parents or a home. I imagine Evangelist Jefferson Zeon was welcomed to heaven this morning with "WELL DONE!". Cathy Streeter Parker (David Parker's wife)

Jefferson was an inspiration to many, and we are blessed to have known him. He was always gracious
and willing to help in whatever way he could--a true servant leader. His concern for others was evident
even during his illness. Just a month ago, during a visit with him, he turned to Jim and asked "How is your family?" We are saddened by his loss, but we know that he is now pain free and enjoying being with Jesus, his Lord and Savior. Our prayers are with Helena and family. Please know that we love you and are praying for you during this difficult time. May God give you His peace, comfort and hope as you lean on Him. Love and prayers, Jim and Nancy Molenhouse and family

I learned about Jefferson when I saw a brochure for the Mother Susie Guenter Orphanage at my parents' place and asked them about it. Since then, I have followed and helped his ministry with the children and others through the years. When my parents died, I became more involved, doing what I could to help from such a distance. The civil war was very difficult but God protected them and as far as I know, none died from starvation or killing. Jefferson has been a faithful minister of God and I believe he heard a "Well done!" a few days ago.

We know this is going to be very difficult for the family, having lost a sister not so long ago too, and for all those involved with the ministries Jefferson began. God be with you and comfort you and be your provider all in the days ahead.

From Wayne and Suzanne Guenter Bertness: (Suzanne's parents were Abe and Susie Guenter, who raised Jefferson).

Ellie and I have learned that your Dad Jefferson passed away at the ELWA Hospital. All of us in the American community are deeply saddened by this loss but at the same time are glad to know that he is now with Jesus. I spoke with Dave Parker this afternoon and he gave me the news. It was an honor for Dr. Rick Sacra, Dave, Jim and I to be with your Dad and your family while he was so sick. I think that it is a blessing that he is now with the Lord.

Thank you for taking such good care of us while we were with you in Liberia. You, your Mom and your entire family have been a blessing to us and we shall be praying for your entire family. We shall post on our website an announcement about your Dad's passing for many people will want to know about it.
Clip Kniffin

Jackie and family... please know that our prayers are with you all in the loss of your dear father, Jefferson Zeon, the founder/director of the Suzie Guenter Orphanage. May you know God's comfort in a special way. Betty Tichy Thompson

.... "I knew you would want to know that Jefferson was promoted to Heaven this morning. Helena seems to be doing okay, but it will be quite an adjustment for her and the family." ...I can only imagine this man's reception into heaven. He was a true man of God who finished the race well! As an aside, in a real way, through his devotion to Liberian children and our interaction with him and his orphanage, he was the very beginning of the trail that led us to fostering and eventually to adopting J.
Nancy Brushaber Sheppard

... WE too send our deep condolences to Helena, Edwina, Jackie and his sons while they sort out their life without their strong father and how they will continue the mission for the sake of all the orphan children. M., F. and J. were very quiet when they learned this news and very mindful that time is short for us all. All three said they want to return to Liberia someday to help the children of their country. I thank Jefferson for helping forge a missionary spirit in the heart of these children. May the Lord cause to grow, in the hearts of our children, their love of Liberia and their need to serve Him in the field of Missions. May God richly bless and keep you all. Donna Mengel

I remember the time we spent at the Mission when I was 5. I went to school there, and I and my parents and siblings got to stay with my uncle Jeff and the family. He was always so caring. Even when I got so sick and could not eat because of the sores, he helped most in finding the food I needed to survive. Even after I was older, he was a great uncle. He took care of my brother when he was left alone in the world. He was light. He always encouraged me to visit even when I felt I was tied at home. I told him so. He told my father " Solomon, bring the children to see us sometime." He was always understanding. Going the farthest lengths for everyone. He was stubborn, and achieved whatever he put his mind to despite the obstacles. And one thing I really loved is how he rode that bus- so wild, like a teenager. It is painful to see my father, someone who was so young at heart die. He is with Christ now. I know the pain you are going through Jackie, take heart. My dad told me of how strong and brave your mother was. I greatly admire her courage. Penny Astral Silver

Jackie, No myah! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Your father was a kind, loving and gracious man who had a heart to serve our Lord and did so faithfully. Our joy is that he is now with our Lord. The pain of his absence is with us all, especially you and your family. May God's grace abound and may He fill the void in your life with His love. Daniel H. Snyder

Edwina, our deepest sympathy to you and your mom and other family members for the loss of your dad. May the Lord work on your behalf to make provision for the work that you dad left behind and the family. James Sellie Kesselly

Clip got a reply from Jackie, one of Jefferson's daughters, who is an RN and runs the clinic he built in Bassa:
Thanks bro. Clip, how sorrowful the Zeon's family are. Though we love him, but God loves him best. I'm glad because he's with the Lord, where he is free from sickness, pains, etc. Thanks so much to the entire EMA and bro Dave team for your love and support for the Zeons and orphans. Jackie Zeon

With your help, we can continue Jefferson's legacy. More about the needs and how you can help next.

