Joe Patterson in Liberia March 1-15, 2006
Wednesday, March 1, 2006
Today we went to the American Embassy both to register my presence and to discuss matters concerning adoption with the Consular. We were able to get his contact information to pass on to the ASddy's Hope Adoption Agency in Texas (who advises Pastor Wesley as they partner together).I was then able to type the letter to different parties as this is an effective way in which I can assist Pastor Wesley.Practical: My value as an American visitor is valuable because it provides the opportunity to meet with officials who would not otherwise meet with a 'common Liberian' in a timely manner.We went to SAVE THE CHILDREN and were reminded that as a result of the reunification of 14 children, a task force needs to verify information before the Children's Home can be accredited.
Thursday, March 2, 2006
Today we went to the Children's Home and were delighted to see the progress on the Boy's Dormitory. It is good that the construction of the foundation and part of the walls is finished. The building is taking shape and it is almost window level. We also took supplies for the Home including food, soap, etc. In addition, we paid the salaries to all the workers and to the teachers.While I was at the home, I was able to interact with the children. We played a game of identifying letters of the alphabet. I aslo saw some of the boys playing toy cars and took some pictures.Later, I was able to listen as a small group of girls took turns singing songs. Some remembered "We Want to See Jesus Lifted High" (brought to the Children's Home by Mike McCall last year). They snag some other songs about Jesus as our Friend and that God is a Mighty God.
Friday, March 3, 2006
Today it was rainy for most of the day so we did not have an opportunity to go to town. I spent part of the day helping Roland on the computer--trying to register for a test on the Internet. The website is still not finding availablities for the Liberian Testing Center.I was also able to help Pastors' daughters: Eunice, Abigail, and Priscilla with some of theri homeowrk. First, I rehearsed some lesson about graphs with Abigail. Then all of the girls and I discussed different words (and their synonyms and antenyms). I enjoyed this time of interaciton and reinforcing their education.
Soon, I will be going to town to look at some prices of generatorsas research for Liberian Ministries.
Saturday, March 4, 2006
Today the electica current was not coming from the hotel down the road--that meant NO INTERNET. Well, that's OK. I have been exceptionally blessed to have had email capabilities. But, it is not necessary and I live well without it.We went into town, Monrovia. There were a few different mission planned for this trip. We needed to determine a printer--either fix the one we had or buy a new/used one. Also, we needed to print the photos of the children for the profile sheets and check to see if more money for the construction at the Home had been wired. We needed to spend some time looking for generatio prices as Liberian Ministries has requested that information.
Sunday, March 5, 2006
Today was another fine service at the Greater Love Bible Baptist Church. Since it was the first Sunday of the month, we remembered the Lord's Supper. The theme of the sermon today was: The Imperfect Made Perfect (from James 1:2-5). The main message that was conveyed was when trials come our way, we should see the trials in the way God is dealing with us (from God's Perspective).Gold has to go through the refining process. When God allows trials, the results are for our own good. When the trials are aborted or cut short, it will not produce the patience necessary for this perverse world.God has a timing. Job 42:5 "I have heard of you, bu now my eyes have seen you." Trials are not for evil. God will allow them for my own good.
Practical Aspect: Many people in Liberia do not have what they would desire so sermonons widely use verses about overcoming trials and the benfits that will come later.
"Deep valley experience before mountaintop delight."
Monday, March 6, 2006
Today I spent the day around the Pastor's house. I have been noticing how some of the boys who waork at the church have been so patient. Two of them are in school, but two of the others who are my age do not have that opportunity. Although they are my age, they have not yet passed the 10th grade. Part of this is due to the war situation. As a result of the unstable conditions, education has been postponed. Athough they have the desires and are faithful in the church, the funds have not been available.I have the desire to find support for these brothers to attend another semester and possibly more in the next year.
