I had the honor and privilege of being a small part of an excellent GoServ Global mission team to Liberia over the course of 12 days at the end of August.
God did many amazing and glorious things during this trip. I’d like to share a few highlights with you, to the glory of the Name of Jesus Christ.
It takes the better part of three days to get to the Mamie Gbluwon Hope Center orphanage in Larpea #1 Town, Nimba County, from Des Moines. The flight took us from Des Moines to Brussels, to Monrovia, and finally a five-hour drive “up country” to the Hope Center. Much of the 250-mile road is newly constructed. The journey was long, but not terrible.
Pastor Stephen Wonbenyakeh of Alive Church in Des Moines is from Larpea. He was essential and instrumental in this trip. We could have done little without his guidance and wisdom.
After arriving in Monrovia, and before we left for Larpea, Stephen arranged for us to meet with Representative Nehker E. Gaye and Speaker of the House Jonathan F. Koffa at the Liberian National Capitol in Monrovia. Both men were very receptive to us, our mission, and continued relationship. It was a very productive meeting.
That afternoon, we left Monrovia and began the 250 mile drive. We arrived after dark and were warmly welcomed. There are about 20 orphans currently living at the Hope Center, with a staff of about a dozen people. The orphans covered us in bright-eyed hugs and huge smiles. They held our hands and were absolutely fascinated by our hair, which is very different from all the other people around them.
We slept in Safe T Home® units –and they are excellent! Although I’ve only been with GoServ Global a short time, I have told many, many people at the Minnesota State Fair and the Iowa State Fair about the benefits of the Safe T Home®. Living out of one for the better part of a week has increased my confidence in telling people they are indeed safe, comfortable, and durable!
Our first objective on Day One was to unload the shipping container. It was packed, but we had a lot of help from local workers and all went well. Mike Kalkwarf and Joe Lease got the crew started on construction of the five Safe T Home® units that will become the Birthing Center. Jim Meister started on installation of the pipe, pump, controls, and wiring for the well which will supply safe, clean water to the Birthing Center and the entire Hope Center.
Ralph and Roger Warkentin assisted Jim. At one point, I observed them installing the metal roof over the well pump house while a torrential rain was falling. I attempted to praise them for their dedication, but they brushed off my accolades, saying, “We were already wet.”