Jefferson Zeon with the Lord

2012-03-01T15:41:31Z

The last four years, the EMAUSA team has had the privilege and honor of partnering with Susie Guenter orphanage, located near ELWA, and of getting to know its founder and director, Jefferson Zeon and his family. On February 29, 2012, Jefferson entered in the he presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, after a long illness. We are deeply saddened at his passing, and want to extend our condolences to Helena, his wife, and his children, Edwina, Jackie, Jeff Junior, and Abruzi.

Jefferson was a truly remarkable man. He and his wife Helena were discipled by Abe and Susie Guenter, a Mid-Liberia Baptist missionary pilot and wife, back in the 1960s. Jefferson spent with the Guenters at their Zondo mission station, and he was raised by the Gunthers, and given the opportunity to go to school. This photo is taken from Abe Guenter's book, "Jungle Pilot", and Jeff's smile in the middle of this youth group is instantly recognizable. Jefferson was an orphan himself, and he wanted to give back to Liberia by providing opportunity for other orphans.

Jefferson's ministry is named, "Jahzjet Children's Ministry", and he choose the name from the Bassa Language. Last year, David Parker had a conversation about it with Jeff and was told that it means "truth". David says, "This year we asked more about it and learned it can mean "you tell the truth?", in Bassa. You emphasize the last syllable, and drag the word out as you say it. Jesus used the word Truth over and over again when He talked to his disciples and the people He met, trying to help them understand. People don't get it very fast. Children do. Jesus is the way and the truth, there is no other way."

Jefferson started the orphanage as a ministry to orphaned children in the 80's. The 14 years of war forced them into the bush for several years with the children in their care. The civil war was very difficult but God protected them and as far as I know, none died from starvation or killing. They hunted rodents for food and protected the orphans from the fighting.

The Jahzjet Children's Ministry has three locations: 1. Bassa Foster Home with 18 children with a school from K-6th grade. 2. A Foster Home with 8 children 3. the Orphanage with 36 children with a school from K-9th grade. There are children from the community that attend, making a total of 370 students. The school was started in 1987, just before the war, . They have two special needs children, Hawa (3 years old) with Cerebral Palsy and Dominique (2 years old) who is also mentally handicap.

Jefferson and Helena often returned to their beloved Grand Bassa, and started an orphanage there as well. Noting the lack of medical service in that area, they built a clinic, run by their daughter Jackie, an R.N.

Jefferson loved life, and he loved to drive! His huge smile was infectious, and he was so appreciative of the help he received. After we helped complete the classroom, his daughter Edwina wrote to thank us.

...

From the depth of my heart, my whole family is so, so grateful to the Kocis, Molenhouses, Parkers, Bro. Clip and the rest of the family who had remember the Susie Guenter Home and the school especially the school renovation, It take real God fearing Christians to spend and bless others who don't even know how where and what God had in store for his name to be glorified.

... 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.

This building was constructed since 1987 and since then we had been using it as school for the past 22 yrs and God has kept it up. Its roof was in a very bad condition. All the rafters use on the roof were all rotten and I can still recall 2 to 3 years ago during the rainy season my Father and some of our teacher who were really called to help with the children would let the students 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,

For the sake of the children, my father has requested many, many organizations, people individual and even Government officials for aid in renovating this building but no one had agreed. I believe what God says in the Bible that "to everything there is a season" and now as I am writing workers are on campus making pillows, and the zinc (roof) of the whole building has been removed. It is a great blessing and our family's great reproach in the ELWA community had been lifted up through your team. I don't know how to really thank God for his blessing through your team.

There were two great prayers my dad had and whenever we had a family devotion. He would always ask for God to answer these two prayer request-- His school building renovation, and the need for God to speak through someone or an local or international organization to help with the payment of his teachers monthly salary at the school to encourage them to continue to teach these children for a better tomorrow. Because of insufficient and irregularity of the salary we had new teachers every year or even semester.
Now we have seen that one of his prayers had been answered through your group and we also believed that the other will be answer by God at his appropriate time,

EMAUSA is setting up a Jefferson Zeon Memorial Fund, and is accepting donations to help with the funeral and upkeep of the ministry. You can click on the "Donate" button on the home page if you'd like to use PayPal, or mail us a check (with an attached note indicating its designation), at: EMAUSA, P.O. Box 1, Warrenville, IL 60555.