Tuesday, March 7, 2006
Today, Powers was here working again. He was painting poles for the future outreach signs that will be placed at different well-traveled intersections. These signposts will attract attention. They are being painted read and yellow and will provide a full-time witness for the church and encourage people to attend. Many people may have thought about church, but were never invited. Many may be seeking a SIGN. Oh, what God could do with the attempts of his people to follow His lead.I was able to pass on the cash that will encourage Powers and Morris by enabling them to attend a semester of 10th grade. $140 USD doesn't seem like much for tuition to an outsider.
Wednesday, March 8, 2006
Today we went to see Deacon George's place. His house had been burned before and he was staying at the the church with his family. Now, they have a new place in a swampy area. Most of the rooms have cement flooring, one is still dirt. The walls are made of the wood mats.
After visiting Deacon George, we went to church for Bible Study and Prayer Meeting. After Prayer Meeting, we stopped at the compound on 14th Street and had a short chat with a man who had visited the church on Sunday. He is a black man who had moved to Lebanon and was attending the First Baptist Bible Church in Beirut, Lebanon. He was excited on his return to Liberia to travel a short distance and find Greater Love Bible Baptist Church. He is excited and believe the church in Lebanon would be interested in helping Pastor Wesley's church.
see: http://www.lebanonbaptist.com
Thursday, March 9, 2006
Today I mainly stayed around the Pastor's place. I found PC WORLD magazine in my suitcase and read some of the articles about the greatest technology and computer related products of 2005. It is interesting to not that the American Culture is moving towards websites that allow them to interact with others and post their own pictures, blogs, and videos.I was able to have some interaction with Mathew Kpah. I took his picture and we sent it to his email. Then he wrote an email to a friend and attached the phot. He wants to study Business & Economics and has been taking courses at the University of Liberia. They are now beginning a new semester orientation.
Friday, March 10, 2006
Today Abigail (Pastor's second youngest daughter) and I stayed at home and watched little Robert (the youngest son) as Pasto was on the road redirecting an electrical wire. Mrs. Wesley was still with her sister before she returned to the States.
Later, I was able to have some communication with people in the U.S. concerning the transportation of an UltraSound machine form Tennessee for use in the Greater Love Medical Clinic. I was also to spend some quality time with Little Rob--playing Hide and Seek and taking short video clips that may be used on our church website to give more impact to the words that are on the screen.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Since it was Saturday, the Pastor's daughters had classes to prepare for their nationwide exams at the end of the year (every three years). Ruth is in 9th grade; Priscilla, Abigail, and Eunice are all in the 6th grade. This gave me extra time to spend with the boys, Richard (7), Robert (2), and Moses (5 months).I was able to send very short video clips back today. They were only 1 second and 3 seconds long. Video is a helpful tool sometimes to capture the voice of a 2 year old. It just adds more understanding and possible conneciton for those who are interested in his life.Tonight there was some noise made by the 'Contractor' working on the Dormitory at the Children's Home. He has been buying 'biscuit blocks', asking for extra money, trying to start problems with Edward, and today claimed to have people waiting to work and needed extra supplies. He stopped by the house tonight after dark and says that he will disturb Service tomorrow. It's hared to find capable and trustworthy people.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Today was another Service at the Greater Love Bible Baptisti Church. As usual we enjoyed a Sunday School message from 1 Peter 5 for about an hour as others arrived for the regular service around 11 a.m.
The message was exposing Hell and explained many of the different experiences an unbeliever would face. Those covered included Fire, Falling into a bottomless pit, crying, gnashing of teeth, and its lenght is never ending.This message was not to scare the congregation, but to inform them and remind them what God has saved us from. If today's message was a bit unnerving--next week's promises to be sweet. It will be about heaven.
After the sermon, Pastor brought forward the man from Lebanon and myself. It is great to be part of an excited church where God is bringing people to partner together.
