Joe Patterson in Liberia January 11-31, 2006
January 11, 2006
Right now I'm sitting at the LA airport. I've already thought about turning back several times today but I just keep puttijng one foot in front of the other. When I landed in LAX, I had to go check in to British Airways (which meant I needed to go outside) and find a blue sign, take Shuttle A, go up to the third floor, and check in. In fact, I ended up in the parking lot.
January 12, 2006
So far my carry-on has not been able to be carried on to either of the last two flights. It is a major act of faith because now I am left with this notebook and the possessions in my pockets. I'm sitting in seat 23J and Angela is sitting by the window 23K. She is an artist does sculptures, and lives in a monastery. She is a Catholic but reminded me that we should be one as Jesus and the Father are one. She is much older.
(at the Ghana Airport) Something that the flight attendant just said, combined with the the sight of the carpeting reminded me of when the New America Singers slept on the carpet in the German Airport.
January 13, 2006
[Catherine told me that she was planning to meet with George Bennett, Star Radio]
Leaving Accra, many of the women were upset. They said that they saw the loading crew removing their baggage. I am so glad that God is in charge of all the things that we packed. They wouldn't allow anything greater than 5 KG so all 3 bags are supposedly under the plane. God is in control and I will be waiting expectantly at the carousel for them when we land. Saturday,
January 14, 2006
This morning Pastor Wesley and I are going to go view the Children's Home.
We went to the Children's Home for a short visit. Pastor Wesley provided some candy for me to give to the children. The Home provides for about 16 children. Since today is Saturday there were no teachers there, but the three caretakers were there. My manin ministry today was loading the software and running through a trial with the CDRW drive. This will allow Pastor Wesley to record his messages to CD to transport to the radio station.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Today was my first time to go to Pastor Wesley's church. I wonder what it will be like. I am doing my best to submit to God's Will athough my feeling do not... I will listen to the Voice of Truth; I will watch and listen.
Monday, January 16, 2006
Today, we saw the Inauguration of the 23rd Liberian President: Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. It was a very exciting event as the country is hopeful that she will return order and prosperous following the lengthy civil war. We also watched "Hotel Rwanda" and "Sometimes in April" (two movies about the Rwandan Genocide between the Hutu and Tutsi tribes. The only difference that was noted was that the Liberian Civil War was much longer. Tonight, I discussed some project ideas with Pastor Wesley. He would like to see the completion of the Clinic as it will greatly assist the community and the building of a Baptismal Pool for the church. They have been baptizing in a river, and that is not safe.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
We spent most of the time around Pastor Wesley's home. We did make a short visit to a school where Pastor Wesley met to discuss payment for the tuition of two boys that the church is sponsoring: Amos and Darling.
Also, Pastor Wesley oversaw the addiotion of an electric plug underneath his desk so that the computer does not have to be plugged in across the room and in danger of someone tripping over the cords.
Later, after the children came home from school, I met with them and we talked a little bit about theri schooling and schedule.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Tonight we had Bible Study at the church. There were thirteen people including myself and the pastor. We sang about God's Goodness and the lesson was from 1 Peter 3: 10-13.
The main point of this was that we are always to speak good. We should seek peace and be truthful. If we speak good, it benefits both ourselves and the hearers. Even if someone is evil, to speak good of them will bring the good out of them.
The service ended with spoken, simultaneous prayers of Thanksgiving. I focused on some basic things the Pastor had mentioned--that being my two hands, feet, ears, eyes, and my healthy family.
God, teach me to be truly grateful and satisfied with the gifts You have given me. Please remove this American heart for deserved treatment and understanding.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Today we went and bought a truckload of sand and 13 bags of cement. These will be used towards the floor and other work around the clinic. Earlier we went to pick up two doors and door frames from a store 4 blocks down the road. Boys from the church carried these back on their heads. When we returned with the cement, Pastor got word that one of the church members, Edward, had a terrible headache and had gone to J.F.K. Hospital. We took a taxi to see him there, but we could not find him there.