Tomorrow, we will be posting notes of condolence and remembrance honoring this beloved Brother in Christ, Jefferson Zeon.

If you'd like to read more stories about Jefferson, just search his name on our site. Melodie Shepard's blog has talks about Jefferson and Helena as well.

A "New Thing"!

2012-02-09T15:54:43Z

Isaiah 43:16-19 (NIV)

16 This is what the LORD says--
he who made a way through the sea,
a path through the mighty waters,
17 who drew out the chariots and horses,
the army and reinforcements together,
and they lay there, never to rise again,
extinguished, snuffed out like a wick:
18 "Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
19 See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.

In November, right after the election and the studio fire, an architectural and design company, RebekahAdam Wagoner[RAW]Design arrived at ELWA for 2 weeks. They were hired to help ELWA visualize the future development on ELWA's 137 acre property, which comprises ELWA Radio, ELWA Hospital, ELWA Services, and ELWA Academy.

Adam Wagoner and Tim Sherman spent their time in Liberia, living on the ELWA campus and working with the staff and users of the complex to help visualize the future of their site. This new plan includes a new 100 bed hospital, new K-12th grade school, new radio station to replace the one that was fire bombed five days before their arrival, new guest house to server over 40 people, new amphitheater for concerts and community events, and a number of new residential units.

The plan moves the site for the new 100 bed teaching hospital by the main entrance, and moves the school to the current hospital site. The current Academy would house a vocational training center.

View of the proposed school site.

View of proposed amphitheater and radio station site.

View of proposed hospital site. The hospital is designed to facilitate modular, easily constructed, wings connected by central circulation corridor with space for future expansion.

This is an exciting plan, with breathtaking vision. There will be more than a few obstacles, with not everyone wanting to see this come to fruition. This week, the Inquirer reported that the Liberian Government wants to revisit that land issue for ELWA, with the Chinese committing to construction of a US$70 million multipurpose administrative complex for government ministries and agencies on a large portion of ELWA land.

As we pray for outcome of this plan and the future of ELWA, I am reminded of the verse in Proverbs -- Many are the plans in the mind of a man,but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
--Proverbs 19:21

EMAUSA 2012 Serving Trip

2012-02-01T15:39:15Z

This year's serving trip to Liberia was an all-guys event, and the projects were scheduled accordingly. Clip Kniffin, Jim and son John Molenhouse, and David and son Seth Parker's plans for the 2 weeks included:

Dave and Seth teaching addition woodworking classes for the Susie Guenter wood shop
Repairing the merry-go-round well, and training the staff to maintain it
Replacing the alternator on the Jahzjet van to get it running
Clip doing some teacher training at ELWA Academy, and meeting with the Scholarship committee
A trip to Buchanan to the other Susie Guenter orphanage, to install a swing set.
Today, Jim, Dave Parker, and the ELWA team will be working in Bentol at the REAP WRT YEE Center, working on the Marian Schindler Building, completing the ceiling, the electrical, etc.

Here's a video describing the wood shop and what the team has been doing.

David Parker wrote on Facebook, "It's Saturday night, Jan 28th, we will leave for Bassa on Sunday about noon, with Jackie and Jeff Jr. as our guides. It's about a three hour drive. We will see the country school, and visit Jackie's pharmacy/clinic there. We will spend one night, and return to Monrovia on Monday evening. We will be eating lots of country chop, and no hamburgers. Last time we enjoyed some craw fish too."

Later, Dave's wife Cathy posted, "Dave just called from Bassa - a village about three hours from Monrovia. Wanted me to hear the singing around a fire in the Bassa language. ... Dave said that Seth winning a couple scholastic arts awards for two pieces of his pottery was worked in as a sermon illustration this morning. I said, "who was preaching??" And Dave said that he was. He said had a feeling that this might happen - so he prepared a bit from Romans 9 ... and sat in the back row. Sure enough he was introduced and invited to preach :)"

Today, Dave had the kids at the orphanage making "pinewood" derby cars (out of mahogany), and a track to race them!

Pray for the team, that they will finish strong, that they will be an encouragement to those they encounter, that God will be glorified in all they do and say, and for protection as they return.

Happy Anniversary ELWA

2012-01-18T15:58:07Z

Fifty-eight years ago, the first broadcast of the fledgling missionary radio arm of the SIM made its debut. Here's a link if you would like to listen to that inaugural program. Track 2 02 Unknown Album (1-30-2011 1-12-37 PM).wma

Winston Churchill famously said, "The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you can see", and as we think and plan and pray for the daunting challenges ahead for ELWA, it is wise and instructive to remind ourselves of how ELWA began with little resources, but great faith, and an even greater God!

SIM Archivist Tim Geysbeek, an ELWA MK and missionary, has done a remarkable job in preserving historical records. I found the following quotes and photos on the SIM website.

