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Meet Meanu Kaeya  Meanu Kayea (right) and his brothers Last month we shared about our Basketball Court & Youth Discipleship fundraising campaign. Meet Meanu Kayea. . The Youth Sports Program at ELWA had a huge impact on his life 40 years ago. Meanu’s passion is to see this program continue to impact and shape children’s lives today. Meanu's dad was an ELWA radio host who passed away when Meanu was only 5 years old. As a hurting kid growing up in Liberia, the Youth Sports Program at ELWA changed his life. Monday nights were open gym nights for volleyball and Wednesday nights were prayer gatherings. Friday nights were basketball nights and baseball and softball games filled Saturdays. When Meanu showed up each evening, he played with kids from the community. Three ELWA missionary men, affectionately called Uncle Pete Ackley, Uncle Elsworth Balzer, and Uncle Bill Thompson, played crucial roles in Meanu's life. Throughout this ministry, Meanu and his friends were exposed to more than just sports – Jesus was at the center of all of it. The kids shared prayer requests at the Wednesday night prayer gatherings, watched God answer prayers and learned the value of praying for others. But it wasn't just at prayer nights that Jesus came up in conversation. When Meanu wanted to join the baseball team, Uncle Pete challenged Meanu to recite a Bible verse and share it with the team. And it was about more than volleyball, baseball, or basketball. The kids learned how to be the best teammate on and off the field through learning scripture. As Meanu grew up, God provided the opportunity for Meanu to come to the States for high school and college. Meanu grew spiritually while attending Judson College: he played on their soccer team, went on their mission trips, and worked at Riverwoods Christian Camp as a counselor. Meanu later moved to North Carolina to play on the Charlotte Eagles Soccer team. He is currently the Director of the Recreation Soccer Programs for the Charlotte Soccer Academy and continues to enjoy mentoring young people. Meanu is ready to bring back this experience for other kids in Liberia. And it's needed more than ever. Since the civil war ended in Liberia 20 years ago, many impoverished young people have resorted to stealing and joining street gangs. But you can change that.
This is where the Basketball Court & Youth Discipleship Program comes in. Our goal is to raise $50,000. With this program, the young people of Liberia will find a safe place to gather and build community while playing basketball, volleyball, and kickball as well as participate in regular Bible study. Our $50,000 goal will cover the construction costs of the multi-sport court and all essential equipment and cover maintenance staff compensation for the first year. Construction begins THIS October, and we hope to open the court in November to the kids! This is where you come in. Whether you give $50 or $5,000, every little bit helps. You can make your financial gift online or by check. Thank you for your generosity!
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ELWA Ministries Association USA