Friday, January 20, 2006
Today we went to the church to check on the workers. They had been doing pretty well plastering the walls on the inside of the clinic. Then we went into town to buy some shoes for me for church. Although many people live on a day-to-day basis, wearing nice clothes to church is an important matter -- it is a sign of respect. While out in Monrovia, I again noticed the vast numbers of people selling from carts, or simple stands, or holding a tiny bag of cold water to sell. At night I spent time with Pastor's children, playing cards with Richard, Eunice and Priscilla and Scrabble with Roland. I also continue to show love to little Robbie by picking him up. Saturday,
January 21, 2006
Today was a good day. I spent much of the day at home spending time with the kids. Pastor, Matthew, Roland and I played two games of scrabble. I lost both of them. Once again this reminded me that I have pride in myself and many times I do not see the abilities of others. One cannot judge others especially without spending a long time with them. I should not expect to win everything and should just enjoy the experience of the game. Later I accompanied Pastor to the hardware store to buy more tiles for the bathroom. I think this is a wise investment as he desires for his home to be a welcome place for visiting missionaries and a nice bathroom gives a good deal of comfort. We also visited the commercial typing center and saw how many of the people here prepare reports to their various agencies.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Today was a wonderful service at Greater Love Bible Baptist Church. The message was from Jonah 2, Jonah's prayer while in the belly of the fish. It reminds us that God is always in control disciplining us so that we can be used more effectively in the future. I was able to meet more of the church members and once again realized the time consuming task of waiting for taxis to carry a family from church.
On this night I was also able to spend more time getting to know the Pastor's children as we sat up and by lantern light told stories and riddles.
Monday, January 23, 2006
Today I went to visit the National Police Headquarters. It was quite an experience. I did not see a single computer or metal detector. The plaintiff had to pay for photocopies of his complaint.
We also returned to the church to make sure the workers were still plastering. In this context it is very common for workers to steal supplies or to complain about problems with more materials in order to get more money. Especially when people see a white face, they assume that they will be paid more for the job. This would make it very difficult for an American missionary to spend a long time here in Liberia.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Today we went again to check on the workers and supply them with 5 more bags of cement. The workers seem to be doing a good job of managing the supplies and working with the time provided, but it seems like a working day is much shorter here because of the heat, the lack of easy access to and transportation of resources and the pace at which funds can be acquired. This night I also heard of Pastor's experiences during the war-- how they did not always have tasty food or medical treatment, but he is so thankful for small good things from those times. Remembering the good is the key to life.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Today we had Bible Study and focused on 1 Peter 3:14
"But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.
Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened"
Next we discussed different ways in which someone could suffer for Christ (loving job or friends for taking an ethical stand) and how they would be blessed (get a new, better job). Then we discussed different things that we were thankful to God for providing. Included in these thanks were praises of protection from a snake, provision of school fees and healing on an eye problem.
Thursday, January 26, 2005
Today we went to view more of the work at the clinic (the completion of the ceiling and the finishing of the plastering and filling in holes in the cement walls). Friday, January 27, 2006 Today we went to the Greater Love Children's Home to take teaching materials and view the schooling of the children there. The children were very grateful of my presence and the candy which I later passed out.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Today's main activity was to go into town and run some errands. We needed to go to Western Union and receive funds that had been donated. We also returned a water filter to the super market for repair. If we can get this working, the cost of supplies will greatly decrease because mineral water is kind of expensive-- filtering well water would be much more efficient and this will have positive health benefits for Pastor Wesley's family as well. Then we went to the Freeport of Monrovia and the 'Junkyard'. WE designed and had constructed 6 signposts which we will place in communities to tell individuals the benefits of joining GLBBC and making the information and location of the church more available.