From the May, 1953 SIM publication, "The Sudan Witness", the beginnings of this new venture was announced:

"ELWA Begins Broadcasting!
January 18th, 1954 was THE day for the S.I.M., when Station ELWA (from Liberia, West Africa) went on the air. For several years the station has been planned for and prayed about. Now it is a reality,and the Gospel is being broadcast by this new S.I.M. arm of evangelism -- RADIO.

At present, daily broadcasting is for approximately four hours daily. As this issue of the Sudan Witness goes to press, it is being increased, but all will be dependent on additional equipment and buildings. We would call on our faithful prayer partners to remember the daily pressure of needs that are financial, physical and spiritual. ELWA at present is all long wave, with short wave equipment being sought and prayed in. Listener response has already been so overwhelmingly gratifying, that we are sure that ELWA is going to make a great spiritual impact on the people of Africa. Officials in government, business, education and many citizens have written of their appreciation of the broadcasts.

Present broadcasts include transcripts of Back to the Bible Broadcast, Old Fashioned Revival Hour, Heaven and Home, Word of Life, Children's Bible Hour, Songs in the Night, Jungle Doctor, Unshackled, and other broadcasts originating in the homelands plus live broadcasts originating in the ELWA studios.
But the work is far from completed. The present buildings, equipment and personnel are just a beginning for the projected Long and Short Wave broadcasts that will blanket Africa with the Gospel in all the major languages spoken in that great continent. This venture is a call to prayer for all our constituency. Make ELWA your special prayer item for the next month, and God will work and mightily bless."

As you listen to the familiar sign-on chimes of ELWA on the following link, Track 2 02 Unknown Album (1-30-2011 1-12-37 PM).wma , will you commit to partnering with ELWA as they seek to rebuild a new ELWA? Is God calling you to PRAY, to SHARE the needs, to GO and join the rebuilding team, or to GIVE? It is so exciting to anticipate the work that God wants to accomplish, and to have the opportunity to be a part of it!

I've gone through the SIM archives and put together in chronological order the clippings about ELWA and staff members. It's long, but inspiring!
simelwaarchivemay1954dedication.pdf

Little is Much

2012-01-14T18:21:18Z

At our monthly board meeting, board member Bill Slater (ELWA Hospital's founding pharmacist and newly ordain minister), gave the following devotional. It was such a good reminder of God's faithfulness in the past and how God takes delight in our humble offerings and using them mightily for His Glory, that we wanted to share it with you. Old-timers from ELWA can vividly remember listening to Dr. Bob Schindler sing one of his favorite songs, "Little is Much", and Bill used that as a starting point for his devotional.

"Little is much, when God is in it. Labor not for wealth or fame. There's a crown and you can win it. When you go in Jesus' name."

Zechariah 4:9-10, 9"The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it. And thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you. 10 For who hath despised the day of small things? For they shall rejoice and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven. They are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth."
1 Kings 20:27, The sons of Israel were mustered and were provisioned and went to meet them; and the sons of Israel camped before them like two little flocks of goats, but the Arameans filled the country.
Judges 7:6-7, 6 Now the number of those who lapped, putting their hand to their mouth, was 300 men [out of 32,000]; but all the rest of the people kneeled to drink water. 7 The LORD said to Gideon, "I will deliver you with the 300 men who lapped and will give the Midianites into your hands; so let all the other people go, each man to his home."
One of the consistent themes in Scripture is the apparent delight God takes in bringing about His purposes using small numbers of people or things, for example, the story of the 5 loaves and 2 fish feeding thousands..
Early in our time at ELWA Hospital, we asked God to provide the equipment needed to manufacture I.V. solutions. A visiting MD inquired about our plans and, before he left, gave $20 toward the $5000 (1973-74 dollars) cost of the equipment. Later on, more funds came in - as this M.D. shared about his time in Liberia, he made known the hospital pharmacy need. By the time the water distilling unit and other needed items came, the $5000 was on hand.
It would be easy to look at the ministry of EMA and come away discouraged - 40 or 50 scholarships in a country where thousands need schooling; a few orphans given help in a country with thousands of needy children. Judy's June entry for the EMA+USA 2011 year in review told of the provision of a new transmitter and mixer board, and the November entry records their preservation from destruction in the Studio fire.
God's purposes are stronger than fire.
Jeremiah 36:23, When Jehudi had read three or four columns, the king cut it with a scribe's knife and threw it into the fire that was in the brazier, until all the scroll was consumed in the fire that was in the brazier...32 Then Jeremiah took another scroll and gave it to Baruch the son of Neriah, the scribe, and he wrote on it at the dictation of Jeremiah all the words of the book which Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire; and many similar words were added to them. (And, as Jeremiah 22 records, the kingly line of Jehoiakim ended with his son, Jechoniah.)
1 Kings 19:12, And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.

