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It was on the 8th grade, the third floor supervisor escorted us to the Vice-Principal’s office. The Vice-Principal had a reputation of being a strict disciplinarian. We trembled at his laud drill-sergeant voice. As we walked the long corridor and stairway to the second floor, my mind rushed ahead thinking on the consequences the three of us would suffer for being naughty during recess and what explanation I was going to come up with to explain the sure detention to my parents. We were not assiduous visitors at the Vice-Principal’s office, but had had our share of encounters with the floor supervisor. This time was it, we were doomed; there was no way we could get away. The Vice-Principal sat behind his desk looking not too happy to have to deal with not just one, but with three troublemakers. My legs were shaken and my knees began to hit each other, and my head moved up and down agreeing with the charges pressed against us. The Vice-Principal pause before the final verdict, but in a mo...

A new year, a new month, and a new day offer the possibility of a new beginning. A new beginning means to commence again, to start a fresh, to initiate once more. At the stroke of midnight on the last day of the year we tell each other ‘Happy New Year’; we are wishing a happy new beginning in this New Year. It is exciting to be given the chance to have a bight new beginning. God’s mercy is new every morning. Therefore in this New Year I plan to experience God’s mercy a new every morning. Happy 2009!

Carla and I were invited for a delicious Zimbabwe meal at my friends Vincent and Samantha Luwizhi. It was a feast that only special people have the opportunity to enjoy; at least this was how I felt. Vincent told us that the Satza, corn meal porridge, topped with meat and vegetables grave, is an everyday meal in his country. Zimbabwe is a beautiful country once known as the bread basked for Africa; today the people are in the blink of starvation. On top of this there is a Cholera outbreak. Following is a link to a BBC article sent to me by Vincent. Let’s pray for the people in Zimbabwe. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7763397.stm

After the long drive I was tired and lost. I pulled into a gas station, walked in, and before I could open my mount the clerk, a young and pleasant guy, began to give me directions: “You go straight, at the first light turn left, and then you will see the Country Club”. I was amazed that he was given me direction before I asked for it; maybe he was able to read people mind, creep! The only problem was that the direction he gave me was not to where I needed to go. When he noticed that he had made a foul of himself he said: “That is not where you want to go?” I said no, it is not, but you impressed me. This experience illustrates my visit to North Caroline, good food, good hospitality and great fellowship with the people of Neuse River Baptist Church, Smyrna Baptist Church, and the Atlantic Baptist Association. Thanks!

Three summers ago the movie ‘Transformers’ was a blockbuster in the theaters. I had the chance to see it on a long airplane trip. The move is about alien machines that come to earth disguised as cars, trucks, and buses. They are able to transform themselves into flying robots that battle evil transformers to save the planet earth; quite intriguing. It never crossed my mind that I would see such thing in real life; however I realized that it happens every time the Africa Mercy crew goes out to show the film Jesus. The Land Rover is transformed from a car into a mobile theater, although it can’t fly! The Apostle Paul urges us, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2.

Cheesmanburg is about 50 minute’s drive from the port of Monrovia where the Africa Mercy is docked. Five of us began the 26 kilometers journey short after diner; two Liberian pastors joined the group on the way, which made 7 people on the Land Rover plus the equipment to show the film Jesus. When Ananda Samaraweera told me he was going out with the film Jesus I immediately asked if I could come along. Ananda and I go way back when he joined the Good Samaritan as an engineer. He attended the Good Sam Discipleship Training School in Brazil and was baptized on the Amazon River . It was on the Good Sam that Ananda got involved with the film Jesus and the passion of sharing the message of Jesus’ life to others. When I woke up Saturday morning, I had no doubt we were in the raining season. It poured rain all day long, however late afternoon there was a break; the clouds were still there, and time to time letting down a sprinkle or two, but the heavy rain was gone. The ...

The restoration of the old building is complete; the transformation is remarkable, new roof, electrical wires, doors and windows in place. Village workers assisted by the Africa Mercy team worked on the construction of a new building that will be the new clinic while the renovated old building will serve as a ward. At the same time in the community garden that last April was just empty vegetable beds, now produces pees, peanut, corn, lettuce, and tomatoes. The good news is being preached to the poor. Before & After