Monday, March 13, 2006
Today I had the opportunity to stay around the house and observe more of the developments in the Pastor's children that would excited and encourage people back home in Galt. I was able to take a short video clip of the newest member of the Wesley family--Moses McCall Wesley--(6 months old)--crawling. I also found a way to take longer video clips on my camera, thought the size is so small it is difficult to make out many details.I was able to send the video home and they were then uploaded to the Internet so that all could share the joy of seeing a family member maturing.A lesson for me to remember is that growth takes time and effort. Though Moses may cry and become frustrated while learning to crawl, he will overcome this minor obstacle and soon will be walking, then running, and jumping.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Today I worked with Pastor Wesley and Brother Roberts as we tried to better organize the records that we had for the Children's Home and make appropriate information forms as possible.Some of the limitations of the wartime situation and other problems have limited the amount of record-keeping that could take place. Every new step helps as it adds a more secure base for future record-keeping.Later, I was able to help Matthew Kpah by typing out his cover letter and resume' for a job at a security firm. Matthew has plans to continue his education at the University of Liberia in Accounting and Economics.I was also able to help Pstor Wesley find a good website (sharesong.org) thorugh which he can download free Christian music, Chord Sheets, and Lyrics. Thoght, I was able to talk with a neighbor boy, Samuel S. Monyou. He was born in 1989 and is in the 7th grade.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Today is a holiday: J.J. Robert's birthday, so most of the activities were focused around the house.Pastor Wesley and I rehearsed how to burn an original CD from his computer. This would be useful for when he makes sermon CD's to be palyed over the radio. Unfortunately, he had plugged the CD Writer directily into the outlet instead of through the current stablizer. We suspect that an intense burst of current from the generator caused the popping sound and smoking that resulted. The unit now appears to be 'spoiled.'
Later, we went online to search for more free Christian music. We also sent some emails about the Clinic and next steps.After this, we went to catch a cab for Wednesday Night Midweek Bible Study and Prayer Meeting. Bible Study was on 1 Peter 5:9-11 reminding us to resist the Devil and stand firm. Others are going through similar suffering and it will make us stronger, frim and steadfast. What a great set of verses.
Today we went to the American Embassy both to register my presence and to discuss matters concerning adoption with the Consular. We were able to get his contact information to pass on to the ASddy's Hope Adoption Agency in Texas (who advises Pastor Wesley as they partner together).I was then able to type the letter to different parties as this is an effective way in which I can assist Pastor Wesley.Practical: My value as an American visitor is valuable because it provides the opportunity to meet with officials who would not otherwise meet with a 'common Liberian' in a timely manner.We went to SAVE THE CHILDREN and were reminded that as a result of the reunification of 14 children, a task force needs to verify information before the Children's Home can be accredited.
Thursday, March 2, 2006
Today we went to the Children's Home and were delighted to see the progress on the Boy's Dormitory. It is good that the construction of the foundation and part of the walls is finished. The building is taking shape and it is almost window level. We also took supplies for the Home including food, soap, etc. In addition, we paid the salaries to all the workers and to the teachers.While I was at the home, I was able to interact with the children. We played a game of identifying letters of the alphabet. I aslo saw some of the boys playing toy cars and took some pictures.Later, I was able to listen as a small group of girls took turns singing songs. Some remembered "We Want to See Jesus Lifted High" (brought to the Children's Home by Mike McCall last year). They snag some other songs about Jesus as our Friend and that God is a Mighty God.
Friday, March 3, 2006
Today it was rainy for most of the day so we did not have an opportunity to go to town. I spent part of the day helping Roland on the computer--trying to register for a test on the Internet. The website is still not finding availablities for the Liberian Testing Center.I was also able to help Pastors' daughters: Eunice, Abigail, and Priscilla with some of theri homeowrk. First, I rehearsed some lesson about graphs with Abigail. Then all of the girls and I discussed different words (and their synonyms and antenyms). I enjoyed this time of interaciton and reinforcing their education.
Soon, I will be going to town to look at some prices of generatorsas research for Liberian Ministries.