As we listen for the still small voice, do what we can, trusting that little is much when God is in it, we may confidently expect God to act.

Here is a link to hear Dr. Bob Schindler sing Little is Much.wma , from his album "Dr. Bob Schindler Sings!". You can also find it at his son John Schindler's website, John Schindler Ministries, on the album "My God is Real".

Fire destroys ELWA Radio; Rebuilding already begins

2011-11-26T14:22:51Z

HCJB has committed $35,000 to help replace equipment, and is accepting donations at their website.

November 9, 2011 -- Fire at ELWA radio station! Yesterday, about 9pm Liberian time a fire started in the ELWA studio and the building was completely destroyed. According to the Liberian Observer, ELWA staff along with the Liberia Fire Service fought hard to contain the fire. About two-thirds of the station's collection of CDs and tapes and a sound mixer were rescued from shelves after the entire station was doused with water by firefighters. Everything else was a total loss. Thankfully no one was hurt. There is currently an Arson/forensic investigation ongoing to determine the cause.

December 8, 2011--Alan and Cheri Shea have their tickets for their long-awaited return to ELWA as full-time SIM Missionaries!

October 10, 2011 -- From Bruce Johnson, SIM USA Director, comes the following announcement regarding ELWA Hospital:

I received word late last week from leadership at Samaritan's Purse that they approved to rebuild ELWA Hospital. Actually, a better description is "build a new ELWA Hospital", as the existing one will not be renovated. Instead, a new hospital will be built on the ELWA compound... This is likely a 2-3 year project. Depending upon progress made in planning and continuing to revitalize the hospital staff/organization, ground breaking might be in 2012. This is a very significant financial and manpower commitment by Samaritan's Purse. We are grateful for the partnership we have had over the years with SP and with their medical doctor arm, World Medical Mission.

A generous donor has provided a new FM transmitter that was just shipped. This new transmitted should double the listening area for ELWA. A new mixer board and fuel pump for the John Deere tractor were also provided.

The security wall for ELWA is almost complete, just needing a gate.

Prayer Requests from James Kesselly

Pray the radio technicians that the Lord will give them strength and wisdom as they work to complete the temporary set up.
Pray for Kedrick White and Moses Nyantee as they work on plans for the temporary set up and the construction of the new studio building.
Pray for the full resurrection of the music library
Pray for all the radio staff that the Lord will be their source of comfort and joy as minister the Word of God on ELWA Radio.
Pray a team can be set up to spearhead the promotion and fundraising process that will drive home national ownership and collaborative efforts of universal body of Christ.

Refining Fire

2011-11-11T12:12:13Z

By this time, most of us have heard about the ELWA Radio Studio fire that started Tuesday night at about 9:00 pm Liberian Time. In the light of day, as we look at the images of destruction, the equipment lost, donations of programming and CD's burned, there is excitement stirring. We served an incredible, wise and all powerful God! He could have stopped the fire. He was gracious enough to allow no one to be hurt, and even for about 2/3 of the CD's and a mixer saved. He will be glorified even in this. So those of us who love and trust Him, are sitting with Him and thoughts of His ultimate purposes.

Annette de la Hay Cooper, oldest daughter of former Station Manager Ray de la Haye shares some of her thoughts.

Dear family,
I have spent a lot of time weeping and praying for our dear Liberia and our wonderful people. As the day has gone by, I have been checking news from Liberia and some of your Facebook comments and pictures. When I saw the picture of the studio in flames, my heart was stirred with excitement and anticipation of what God is going to do in our homeland and with all of us.
I have written some thoughts down, and want to develop them more, but I want to encourage you in the Lord. Please don't be downcast or live in fear! That is where the devil wants to take us. Stand tall and look right into the eyes of our Saviour who gave Himself for all of us. I have want to share some of my 'rough' thoughts with you. Let's encourage each other and hold each other up. Many will rebuild these walls. Don't be afraid of the foxes my friends. Here are some of my thoughts today as I have spent it with Jesus, and my comforter, the Holy Spirit. This is a bad thing that happened, but God will use if for GOOD! I have lived long enough to know that is a fact. Here are some of my thoughts:
Oh my people! May God raise up greater wonders in our day! My heart is broken, my face is a river of tears. I grew up here, my parents were Ray and Sophie de la Haye who came to Liberia in 1954. This is my homeland and my people.

