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On Wednesday I went to the village of Tenegar , where Mercy Ships is rebuilding a health clinic. Fourteen years of war left many structures like this rural clinic in disrepair; only the walls were left of a building that prior to its destruction provided health care to the communities in the area. An adjacent building had to be leveled dawn, it was beyond repair, a new one will be built in it place. In my view Tenegar is a model of community development project. It is based on the partnership of three parties: The government, Mercy Ships, and the people of the community working together to address health needs of the people. The Liberian government, who asked Mercy ships to rebuild the clinic, will provide health care staff to run the clinic after it is finished; Mercy Ships is providing materials supplies, planning and management for the project, and the community provides the labor (the work is being done by the people of the community). A well will be dig to provide w

Small shops lined up one beside the other at the side of the street. At the entrance collars and bracelets made of bits, seeds, shells and different stones hanged neatly to create a center of attention to income buyer. Inside carvings in different shapes and sizes filled every inch of space which was not designated for three or four person to stand. The owner was busy attending another western looking lady, suddenly their voices lowered to almost a whisper; they were negotiating the price of what she wanted to buy. His assistant, I presume, asked if there were anything we like. I pointed to a carving and asked how much? He prompt replied, forty five dollar. I said nothing and continued looking other things. When the other lady left I asked the owner how much for the same carving, he replied, eighteen dollar, which was a more reasonable price. Negotiating is a basic aspect of life in Africa . I’m thankful because God did not bargain; he paid a highest price for our lives. I’m grateful t

Worship at Bong Mine Bridge Church Leaving the ship to go to church Vincent Luwishi driving the vehicle to church In front of Bang Mine Bridge Church Church members on the background

The Bong Mine Bridge Church is a typical church here in Monrovia , a rectangular tin roofed building with walls made of bamboo. The construction mingles well with the houses in the community. Inside there were wooden pews for the people who came to the morning service. Outside the back door, a small generator provided power for sound system; no lights were needed as the cracks between the bamboo walls were enough to let the sun light inside the sanctuary. Bong Mine is a poor community close to where the ship is docked; sharp right turn into a narrow unpaved path with huts, houses and small shops on each side. Few times we barely missed them. The service started short after we arrived; announcements, worship, offering, more worship and a message by Vincent Luwishi, the guest preacher. During the worship those who don’t have a drum clap their hands, but like the drummers they never miss the beat. The whole congregation danced and worshiped the Lord freely. Vincent’s message was right

I arrived onboard the Africa Mercy Wednesday evening. Captain Jon Fadely picked me and a Nigerian Bishop who came to be seen by Dr. McDaniel. The rain made the hour driving to Monrovia almost two hours. At the ship, after the arrival paper work was done, the hospitality lady served our diner and showed the cabin I’m staying. Captain Jon reminded me that I was to bring devotions to the technical staff (deck and engineers) quarter to eight next morning. The alarm clock went off 6 AM. I felt as my mind was awake, but my body at sleep; by 7 AM I forced both mind and body to be at the same pace and got out of bed. Worship at deck seven was amazing; contemporary songs blend with African songs were enough to wake me up. I spoke on II Corinthians 13:11, where we are encouraged to aim to perfection, and the life style of a learner. Between meetings, my friend Vincent Luwizhi gave me a mango, the biggest mango I have seen for a long time. Mango is my favorite fruit; I pan to each i

Travel season is here; I leave to Monrovia , Liberia on Tuesday, April 15 th . I appreciate your prayers for safe travel and that I will be able to accomplish all I need to do on the Africa Mercy. You may have seen in the news that many flights have been canceled in recent days due to airplane maintenance. I’m grateful for this, but the unplanned delays are a problem to travelers. Pray that by Tuesday the situation will be normal. Please Pray for: For safe travel: to and from Liberia , no delays at the airports. For the training audit and assessment I have to conduct on board the Africa Mercy. Protection for Carla and the girls (unusual things happens when I’m away). For the preparation of Adam and Tamar’s wedding in May.