Saturday, March 4, 2006
Today the electica current was not coming from the hotel down the road--that meant NO INTERNET. Well, that's OK. I have been exceptionally blessed to have had email capabilities. But, it is not necessary and I live well without it.We went into town, Monrovia. There were a few different mission planned for this trip. We needed to determine a printer--either fix the one we had or buy a new/used one. Also, we needed to print the photos of the children for the profile sheets and check to see if more money for the construction at the Home had been wired. We needed to spend some time looking for generatio prices as Liberian Ministries has requested that information.
Sunday, March 5, 2006
Today was another fine service at the Greater Love Bible Baptist Church. Since it was the first Sunday of the month, we remembered the Lord's Supper. The theme of the sermon today was: The Imperfect Made Perfect (from James 1:2-5). The main message that was conveyed was when trials come our way, we should see the trials in the way God is dealing with us (from God's Perspective).Gold has to go through the refining process. When God allows trials, the results are for our own good. When the trials are aborted or cut short, it will not produce the patience necessary for this perverse world.God has a timing. Job 42:5 "I have heard of you, bu now my eyes have seen you." Trials are not for evil. God will allow them for my own good.
Practical Aspect: Many people in Liberia do not have what they would desire so sermonons widely use verses about overcoming trials and the benfits that will come later.
"Deep valley experience before mountaintop delight."
Monday, March 6, 2006
Today I spent the day around the Pastor's house. I have been noticing how some of the boys who waork at the church have been so patient. Two of them are in school, but two of the others who are my age do not have that opportunity. Although they are my age, they have not yet passed the 10th grade. Part of this is due to the war situation. As a result of the unstable conditions, education has been postponed. Athough they have the desires and are faithful in the church, the funds have not been available.I have the desire to find support for these brothers to attend another semester and possibly more in the next year.
Tuesday, March 7, 2006
Today, Powers was here working again. He was painting poles for the future outreach signs that will be placed at different well-traveled intersections. These signposts will attract attention. They are being painted read and yellow and will provide a full-time witness for the church and encourage people to attend. Many people may have thought about church, but were never invited. Many may be seeking a SIGN. Oh, what God could do with the attempts of his people to follow His lead.I was able to pass on the cash that will encourage Powers and Morris by enabling them to attend a semester of 10th grade. $140 USD doesn't seem like much for tuition to an outsider.
Wednesday, March 8, 2006
Today we went to see Deacon George's place. His house had been burned before and he was staying at the the church with his family. Now, they have a new place in a swampy area. Most of the rooms have cement flooring, one is still dirt. The walls are made of the wood mats.
After visiting Deacon George, we went to church for Bible Study and Prayer Meeting. After Prayer Meeting, we stopped at the compound on 14th Street and had a short chat with a man who had visited the church on Sunday. He is a black man who had moved to Lebanon and was attending the First Baptist Bible Church in Beirut, Lebanon. He was excited on his return to Liberia to travel a short distance and find Greater Love Bible Baptist Church. He is excited and believe the church in Lebanon would be interested in helping Pastor Wesley's church.
see: http://www.lebanonbaptist.com
Thursday, March 9, 2006
Today I mainly stayed around the Pastor's place. I found PC WORLD magazine in my suitcase and read some of the articles about the greatest technology and computer related products of 2005. It is interesting to not that the American Culture is moving towards websites that allow them to interact with others and post their own pictures, blogs, and videos.I was able to have some interaction with Mathew Kpah. I took his picture and we sent it to his email. Then he wrote an email to a friend and attached the phot. He wants to study Business & Economics and has been taking courses at the University of Liberia. They are now beginning a new semester orientation.
Friday, March 10, 2006
Today Abigail (Pastor's second youngest daughter) and I stayed at home and watched little Robert (the youngest son) as Pasto was on the road redirecting an electrical wire. Mrs. Wesley was still with her sister before she returned to the States.
