Liberia- We have a 16 member team leaving June 21 for a 16 day trip to Liberia.  Our team is represents 9 different churches and will include a medical team, an education team and a sports and recreation team.  What will we do in Liberia?  Read this story about Josephine as told by Tricia Joos.

At one of our visits to our school at 15 Gate, Sackie spent about an hour counseling Josephine and I spent time with her as well.  She had been pulled around the country by her mother making school attendance choppy.  Finally, at 17 years old, illiterate and in kindergarten, she dropped out of school ashamed and feeling hopeless about an education.  She got involved with some dangerous activities as well.  With our new Accelerated Learning Program in place at 15 Gate, we were able to encourage her that she could finish 6^th grade in 3 years.  At my most recent visit to 15 Gate, she came running up to me with her head held high in her school uniform.  Her transformation was stunning!  I cannot describe to you the look of dignity and hope she had.

Our mission teams give hope to the children and staff that we serve when we go to Liberia.

India- Doug Stave plans on going to India in October.  Contact him at pastorstave@comcast.net if you want more information about this 2 week mission trip.  Kiron Gaikwad, who manages our operations in Ankur reports that the children are doing well.  The girls are being taught tailoring and hair cutting skills.  The children also help with gardening of vegetables that they use for cooking.  We have many needs at our Ankur Children’s Home including a TV, sewing machines and funds to build a kitchen.

Indonesia- We have a 10 person mission team going to Jakarta at the same time as our Liberian team.  The team will stay at the orphanage and spend time with the children.  Many of the children only know life within the confines of the orphanage.  The team will take groups of children into town for shopping, swimming and visiting the zoo. 

May 6 Fundraiser- Mark this Saturday down on your calendar and plan to attend our yearly fundraiser.  We will have many kinds of desserts for you to eat plus a silent auction and a live auction.  All proceeds go to help mission team members finance their trip and supply some in country needs while they are there.

Container- No news on the container.  I am hoping for a load date of April 1 since the ship leaves for Africa on April 10^th from Texas. Please reserve this time for us