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ELWA Ministries Association USA P. O. Box 1 Warrenville, IL 60555 Contact Us Download printable brouchure HERE |
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From Steve Ackley, EMA Board President.... “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” Psalm 127:1 Dear Friends, In mid-October, David Frazee and I will travel to Liberia to work alongside our partners in Liberia. This trip will focus on a significant renovation of the Trinity Guest House, one of the most critical facilities on the campus for visiting missionaries. Trinity Guest House Renovation The Trinity Guest House was originally a four-bedroom home with two bathrooms. Two bathrooms are now being added so each guest room has its own private bathroom, significantly improving comfort and privacy for missionaries and guests. To make most efficient use of space, the new bathrooms are being constructed in an area that was previously used as a porch. The project is led by myself, David Frazee, and Gino Pini, along with a Liberian team of skilled masons, plumbers, and electricians. Work is already underway:
Staff House Floor and Ceiling Tiles One of the ELWA Staff houses (J-09b, previously the CMA Guesthouse) needs new floor and ceiling tiles. This is the second project we’ll be working on. Prayer Requests for this Trip
Serving with you, Steve Ackley EMA “It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; to declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night.”
— Psalm 92:1–2 Back in April, we shared an urgent need for housing renovations and critical work on the ELWA powerhouse. We are thrilled to report that God is providing in amazing ways:
What’s Next
 The trip last week to Robinson, IL, with John Schindler was wonderful.
We ate Liberian food and enjoyed a fantastic time of fellowship with his cousins. What’s going on at ELWA, and how can you help? EMA equips ministries to carry out the Great Commission, making disciples. We do this by supporting four critical ministries at ELWA.
From EMA's President, Steve Ackley This week I’ll be in Indiana with my good friend John Schindler, visiting his cousins. John’s dad, Dr. Bob, founded ELWA Hospital, and my dad served as its administrator. Back then, we “ELWA boys” played every sport imaginable and a few you probably couldn’t imagine! Those memories remind me of what a special place ELWA has always been. But today, things at ELWA look very different in a word: crisis. ELWA Hospital remains a healthcare anchor in Liberia, yet its fragility and dependence on donor support are painfully clear. Without steady funding, critical services collapse, impacting children, expectant mothers, and the most vulnerable. Current Areas of Concern Over $5,000 in care is written off or discounted each month. Only about 45% of inpatients can fully pay their bills; the rest leave with unpaid balances. Cash flow shortages directly limit the purchase of essential supplies, including: Medical supplies Kitchen supplies Pharmaceuticals Environmental health needs Utilities (power) Malnutrition feeding program supplies Pediatric care items And that’s just a sample of the long list of urgent needs. Would you join us in prayer for God’s provision and lasting solutions for ELWA Hospital? Many of you have been touched by ELWA over the years. We’d love to hear your stories and encouragement as we walk through this together. With gratitude, Steve
Growing up in Liberia, I was shaped by sports programs led by faithful missionaries: Uncle Pete Ackley, Uncle Elsworth Balzer, and Uncle Bill Thompson. Through volleyball, basketball, baseball, and prayer meeting, these men modeled Christ and used sports as a way to teach biblical values, build community, and share the Gospel. These programs welcomed all children – missionary kids, Liberians, and even children of diplomats.  In 2004, I returned to Liberia with my “foster siblings”, the Children of Bill Thompson, and observed many Liberian children running around with nothing to do. Witnessing firsthand the deep need for structured activities and discipleship for local youth, and burdened to make a difference, I returned to the US determined to raise awareness and funds to revive the impactful programs that had meant so much to me as a child in Liberia. My prayer was simple yet bold: that God would raise up individuals who love Jesus and desire to reach youth through sports and discipleship. Today, we celebrate that what began as a hope and dream is now a reality. Praise the Lord! Since its founding, YDM has:
A few weeks ago, I visited Liberia and toured the newly completed sports court. All six basketball hoops and backboards are installed and in use. I also met with the local leadership team to plan future ministry programs: youth leagues, summer camps, and Vacation Bible School. Looking ahead to 2025 and early 2026, the goal is to organize leagues across community schools, creating opportunities to compete and, more importantly, to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. None of this would be possible without your faithful prayers and financial support. Your generosity helps continue the legacy started by Uncle Pete, Uncle Bill, and Uncle Elsworth – a legacy of using sports as a powerful tool to change lives for Christ. We invite you to continue partnering with us! Your donations directly help disciple the next generation, providing not only athletic opportunities but also life-changing encounters with Jesus Christ. Thank you for being part of this mission. Together, we are reconnecting youth in Liberia to faith, hope, and community through sports. |
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ELWA Ministries Association USA