Jesus is bringing us to a greater understanding of what prayer and trust really are. It is for the GLORY of the FATHER. Things may not seem right in our world, but God Himself trusts us with SILENCE right now, so we can KNOW HIM and know HIS INTIMATE PRESENCE, even though we may not understand the reason why ELWA studio burnt down. Can we stay in this silent place with HIM and each other?
"Which of you intending to build, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it ..." Luke 14:28 Jesus counted the cost with HIS LIFE for Liberia and the world. All that we build in this world, will be inspected and found out by the REFINING FIRE of our God. So those who are living at or near ELWA, may you gather to stand before those studio ashes as a visual aid of our need as a people of God to let God do HIS REFINING work in our lives, in the unseen places of our hearts. God seriously wants to rebuild ELWA and my people and my country of Liberia in a new way. May this studio site be HOLY GROUND, where we like Moses take off our shoes of pride, arrogance, self made strategies, unforgiveness, lust, theft, jealousy, hatred, competition, 'better than you' attitude, fear, worry, or whatever - to become pure as gold! Let us rejoice in what our LOVING Heavenly Father will do because of this fire. I am excited to see how He corrects and refines me through this event. GLORY BE TO GOD ON HIGH AND PEACE ON EARTH GOOD WILL TOWARD ALL MEN! This is the message of the angels at Christ's birth. Let this be a season of celebration as we kneel in the ashes of the ELWA studio building. God is good and I am really getting excited to see how God will change Liberia for HIS GLORY and name sake! Are you getting a little excited? Tell me about it!
If you can't see the pictures of the studio burning and today the day after, go to my face book. I have put them up there. (ed. note: Even if you are not on Facebook, this link will take you to the photo essay about ELWA Radio Studio through the years.)
Lovingly,
Sista' Annette
This is the verse that I am claiming for Liberia and my people!
"Lord, I have heard the news about You, I am amazed at what You have done. Lord, do great things once again in our time; make those things happen again in our own days." Habakkuk 3:2

I too have been pondering fire. It can bring people together to warm them, it can provide light, it provided direction for the Children of Israel, and yes, it is a REFINING FIRE. In Isaiah 6, it cleanses unclean, sinful lips. Liberians tell wonderful stories to get across a point. I was reminded of the following story.

THE SILVERSMITH
Some time ago, a few ladies met to study the scriptures. While reading the third chapter of Malachi, they came upon a remarkable expression in the third verse:
He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the LORD will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness... Malachi 3:3

One lady decided to visit a silversmith, and report to the others on what he said about the subject.

As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.
The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot and then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." "Is it true that you have to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver is being refined", she asked. "Yes, not only do I sit there holding the silver I keep my eyes on it as long as it is on the furnace", answered the silversmith. He gave further explanation, "If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed".
The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy - when I see my image in it."

Dear ones, will you allow the Refiner's painful work in YOUR life? Can people see the reflection of God our Refiner in us yet? God's eye is continually on us, and the work at ELWA, and he will not allow us to be consumed. Praise his holy name!

From Dave Schult, Database Administrator, SIM USA Treasury comes word that "Joshua Bogunjoko told us this morning that Project 95107 is being updated to include the cost of the new studio building. He indicated that the cost would be something like $400,000.

Gifts can already be designated to 095107-091 for this purpose. It is possible to give online.

Photos from the Liberian Observer and Samaritan's Purse's Joni Byker.

Dental Help Needed at ELWA's Trinity Dental Clinic

2011-11-03T12:28:37Z

The SIM International newsletter has just published the following need for ELWA, specifically the Trinity Dental Clinic. TDC is located at ELWA Hospital.

Dentist
Career: Medical and Health Ministry
Country: Liberia
Length of Service: More than 2 years
Priority: Normal
PRF Number: 7693
Trinity Dental Clinic, just outside of the capital city of Monrovia, Liberia, opened its doors to patients in November of 2008. Liberia has only a handful of licensed dentists for a population of about 3.5 million.
Dental therapist Frieda Schmidt and dentist Keith Chapman are full time practitioners at the clinic, which has three treatment rooms and one alternative treatment room primarily intended for hygiene. The clinic is fully equipped with dental units, lights, suction units, supplies and materials.
Volunteers may be asked to help with any urgent needs, as shipping is one of the clinic's greatest challenges and expenses. Short-term volunteer needs include dentists, hygienists assistants, and prosthetic laboratory technicians, but Trinity is also seeking a long term volunteer administrator to help with minor accounting, paper work, e-mails, fundraising, awareness raising, and procuring of both orders and donated items.
For dentists, options include working at the clinic, possibly helping cover for vacation time for the full time practitioners or allowing one or both of them to travel to a more remote location and offer a temporary clinic to that area. Volunteers can also split their time or devote all of their time to a remote clinic with the aid of Trinity Dental Clinic for organization and logistics. Cost, materials to bring, and need for your own auxillary staff would be much greater if doing remote clinics. Dental work involves primarily extractions, but the clinic also offers restorative and some endodontic treatment.

