Liberia Mission Trip 2023

Today, the children played a different game. They played a game called 1, 2 touch. Whoever was in the middle of the circle answered one of four daily Bible lesson review questions.  One young gentleman has a passion for drawing art. He started working on his project yesterday, and it is looking phenomenal.  After VBS, we held a conference for pastors, women, and teachers. Everyone gathered in the church then dispersed into 3 groups: pastors, women, and teachers.  The women led an opening song in the church.  Pastor Bob conducted a Bible study on God’s Chosen People… Yesterday and Today.  

At the beginning, all the children gathered in the Church in 7 groups of about 10 kids each. The children sang many songs including “I’m Trusting You Lord” and “10,000 Reasons.” Throughout the morning, the groups visited 3 stations: sports, crafts, and Bible lesson. The children played with a beach ball outside. If they dropped the ball, they answered a question about today’s lesson.  They colored their Jesus Loves Me backpack and made a necklace with a wooden cross and beads.  Babita taught the children about the exodus from Egypt.

Steve met a young man with his first name of Dixon! Mark at VBS. Karen at VBS.  

Setting up for the Bible School program for the orphanage. It is about 70 kids, ages 4 to 18.  Each kid got a Jesus Loves Me backpack, name-tag, and other donated goodies.  The men’s accommodation: six beds and one bathroom. It is all we need and is very comfortable . On our first day, the agenda called for us to rest, but we got to work right away. We went out to the local villages and talked to parents about the school. Hope and Care runs an orphanage, school, and clinic on the compound. We went from house to house with the principal and two teachers. We told the parents about the pre-kindergarten program, which prepares kids for school. We stressed to the parents the importance of education and for their kids to be in school.  Craig and Oliver hanging out with the children.

 We have arrived in Liberia and are currently near Monrovia. We were warmly greeted by the children as soon as we entered the campus. We are happy to be here! 

The Atlantic from the Florida coast. What will it look like on the other side? Today, we begin our journey. 

Today, the Liberia Mission Trip members held a "packing party" at Woodlands Lutheran Church. Nothing that was packed today were personal items, but rather donated materials for Liberia. We filled eight suitcases, each weighing about 42 pounds each. Luggage is ready to go!

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. (Acts 13:2-3) Today, June 18, the members of the Liberia Mission Team were commissioned by the Woodlands Lutheran Church congregation. When someone is commissioned, they are given the authority to carry out a given task. Our task is to travel across the Atlantic and show God’s love. Pastor Joshua Pettit leads the Commissioning Service Pastor Josh Pettit towards the congregation: “I ask you now, in the presence of God: Will you support this team with your fervent prayers and with whatever other means are available while they are gone?” The congregation replies, “We will with the help of God.” Pastor Pettit then addresses the team members. “We send you to serve the people of Liberia in support for the ministry carried out there as you meet the physic...

The funding for our trip came from donations and a golf fundraiser. We are grateful to all who contributed. Donations came mostly from Woodlands Lutheran Church Members but also from friends and family.  The golf fundraiser was held at Green Valley Country Club in Clermont on Saturday, May 20th and was very successful. There were many activities, including a four-player scramble and putting contest. There was also a BBQ lunch, prizes, awards, and a silent auction. This was the fifth annual missions golf tournament for our church. Although the organization of the fundraiser was team work, a notable leader was Craig Watkins. In the picture below, Craig addresses the golfers at the beginning of the tournament.  Craig Watkins (holding the microphone) addresses the golfers at the beginning of the tournament. To his left is Pastor Bob Roegner, who is the assistant pastor at Woodlands Lutheran Church.