The Old ELWA Gymnasium

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Lee Sonius, Steve Ackley, Sam Kayea and Clip Kniffin traveled to the ELWA campus in November. Lee, Steve and Sam grew up on the campus, and Steve and Sam had not been back to Liberia for 40 years! Their insights and new vision produced a new goal for the EMAUSA: To renovate the old gymnasium and upgrade the housing stock on the campus. The excitement among these three “ELWA kids” was palpable, and we are enthusiastic about the gym project and making it once again an attractive meeting place. 

Today the old gym is a mere shadow of its former self. In the 1960s and 70s it was a gathering spot for the ELWA kids of yesteryear. The boys played basketball, and weddings were performed. Church services and graduation ceremonies were held there. But the Liberian civil war and the salt air off the Atlantic Ocean have taken a toll of the gym, and today it is in sad shape. Our plan is to make the gym a center for sports ministry and discipleship. More than this, we want to make a center for community activities. To accomplish this, our current plan is to extend the south side (the side closest to the Atlantic Ocean) by 20-30 feet to make room for bleachers. Electrical and plumbing upgrades are vitally important for this restoration. A second goal is to restore the Schindler house that is next to the beach so that it can house a missionary family. 

At present we estimate the total cost of these improvements to be $60,000-$80,000. Much depends the feasibility study now being undertaken and upon our ability to raise the funds. Your generosity in supporting this project is vital to its success.