Frieda and Dr. Keith "Surfer Dude" first visited Liberia while serving on the Mercy Ship. (Keith's love of surfing has lead to form "Surf Liberia"). Keith and his wife Kristen have hosted many dental volunteers in their lovely home. There is much more information and other videos available at their website, or you can join their Facebook page for news and updates. If you can help you can contact them by clicking here, or contact SIM , identifying Opportunity PRF Number: 7693.

Praying for Elections with Isaac Zoedah

2011-10-19T10:43:13Z

Isaac Zoedah has been in contact with Betty Thompson, and has been providing updates on the election process. His most recent report includes ways we can pray for Liberia in this critical time.

Aunt Betty,
The final results of the October 11 elections have been released with no candidate out rightly winning the presidential election. Out of the sixteen candidates that were contesting for the presidency, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of the Unity Party received 44.5 percent of the valid votes counted while Winston Tubman of the Congress for Democratic Change took the second place with 36 percent of the votes counted. There is a possibility of a runoff. The National Elections Commission will come out with a new calendar for the runoff election between the two candidates. The campaign for the runoff might start this week.
There have been some level of violence around since the final results started coming out. A local headquarters of the ruling Unity party was burnt down on Saturday morning while a private radio station belonging to one of the strong supporters of CDC, the larger opposition political party was partly burnt on Monday morning. There has also been attack on some peaceful citizens by some unknown people. It is not clear if these attacks have political motive. However, normal activities are going on. The president has called on the citizens to remain calm and that the securities are working hard to bring the perpetrator of the violence to justice.

Keep us in prayer as the process get so crucial.

Pray for peace during the runoff election

Pray for the fear of God in the lives of the state holders in the electoral process.

Pray for the neutrality of the media.

Pray for the Election Commission to be objective and transparent

Pray for violence free campaign, election and post election period.

We know He who has started the good work will end it for His glory.
saac

Isaac was born into a Christian family in the remote town of Gbonnie, Liberia. He attended church services and conferences at an early age, and at fourteen, his mother helped him to personally put his trust in the Lord alone as his Savior. Isaac says, "This decision changed my life and my world view. I was no longer depending on my parents' faith but personally trusting Jesus Christ as my Savior."

Even though his parents were uneducated, they sent Isaac to school for greater ministry. Upon completing high school he enrolled at the Liberia Christian College in 1998 and obtained a Bachelors Degree in theology (BATh) in 2002. Isaac was then ordained as minister of the Gospel in the United Liberia Inland Church in 2005.

Isaac has served the Lord in the United Liberia Church in many capacities, from Sunday School teacher, youth leader and pastor in various capacities since 1989, and is currently pastor of ULIC ELWA.

Isaac is a full-time missionary with CrossWay International, a mission organization dedicated to the clear presentation of the gospel of grace. They are involved worldwide in: • teaching personal evangelism • training/supporting national workers for evangelism • using Humanitarian aid as a style of evangelism • promoting income-generating projects for our outreach

For more information, you can check out Isaac Zoedah's brochure.

Liberian Elections October 12, 2011

2011-10-10T19:07:09Z

We call on all Christians to be praying for peaceful, God-honoring elections for Liberia as people head to the polls, the second election since the end of the civil war. There has been much in the news, particularly with President Sirleaf and Leymah Gbowee winning the Nobel Peace prize this last week. There are 16 Presidential candidates and the political marches and rallies are in full swing with campaign slogans such as "Monkey still working- baboon wait small" and "Don't change the pilot before the plane is landed".

Several committed Christians are running for various offices. Amos Miamen let us know that his younger son (Neil) is running for the House of Representatives (Buu-Yao) in Nimba County, and "he stands a good chance of winning. That region has the highest concentration of Christians in the County and the Christian community is his base. Prince Johnson is also from that District. He will definitely win some votes there but he cannot win nationally. "

Amos also notes that

There are several young Christian men and women that are deliberately running for House and Senate positions. One of them is a former African Bible College student from Lofa County called George Tengbeh (Senatorial position). We also have Edith Gongloe running for senatorial seat from Nimba County-former Saclepiea Mission Student from the Tappita Mano area. Edith's father was a school teacher and her mother is a committed Christian. These prospective legislators plan to meet in the Capitol and form a coalition. Neil says Muslims are bent on taking over Liberia. There is more than the eyes can see. He talks about the attempt to take ELWA land. Yes, indeed pray for the election!

Things have been very peaceful up until now, but there is a spirit of fear throughout the country. Some candidates are already proclaiming that if they don't win they won't accept the election results. Please pray for the people of Liberia that the elections will be peaceful.

