Raising the Roof

Life in Liberia is similar to other West African countries, or so I am told. Although some say that people here are less religious and tend to beg more. During the war, people were frightened, so they turned more to God for help and comfort. Now that the war is over, many have fallen away from their faith. So, the work of evangelization is so important now.
As for the begging, many ask for money, not by standing on a street with outstretched hands, but by knocking on white people’s doors. Sometimes they hand us a letter explaining their hardship, but often they just tell their story and ask for money. The most common requests are for help with school fees, uniforms, and shoes. Many also ask for funds to repair their homes that have been damaged in a recent storm. The winds here can literally raise the roof, leaving leaks galore. Jobs as we know them are slim. The only salaried positions are with NGO’s, churches, or with the government. So, many people make “small money” by selling things in the marketplace, driving motorbike taxis, selling handicrafts, cutting grass, coking, cleaning, and so on. Of course, the Leprosy and TB Rehabilitation Center, AKA the Rehab, employs many people here in Ganta.
The age group from 13 to 22 is of special concern. These are the teens and young adults that have only known war. It is a forgotten group, those left behind, if you will. Their education was disrupted time and again as they had to escape from their homes in the middle of the night when the rebels came in to Nimba County. They have seen so much brutality, killing, and raping that has caused them to become traumatized. Many are able to put it behind them, but some cannot. This age group is my central focus. They will be the future leaders of this country.

We will soon be starting monthly programs for these teens and young adults incorporating evangelization along with good Christian values, e.g. honesty, fidelity, respect for each other and for their bodies, good work ethics, etc. We want this age group to know the saving power of Jesus, how He can transform their lives, to understand His love for them, and to learn to go to Him in prayer for his help and guidance. We want to train them to be responsible citizens with a caring, Christian attitude towards all peoples. It will be their challenge to help to maintain peace in Liberia once the peace keeping forces have left. As you know, peace begins in the home.

Only education and God’s grace can help to lift Liberia out of this cycle of ignorance, poverty, and begging that the war has created. At the Rehab and in Ganta and Sanniquille schools, I will soon be doing presentations on Substance Abuse, HIV/AIDS, Communication Skills, Verbal Abuse, Mental Illness, Hopefulness, etc. Plus, I have begun counseling work. Please keep me in your prayers as this missionary starts digging in her heels here, doing the work that the Lord has sent me to do.
Please make the check out to SMA  attention Theresa Hicks, SMA Lay Missionaries, 256 Manor Circle, Takoma Park, MD 20912. Of course, any contribution is tax deductible. Thanks so very much. May the Lord bless you abundantly for your generosity. I continue to pray for you and your families every day. Please continue to pray for me.