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.

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

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".

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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"?

Some of you remember Ruth and Boyce Beacham, who lived in the Shore Haven apartment. Ruth was a teacher at ELWA Academy, and Boyce worked in the Business office. Boyce passed away while while they were assigned to ELWA, and Ruth later continued teaching MK's in Nigeria. She remarried and she and her husband, Dr. Ted Brewer have a peace and reconciliation ministry in the North East New England area. Ruth has been diagnosed with cancer, and we covet your prayers for her. Here is the latest update from her husband.

Dear friends,

I'm writing to update you on Ruth's health. She was admitted to the hospital on May 14 for intestinal pain and received surgery May 17 to release scar tissue and remove a small section of her small intestine that was narrowed by scar tissue from her surgery February 12. In that previous surgery for a bowel obstruction they removed sections of her large and small intestine and discovered her lymphoma. She has a rare and aggressive form of white blood cell cancer which thankfully was discovered early at stage 2.

She should be home from the hospital next week, approximately May 24 or 25 after they slowly reintroduce food and her bowel restarts. A dear friend from Canada will come to help us during Ruth's immediate recovery from surgery, followed by a visit from our daughter Cyndi from CA.

Her chemotherapy for lymphoma will resume probably around June 10 with round 3. After a total of six rounds of chemo three weeks apart, she will have a short rest, to be followed by a stem cell transplant (bone marrow transplant) in early autumn during a three week hospitalization at Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.

We are learning that cancer is not a battle but rather a war with many battles. Our spirits are good as God runs with us in this marathon and often carries us. We are encouraged by that familiar promise in Isaiah 40:31 "But those who hope in (wait on) the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." We can soar in our spirits even when we cannot walk physically.

If you have been meeting with us, Ted will be in touch with you to explore next steps.

We deeply appreciate your friendship and your prayer support.

With our love,

Ted (for Ruth, too)

Rev. Ted and Ruth Brewer
Directors of New Peace Network
24 Maywood Drive
Nashua NH 03064

603.880.1799

newpeace@myfairpoint.net

www.newpeace.net

Be sure and check out the link above for more information about their wonderful ministry. Here is more information about them.

Christine Norman recently sent out her newsletter, REAPing the Harvest.docx updating her supporters about the Franklin Graham Life Festival. Here are some excerpts:

Hundred Thousands Blessed by the All Liberia Life Festivals

REAP had the favor to serve along with the Body of Christ in Liberia, Change Our World Foundation (COWF), Billy Graham Evangelist Association (BGEA), and Samaritan Purse to implement the just ended Franklin Graham All Liberia Festival (FG-ALLF). The series of festivals held in Lofa, Nimba, Grand Gedeh and Montserrado counties between March 5-27, 2011, were attended by 122,505 (one hundred twenty-two thousand five hundred five) persons in total. Specific statistics are as follows:

• March 4-5 in Foya, Lofa County, 7,230 attended with 624 commitments to Christ.
  
• March 8-9 in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County, 761 attended with 181 commitments.
  
• March 11-12 in Ganta, Nimba County, 23,514 attended with 1,463 commitments.
  
• March 24-27 at SKD in Monrovia, 91,000 attended with 14,140 commitments.

REAP Brings Smiles to Hundreds of Children

Of the 31,500 children who attended the Franklin Graham All Liberia Life Festival on March 26, 2011, a total of 150, mobilized by REAP, came from the city of Bentol. On March 28 and April 2, 2011 respectively, REAP conducted a follow-up intervention at the WRT Center in Bentol for the 150 children, representing some of the fruits of the FG-ALLF. During the event, children were served lunch and presented with several gifts including balloons, toys, sweet candies, etc.

June 16-19, 2011
REAP will work with the Body of Christ in Liberia to host Dr. Neil T. Anderson in a Truth Encounter Freedom Conference for 400 adult participants and 500 street children.

Here are some additional videos, courtesy of the Franklin Graham Life Festival website, containing reports and testimonies about the festival.

Today we hear from Cherie Snyder Boyer. Cherie's parents, Ron and Gerine Snyder were missionaries with Open Bible, stationed in River Cess and in Sinkor. Cherie spent her first 5 years in Liberia, and it never her heart. We were privileged to have her join our team. As Dan Snyder said, "She's a breath of fresh air!"

April 7th, 2011

Well, I made it back! I returned this past Monday after a 22 hour journey. I can't even begin to explain what an amazing trip it was. I sensed God's presence with me the entire time and really felt the heart beat of God for the Liberian people. Though I had not been there since I was a child 30 years ago, I felt like I was coming home and I wasn't nervous at all. It was so peaceful.

Within an hour of landing, I found myself sitting in the new Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex stadium for the last night of the Franklin Graham Crusade. It was surreal to be in a stadium full of Liberians worshiping God and then even more to watch thousands walk forward to give their heart to the Lord. It is only through Christ that they will find hope and peace from all that they suffered in the war.

During my time in Liberia I was able to be involved in many aspects of ministry. On Monday I had the opportunity to visit the radio station that my uncle purchased just following the war. Through this station, Worship Liberia 101.7 they are having reports as far as Ghana of lives being changed for the kingdom of God.

