Dear Friends,

I spoke with Pastor Andrew in Liberia a few minutes ago.  We had a fairly good phone connection this time so we were able to talk for several minutes. 

It is the rainy season, but they are not having any problems so far with flooding this year.  He did tell me that someone purchased the “swamp” near the church and is filling it in so they can build on it.  Pastor Andrew and the people of his congregation are also working to fill in the area near the church that is prone to flooding in the rainy season because, if the swamp is filled in, the water will naturally flow toward them. 

Another interesting note about their church property… You may remember that a couple of years ago a new building was erected next to the church and refuge home.  The owners set up shop as a funeral home.  The effect a funeral home would have on the children (just a few feet away) was a great concern to Pastor Andrew and he relocated the refuge home to another building that we helped him renovate.   Even after the refuge home was moved, Pastor Andrew was troubled by this funeral home.  One night he felt lead of the Lord to march around the funeral home seven times and prayed.  He told me, “From that time on they could do nothing.”  The funeral home went out of business and now the building is an ice factory.  They make ice and freeze fish. 

The children of the refuge home are all doing well…with one exception.  Janet Weah broke her arm.  She was simply running around, playing with the other children, and fell.  Pastor Andrew told me she is healing very well.

Emanuel still has not had the cast removed from his leg.  Pastor Andrew said something about it being “redressed” by the medical workers the other day.  They are still expecting the cast off in a week or two. 

Pastor Andrew’s family and church are also doing well. 

He asked us to join them in prayer for the trouble Liberia is having with an outbreak of ritualistic killings.  He told me that a bishop in Monrovia was killed two weeks ago and other victims are being found on a regular basis.  (I’ve noticed an unusual increase in such reports in the news from Liberia lately.) 

Below you will find an entry to a blog - The Reeds in Liberia (http://reedsinliberia.blogspot.com/).  The heading on the blog describes it as…The continuing saga of Bob, Renita, Hannah, and Noah -- four ordinary Americans trying to figure out what following the One Whut Brung 'Em means. Currently, it means being servants to the people of Liberia, and being served in return.  In attempt to help people understand what life in Liberia is like for the average Liberian, they have created a “game” they call “Livin Liberian.”  It’s worth the read.

We thank you again for your faithful support and prayers for the children and workers of the Refuge Home.  They need it.  Don’t loose sight of the fact that what may seem like a small thing here, is making a tremendous difference in the lives of these precious children there.  We will be sending the next monthly support to the Refuge Home at the end of this week. 

Blessings,

Pastor Bill