Tuesday, March 22nd in Liberia, Africa

Today we wrapped up our two-day, “Love and Leadership” Conference for church-planting Pastors. Ten of these Pastors intend to begin churches outside the most populated city of Monrovia, further north in some of the less-populated villages. Pastor Peter Flomo, the head of Teamwork Africa, says there is a much greater need for churches in the northern interior of Liberia than in the urban capitol, Monrovia.

I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity I was given to preach and teach at the conference, attended by close to 40 people, with numerous children peering in the windows and doors. A message on Philippians 2: 5-8 titled, “The Story of Seven Demotions,” was especially well-received. All of those in attendance—the many Pastors, youth Pastors, girls in the youth choir—all seemed so hungry to hear Spirit-filled preaching from God’s Word. They so earnestly desire to grow deeper in their faith.

Starting Wednesday—and for the next three days—we’re heading into the interior, further north, for evangelistic outreaches in three different villages. We plan to show the “Jesus” film, distribute educational and medical supplies, hygiene products, candy(these kids hardly ever get any, we’re told) and publicly proclaim the Good News of Christ.

Many of the houses and roads I’ve seen and driven on already left something to be desired. That’s just in and around Monrovia. I’m told the homes and roads we’ll see and drive on the next few days are in much worse shape. Though things are said to be getting better here, a nation still described as one of the five poorest in the world.

Pray for the Franklin Graham Crusade the evenings of March 25-27 at the largest stadium in Monrovia. Tuesday nigh I talked to Menomonie-native, Matt Swenson, a part of the organizing team for the event. He’s headed north where Franklin will be Wed. for the dedication of Africa Bible College.  It had been the first Bible College in Africa, but after being destroyed during the civil war, it has now been rebuilt.

For dinner we ate a great chicken pizza. And twice enjoyed some brief cell phone chats with our four, amazing kids who seem to be faring quite well at the Dorney’s. Kelly and Kim, THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!