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Today was my 3rd Sunday at Greater Love Bible Baptist Church. The Sunday School message was on 1 Peter 3: 15-16. "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander". We discussed how the hope that we have is eternal life in heaven by the grace of God through the shed blood of Jesus. The sermon was from Jonah 3 about how the king showed good leadership by listening and obeying God.
Monday, January 30, 2006
Today we went to the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in an attempt to begin the process of obtaining an adoption license for the children's home. We were hoping to see the outgoing minister, but when we arrived, we were informed that there had been a mandate for all of the ministers, deputies and the other appointed leading positions to leave their office immediately. We conjecture that since Madame President has selected new people for these positions, there will be a smoother confirmation process and transition if the previous crew is no longer in position. We acquired a working water filter. I had a chance to talk with two of Pastor Welsey's daughters and they expressed some of their desires for books and other small items.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Today, we went to Western Union to pick up donations that had been made to pay the teachers at the school and to do more work at the clinic. Next, we went into Sinkor and found a carpenter and a man who can do masonry wrik. They will be reducing the double windows to single windows and puttin in the window frames and windows. We are also employing another man to make the window bars (for protection) and took him to buy supplies. On our way back to the church we stopped to buy more concrete and cement blocks. As the ememnt blocks were being loaded, I helped Pstor Wesley convert the Liberian dollar prices to U.S. dollars. When the men said they were all loaded, Pstor noticed that the amount did not look like the full 80 that we had bought. Everyone insisted that the amount was correct until he threatened to make them correct any mistake at their expense and time.
After this warning, the cement block loaders loaded more blocks and we left. Whjen we arrived at the church we had them stacked in groups of 10. There were exactly 80-no more no less.
Recently, we have received reports about attempts to take bags of cement by reporting that a bag is finished when it is not. Pastor Wesley has done an EXCELLENT job of minimizing these losses. But, it takes a toll because workers have to be supervised or the valuable materials go missing which would put us over budget, place suspicion in the minds of those helping us and remove the ability to ever get anything completed.
Right now I'm sitting at the LA airport. I've already thought about turning back several times today but I just keep puttijng one foot in front of the other. When I landed in LAX, I had to go check in to British Airways (which meant I needed to go outside) and find a blue sign, take Shuttle A, go up to the third floor, and check in. In fact, I ended up in the parking lot.
January 12, 2006
So far my carry-on has not been able to be carried on to either of the last two flights. It is a major act of faith because now I am left with this notebook and the possessions in my pockets. I'm sitting in seat 23J and Angela is sitting by the window 23K. She is an artist does sculptures, and lives in a monastery. She is a Catholic but reminded me that we should be one as Jesus and the Father are one. She is much older.
(at the Ghana Airport) Something that the flight attendant just said, combined with the the sight of the carpeting reminded me of when the New America Singers slept on the carpet in the German Airport.
January 13, 2006
[Catherine told me that she was planning to meet with George Bennett, Star Radio]
Leaving Accra, many of the women were upset. They said that they saw the loading crew removing their baggage. I am so glad that God is in charge of all the things that we packed. They wouldn't allow anything greater than 5 KG so all 3 bags are supposedly under the plane. God is in control and I will be waiting expectantly at the carousel for them when we land. Saturday,
January 14, 2006
This morning Pastor Wesley and I are going to go view the Children's Home.
We went to the Children's Home for a short visit. Pastor Wesley provided some candy for me to give to the children. The Home provides for about 16 children. Since today is Saturday there were no teachers there, but the three caretakers were there. My manin ministry today was loading the software and running through a trial with the CDRW drive. This will allow Pastor Wesley to record his messages to CD to transport to the radio station.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Today was my first time to go to Pastor Wesley's church. I wonder what it will be like. I am doing my best to submit to God's Will athough my feeling do not... I will listen to the Voice of Truth; I will watch and listen.