For more information about the elections, check out BBC and All-Africa.

Opportunities in Liberia from SIM

2011-07-13T12:44:30Z

From the SIM USA website , comes the follow personnel needs for ELWA and Liberia.

Are you feeling God's leading to serve in Liberia? We have many opportunities that are not published on our website.

Business Ministries/Administration/Leadership

ELWA Financial Manager Priority

Personnel Coordinator Priority

Projects Coordinator

Evangelism/Church Growth

Church Ministries Coordinator

Health/HIV and AIDS

Dentist

ELWA Pharmacist Associate Missionary

General or Specialty Surgeon at ELWA Hospital Priority

Generalist Physician, ELWA Hospital Priority

Nurse, Anesthetist, Nurse Practitioner, or Physician's Assistant

Trinity Dental Clinic Volunteers

Media and Arts

ELWA Radio Administrative Advisor Priority

Technical Services

Construction Supervisor

ELWA Services Advisor/Trainer

Please contact the SIM office nearest you and let us help you decide where and how God can use you in his mission.

ELWA News from Kejrs

2011-06-12T14:01:38Z

Right behind the great news that the newly donated transmitter has arrived, comes word from Steve and Carol Kejr about ANOTHER lightening strike! ELWA old-timers cannot remember another rainy season with so many strikes affecting the transmitters with the result that the Gospel broadcasts are being silenced for a time. The Kejrs write,

For the third time in one month we are hit hard by lightning. Damage to our power system and radio equipment has us off the air.
Pray we will find the the parts needed and have the wisdom to get radio back on soon.
Yes the land issue has been taken to court by the Ministry of Justice. We continue to know that our God is in full control and we can trust Him to glorify His name. He has said that He will build His church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. Pray we will be tools in His hand to use as He will.
We see weariness in those around us and in ourselves and yet we are challenged by Gal 6:9 "not to become weary in doing good".
The security wall has been coming along well and has already been helpful. More funds will be needed to totally complete it. The increase in the cost of materials is being felt. Pray we will know how to make the best use of the funds we have on hand at this time.
Now that Carol and I have had our time it Liberia extended until the 21st of August, Joseph and Lisa have decided to come visit us for two weeks. That will be a fun way for us to get some items we need over here as well as for them to reconnect with the ministry and people in Liberia. A new challenge for them is that they both found out after they had their tickets and had sent their passports in for Liberian visa's that they could not get on the plane unless they renewed their passports which are now at the Liberian embassy. They found out that passports have to be good for at least 6 months after the intended return date on their tickets. So they are planning to drive to DC to try to intercept their passports, get them renewed and then Liberian visa in them and back so they can be on the plan the 25th of June.
There is a song that says "Our God is so great, so strong and so mighty, there is nothing Our God cannot do"..........
Thanks for praying with us that God's will be done in all these details of life.
In His Care,
Steve and Carol

Bill Slater, former ELWA Pharmacist and EMAUSA board member and recently ordained minister comments that this is a "reminder that Satan is the prince of the powers of the air. I can't remember such a significant and damaging number of lightning strikes during our time at ELWA. We need to pray them back on the air and then ask God for an umbrella of protection.

Angel Shadow

2011-06-09T13:35:22Z

The darkness and quiet of the village exploded into shouting, screams, gunfire, and confusion. The rebels slaughtered everyone indiscriminately. Somehow, seven-year old Lee Glay managed to escaped into the bush. He was running for his life with no clue where he was going or how he would survive. His entire family slaughtered, little Lee wandered through the bush, stealing food when he could. How could he survive? He finally came upon a family that took him in for a time, but Lee knew that God had spared him for a reason.

Lee is a familiar face on the ELWA compound as he attended school and supported himself as a carver, a skill he taught himself. He was one of our original scholarship students, and just graduated last month. When I saw him in March, he again thanked us profusely for the scholarship. He told me that was so grateful for this schooling opportunity, that he studied extra hard by candlelight and received stellar grades for his efforts.

ELWA Academy Principal Benedict and James Kessely speak highly of Lee's character and work ethic. They told how in his "spare" time, he would come to them to volunteer, helping to clean up and do odd jobs. He is a serious, handsome young man who loves the Lord and wants to serve Him no matter what he does.

I bought a carving from Lee, an "Angel Shadow". He has personally experienced an angel's shadow upon him, protecting him throughout his young life, so this particular piece is important to him. Lee wants to continue his education at the University and would be successful in whatever he studied, but he needs someone to sponsor his education. Unfortunately, EMAUSA is unable to provide scholarships at the university level. Would you be willing to invest in this incredible young man and be one of his "Shadow Angels"?