Later, I was able to have some communication with people in the U.S. concerning the transportation of an UltraSound machine form Tennessee for use in the Greater Love Medical Clinic. I was also to spend some quality time with Little Rob--playing Hide and Seek and taking short video clips that may be used on our church website to give more impact to the words that are on the screen.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Since it was Saturday, the Pastor's daughters had classes to prepare for their nationwide exams at the end of the year (every three years). Ruth is in 9th grade; Priscilla, Abigail, and Eunice are all in the 6th grade. This gave me extra time to spend with the boys, Richard (7), Robert (2), and Moses (5 months).I was able to send very short video clips back today. They were only 1 second and 3 seconds long. Video is a helpful tool sometimes to capture the voice of a 2 year old. It just adds more understanding and possible conneciton for those who are interested in his life.Tonight there was some noise made by the 'Contractor' working on the Dormitory at the Children's Home. He has been buying 'biscuit blocks', asking for extra money, trying to start problems with Edward, and today claimed to have people waiting to work and needed extra supplies. He stopped by the house tonight after dark and says that he will disturb Service tomorrow. It's hared to find capable and trustworthy people.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Today was another Service at the Greater Love Bible Baptisti Church. As usual we enjoyed a Sunday School message from 1 Peter 5 for about an hour as others arrived for the regular service around 11 a.m.
The message was exposing Hell and explained many of the different experiences an unbeliever would face. Those covered included Fire, Falling into a bottomless pit, crying, gnashing of teeth, and its lenght is never ending.This message was not to scare the congregation, but to inform them and remind them what God has saved us from. If today's message was a bit unnerving--next week's promises to be sweet. It will be about heaven.
After the sermon, Pastor brought forward the man from Lebanon and myself. It is great to be part of an excited church where God is bringing people to partner together.
Monday, March 13, 2006
Today I had the opportunity to stay around the house and observe more of the developments in the Pastor's children that would excited and encourage people back home in Galt. I was able to take a short video clip of the newest member of the Wesley family--Moses McCall Wesley--(6 months old)--crawling. I also found a way to take longer video clips on my camera, thought the size is so small it is difficult to make out many details.I was able to send the video home and they were then uploaded to the Internet so that all could share the joy of seeing a family member maturing.A lesson for me to remember is that growth takes time and effort. Though Moses may cry and become frustrated while learning to crawl, he will overcome this minor obstacle and soon will be walking, then running, and jumping.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Today I worked with Pastor Wesley and Brother Roberts as we tried to better organize the records that we had for the Children's Home and make appropriate information forms as possible.Some of the limitations of the wartime situation and other problems have limited the amount of record-keeping that could take place. Every new step helps as it adds a more secure base for future record-keeping.Later, I was able to help Matthew Kpah by typing out his cover letter and resume' for a job at a security firm. Matthew has plans to continue his education at the University of Liberia in Accounting and Economics.I was also able to help Pstor Wesley find a good website (sharesong.org) thorugh which he can download free Christian music, Chord Sheets, and Lyrics. Thoght, I was able to talk with a neighbor boy, Samuel S. Monyou. He was born in 1989 and is in the 7th grade.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Today is a holiday: J.J. Robert's birthday, so most of the activities were focused around the house.Pastor Wesley and I rehearsed how to burn an original CD from his computer. This would be useful for when he makes sermon CD's to be palyed over the radio. Unfortunately, he had plugged the CD Writer directily into the outlet instead of through the current stablizer. We suspect that an intense burst of current from the generator caused the popping sound and smoking that resulted. The unit now appears to be 'spoiled.'
Later, we went online to search for more free Christian music. We also sent some emails about the Clinic and next steps.After this, we went to catch a cab for Wednesday Night Midweek Bible Study and Prayer Meeting. Bible Study was on 1 Peter 5:9-11 reminding us to resist the Devil and stand firm. Others are going through similar suffering and it will make us stronger, frim and steadfast. What a great set of verses.
posted by pastorob at 2:21 AM
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