Monday, January 16, 2006
Today, we saw the Inauguration of the 23rd Liberian President: Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. It was a very exciting event as the country is hopeful that she will return order and prosperous following the lengthy civil war. We also watched "Hotel Rwanda" and "Sometimes in April" (two movies about the Rwandan Genocide between the Hutu and Tutsi tribes. The only difference that was noted was that the Liberian Civil War was much longer. Tonight, I discussed some project ideas with Pastor Wesley. He would like to see the completion of the Clinic as it will greatly assist the community and the building of a Baptismal Pool for the church. They have been baptizing in a river, and that is not safe.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
We spent most of the time around Pastor Wesley's home. We did make a short visit to a school where Pastor Wesley met to discuss payment for the tuition of two boys that the church is sponsoring: Amos and Darling.
Also, Pastor Wesley oversaw the addiotion of an electric plug underneath his desk so that the computer does not have to be plugged in across the room and in danger of someone tripping over the cords.
Later, after the children came home from school, I met with them and we talked a little bit about theri schooling and schedule.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Tonight we had Bible Study at the church. There were thirteen people including myself and the pastor. We sang about God's Goodness and the lesson was from 1 Peter 3: 10-13.
The main point of this was that we are always to speak good. We should seek peace and be truthful. If we speak good, it benefits both ourselves and the hearers. Even if someone is evil, to speak good of them will bring the good out of them.
The service ended with spoken, simultaneous prayers of Thanksgiving. I focused on some basic things the Pastor had mentioned--that being my two hands, feet, ears, eyes, and my healthy family.
God, teach me to be truly grateful and satisfied with the gifts You have given me. Please remove this American heart for deserved treatment and understanding.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Today we went and bought a truckload of sand and 13 bags of cement. These will be used towards the floor and other work around the clinic. Earlier we went to pick up two doors and door frames from a store 4 blocks down the road. Boys from the church carried these back on their heads. When we returned with the cement, Pastor got word that one of the church members, Edward, had a terrible headache and had gone to J.F.K. Hospital. We took a taxi to see him there, but we could not find him there.
Friday, January 20, 2006
Today we went to the church to check on the workers. They had been doing pretty well plastering the walls on the inside of the clinic. Then we went into town to buy some shoes for me for church. Although many people live on a day-to-day basis, wearing nice clothes to church is an important matter -- it is a sign of respect. While out in Monrovia, I again noticed the vast numbers of people selling from carts, or simple stands, or holding a tiny bag of cold water to sell. At night I spent time with Pastor's children, playing cards with Richard, Eunice and Priscilla and Scrabble with Roland. I also continue to show love to little Robbie by picking him up. Saturday,
January 21, 2006
Today was a good day. I spent much of the day at home spending time with the kids. Pastor, Matthew, Roland and I played two games of scrabble. I lost both of them. Once again this reminded me that I have pride in myself and many times I do not see the abilities of others. One cannot judge others especially without spending a long time with them. I should not expect to win everything and should just enjoy the experience of the game. Later I accompanied Pastor to the hardware store to buy more tiles for the bathroom. I think this is a wise investment as he desires for his home to be a welcome place for visiting missionaries and a nice bathroom gives a good deal of comfort. We also visited the commercial typing center and saw how many of the people here prepare reports to their various agencies.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Today was a wonderful service at Greater Love Bible Baptist Church. The message was from Jonah 2, Jonah's prayer while in the belly of the fish. It reminds us that God is always in control disciplining us so that we can be used more effectively in the future. I was able to meet more of the church members and once again realized the time consuming task of waiting for taxis to carry a family from church.
On this night I was also able to spend more time getting to know the Pastor's children as we sat up and by lantern light told stories and riddles.
Monday, January 23, 2006
Today I went to visit the National Police Headquarters. It was quite an experience. I did not see a single computer or metal detector. The plaintiff had to pay for photocopies of his complaint.