Tuesday we did two children's outreaches. The second one was the one that impacted me the most. We visited the Susie Gunter Orphanage. At this orphanage there are 39 children. Two of them have special medical needs. I taught a short lesson and told them how each one of them is unique and God created them for a special purpose. I talked about snow, showed a picture of Kate (my daughter) playing in the snow and then showed them how to make snowflakes. They were amazed and I believe through this simple teaching they were able to begin to understand that just as each snowflake is different, each one of them is beautiful and unique too. When we finished the lesson we spent time just playing and visiting with the kids. We loved on them and showed them that we cared for them. We returned the following day to do a similar outreach while a women's conference was going on.

Since returning home to Chicago, my heart is broken for the children I met at this particular orphanage. The staff are struggling to feed the orphans and the special needs children have not received the care they need. Recently, some crucial support staff have been let go due to lack of funding. Please pray for the kids and staff that God would provide all their needs and that God would give me wisdom and creative ideas about how I might be able to help them.

On Wednesday and Friday I spent a lot of time at the hospital located on the campus where I was staying. I served in the maternity ward with the new mothers where I distributed 15 beautiful brand new baby blankets, several beanie babies and spent many precious moments holding newborns and talking with the mothers.

As I drove through the city I couldn't believe the condition the people were living and working in. Many homes are completely destroyed leaving nothing but the cinder block foundation with trees growing up in them. Homes are made from only corrugated sheet metal. The streets are lined with trash and vendors are jammed side by side selling produce, fish, jewelry, old clothes, underwear and anything else they can possibly sell just to make a little money.

There is a great need in Liberia. It is an impossible situation that only God can do a work through. I witnessed God do many things there as a child and during this trip too. I believe through prayer and trusting in Him and the willingness of you and I here in the U.S. we can and will see Liberia become all that God has intended. It was founded as a place of freedom for slaves who were once in bondage to start a new life. Join with me will you, in helping to see Liberia and her people restored to a future of freedom in Christ!

Love,

Cherie

You can follow Cherie on her blog, "Returning to Africa".

Regan Bliss is the youngest son of ELWA and ABC missionaries, Bart and Ruth Bliss. Bart was program director of ELWA Radio, and Ruth was the nurse anesthetist at ELWA Hospital, before they moved up to Yekepa in Nimba County to teach at African Bible College. Regan left Liberia when he was 15, and we were happy to have him join our team as he returned "home". Here are some of his thoughts about the trip.

I would like to say that I had a great time on this now-concluded trip to Liberia. I enjoyed the opportunity of getting to Yekepa to see ABC University as it is called now compared to when it was called ABC or African Bible College. (ed. note: I urge you to check out the Samaritan's purse link for a great article about its work at ABC and the dedication, complete with an excellent slide show).

Becky Chinchen who is the President's wife shared with me in a email before coming to be prepared for a change and yes, it was a definite change to a city that I would call the Shangri La of Liberia. While I was there one of the ABC Alumni who is on staff there told me that Yekepa went from 25,000 to now only about 5,000. I saw buildings that once where homes to families now over grown by the bush or trees, a mess hall that I went out to eat with my family overtaken by the bush, a pool that I learned to swim now devastated. I didn't get to see of all Yekepa, but I saw buildings that looked like were not even touched by the war.

In the midst of all this here I got to see the hope of a University education in a Christian setting by staff who are committed to teaching the Truths for Transformation in order to send out students that would impact Liberia for God. I also was able to:

• see a campus beautifully restored with the help of Samaritans Purse




• see staff that my parents taught



• meet new students



• see my home that I grew up in and to meet the staff staying in there now.

Most importantly, I appreciated being a part of the dedication or re-dedication of ABC as Franklin Graham spoke about having students come from there to teach and to even come back to the US to teach here in our educational system, in order to bring back formerly well-known universities in the US that were originally founded on Christian principles.

Following his return to ELWA, Regan's other highlights included his involvement with the Festival as a Special Counselor, especially sharing his favorite verse, Colossians 3:23-24 with two Liberians who had gone forward to receive Christ as their personal Savior. In addition, he was an outstanding clown at the Children's Festival!

On Monday he joined members of our team traveling to Bentol with Christine Norman, viewing the Youth Enlightment and Empowerment Center (WRT-YEE), and helping with activities for the local children.to be a part of the group that went to Christine's school to hang out and play with the kids. Other of Regan's highlights:

• Settling a fight between two kids that I didn't know I would need to get involved in.
• Seeing Monrovia not once, but twice.
• Visiting and helping at the Susie Gunther Orphanage on a couple of occasions.
• Attending two services at the ICM church. I can remember from when it was in the gym. Seeing Teen Time quiz lead by Dan Snyder.
• Going on the tour of ELWA Hospital to see what is going on there.
• Meeting Jacob Dolo, a long time employee who remembers well working with my Mom. Seeing ELWA radio and listening to an favorite old program, Bible College by Radio.
• Most importantly to coming away with seeing the needs of ELWA and also ABC University for staff, training, and the needs to keep a place running.

Thank you all for letting me be a part of this great trip. It was great to meet the older generation of MK's, along with the Nelsons and to hear some of the stories from some of you from your time at ELWA. Also to meet the spouses of the MK's. I have asked the Lord not to let Liberia leave my heart after what I got to see. I hope that this trip that I got to be a part of could be a spring board for future trips.

Thanks and may God richly bless you all as you serve him,

Regan Bliss

More of Regan's photos can be seen on his Facebook page, our EMAUSA Facebook Page, or at this link.