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It is difficult to share the life-changing words of Christ with people when they do not have a Bible in the language they speak every day. John-Mark and Sara Sheppard are SIM mission workers in northern Liberia. Since 2013, they have lived among the Manya people, who are predominantly Muslim, with the goal of giving them the message of the gospel in the language of their heart. Over the course of the Sheppard’s most recent term they achieved a milestone in this undertaking – completion of the translation of the New Testament into the Manya language. Now, for the first time, nearly 200,000 Manya people in Northern Liberia and southeast Guinea have a New Testament Bible in their language. The Gospel has come to the Manya people. Completing the Manya New Testament is a major achievement, but much more work remains. Even during home assignments, John-Mark meets remotely with a translator to draft portions of the Old Testament. Initially, they are creating a series of Manya language Bible story books and recordings that convey the message of God’s love and redemption, from creation to Christ. The recordings are already broadcast over ELWA radio in Monrovia. As a sister organization to SIM and ELWA Ministries Liberia, ELWA Ministries Association USA (EMAUSA) partners with SIM in spreading the Gospel in word and deed in Liberia. EMAUSA’s leadership team had a recent video Zoom call with Nicholas Piaget and we shared our hearts for the mission in Liberia. Together we identified many important projects that EMAUSA could support with fundraising efforts in the U.S. to support these initiatives.
Missionary HousingOne great need expressed by Nicholas is for missionary housing. There are several needed ELWA missionaries who are scheduled to join ELWA staff, but at this time there is no housing available for them. Several houses that were built in the 1950s have fallen into disrepair. These homes must be renovated to accommodate these missionaries. Nicholas Piaget asked EMAUSA to assist in raising funds to rebuild these homes. ELWA Missionary Housing Repairs: $40,000 needed Basketball CourtEMAUSA had plans to renovate the gym but an inspection report showed that the structure was not safe enough to pursue that project. Alternatively we have developed a plan to build an outdoor basketball court for the sports ministry. ELWA/SIM has designated a plot of land on the High School grounds for an outdoor basketball court. The much bigger project to build an all-new gym may still be developed in the future. See a report from Meanu Kayea below for more details about how the basketball court will be used. New Outdoor Basketball Court: $25,000 needed ICM Church RoofEMAUSA would also like to continue to support the building of the International Church of Monrovia (ICM) on ELWA Campus. The foundation, walls and roof girders are completed but there is still much to be done including completing the roof. International Church of Monrovia on ELWA Campus “Raise the Roof “Fundraiser: $30,000 needed ScholarshipsLiberian children continue to receive an education as a result of EMAUSA's support. Scholarships: $36,000 needed for the 2023-24 school year  Nicolas Piaget joined the SIM Liberia team in May 2018. When he first came to Liberia, Nicolas filled a much-needed role in IT for ELWA and SIM administration. In 2021, he was appointed Deputy Director and in late 2022 became the Liberia Country Director. He is joined by his wife Melvina and their four young boys. Melvina is a dentist and works part time at Trinity Dental Clinic on the ELWA Campus and serves on the management team. Please pray for the Piagets and the SIM team as we all transition to new roles and leadership. You can learn more about Nicolas and Melvina's motivation to serve the Lord cross-culturally here: https://famillepiaget.ch/en/pages/pourquoi-partir.html#pourquoi-partir
by Meanu Kayea It has been a little over a month since my return from Liberia. A trip that I took on behalf of the Youth Discipleship & Sports Ministry Programs. The purpose of my trip was to encourage those in partnership with EMA. I met with Justyn Tokeh, Principal of ELWA Academy Christian School, Charles Dixon and Joel Bono, both who oversee the Sports Ministry Programs. The meetings were centered around both Ministries being brought under the umbrella of ELWA Christian Academy. This would offer in-country and on-site accountability, oversight and direction to the program. The Youth Discipleship/Sports Ministry Program groups, boys and girls of Elementary and Middle School ages. The campus is struggling for an onsite sports facility that would benefit the kids on the ELWA campus as well as the kids from the surrounding communities that would come and use the facilities. During the trip to Liberia in February, I was able to meet with individuals who are the decision makers. An outdoor open top basketball facility was discussed and determined that it was important for the Sports Ministry Program. |
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