We also returned to the church to make sure the workers were still plastering. In this context it is very common for workers to steal supplies or to complain about problems with more materials in order to get more money. Especially when people see a white face, they assume that they will be paid more for the job. This would make it very difficult for an American missionary to spend a long time here in Liberia.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Today we went again to check on the workers and supply them with 5 more bags of cement. The workers seem to be doing a good job of managing the supplies and working with the time provided, but it seems like a working day is much shorter here because of the heat, the lack of easy access to and transportation of resources and the pace at which funds can be acquired. This night I also heard of Pastor's experiences during the war-- how they did not always have tasty food or medical treatment, but he is so thankful for small good things from those times. Remembering the good is the key to life.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Today we had Bible Study and focused on 1 Peter 3:14
"But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.
Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened"
Next we discussed different ways in which someone could suffer for Christ (loving job or friends for taking an ethical stand) and how they would be blessed (get a new, better job). Then we discussed different things that we were thankful to God for providing. Included in these thanks were praises of protection from a snake, provision of school fees and healing on an eye problem.
Thursday, January 26, 2005
Today we went to view more of the work at the clinic (the completion of the ceiling and the finishing of the plastering and filling in holes in the cement walls). Friday, January 27, 2006 Today we went to the Greater Love Children's Home to take teaching materials and view the schooling of the children there. The children were very grateful of my presence and the candy which I later passed out.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Today's main activity was to go into town and run some errands. We needed to go to Western Union and receive funds that had been donated. We also returned a water filter to the super market for repair. If we can get this working, the cost of supplies will greatly decrease because mineral water is kind of expensive-- filtering well water would be much more efficient and this will have positive health benefits for Pastor Wesley's family as well. Then we went to the Freeport of Monrovia and the 'Junkyard'. WE designed and had constructed 6 signposts which we will place in communities to tell individuals the benefits of joining GLBBC and making the information and location of the church more available.
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Today was my 3rd Sunday at Greater Love Bible Baptist Church. The Sunday School message was on 1 Peter 3: 15-16. "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander". We discussed how the hope that we have is eternal life in heaven by the grace of God through the shed blood of Jesus. The sermon was from Jonah 3 about how the king showed good leadership by listening and obeying God.
Monday, January 30, 2006
Today we went to the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in an attempt to begin the process of obtaining an adoption license for the children's home. We were hoping to see the outgoing minister, but when we arrived, we were informed that there had been a mandate for all of the ministers, deputies and the other appointed leading positions to leave their office immediately. We conjecture that since Madame President has selected new people for these positions, there will be a smoother confirmation process and transition if the previous crew is no longer in position. We acquired a working water filter. I had a chance to talk with two of Pastor Welsey's daughters and they expressed some of their desires for books and other small items.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Today, we went to Western Union to pick up donations that had been made to pay the teachers at the school and to do more work at the clinic. Next, we went into Sinkor and found a carpenter and a man who can do masonry wrik. They will be reducing the double windows to single windows and puttin in the window frames and windows. We are also employing another man to make the window bars (for protection) and took him to buy supplies. On our way back to the church we stopped to buy more concrete and cement blocks. As the ememnt blocks were being loaded, I helped Pstor Wesley convert the Liberian dollar prices to U.S. dollars. When the men said they were all loaded, Pstor noticed that the amount did not look like the full 80 that we had bought. Everyone insisted that the amount was correct until he threatened to make them correct any mistake at their expense and time.
After this warning, the cement block loaders loaded more blocks and we left. Whjen we arrived at the church we had them stacked in groups of 10. There were exactly 80-no more no less.
Recently, we have received reports about attempts to take bags of cement by reporting that a bag is finished when it is not. Pastor Wesley has done an EXCELLENT job of minimizing these losses. But, it takes a toll because workers have to be supervised or the valuable materials go missing which would put us over budget, place suspicion in the minds of those helping us and remove the ability to ever get anything completed.
posted by pastorob at 12:15 PM
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