The Bong Trip
Friday, 3/5, hmm Mom Whaley’s birthday, how we all miss her, and it is mother’s day in Liberia. Women were out raising funds at many intersections and stopping all cars at Capitol Hill. They were very aggressive, insisting that all contribute to ‘muddahs cause’. The assistant to the Senior Senator from Bong County (Jewell Howard Taylor), Edward, was our host on the journey from Monrovia to Bong. The road is not too long but very bad. Initially, the senator’s office wanted us to provide our own transportation but we did not have any transportation, neither could we afford the $150 per day for truck and driver. Finally, this morning at 7:48, Edward called us to say they were renting a 4WD vehicle for the trip. Once again, we thank the Lord. We felt if we had given in on this short trip the other senators may have expected us to do the same on the very long trips upcoming. Keep praying, please, we can sense the Lord’s leadership along our way.

Praise His Name, Isela is recovering from her discomfort. She has been very ill and the Lord has raised her up. We must be careful with her diet, so tuna, peanut butter and crackers are the main course for a while (but not necessarily together). She is so important in so many ways on this mission that I am sure the devil is working overtime to slow her down and she didn’t miss anything.

The trip to Bong has several objectives. We are establishing our methodology for the initiation of the Doula Program and had sent word to the midwives in Totota to meet us at 2pm. When we arrived, there was a sea of white shirts with blue logos and beautiful blue and white lappas announcing the presence of the midwives. Unbelievably, there were over 120 of them from several villages, some of which were remote. With only short notice, it seemed that every one of them had come expecting great things. When we drove up, they all began singing and rhythmically weaving about as they clapped and praised God. Both of us were moved to tears by this warm welcome. Many had walked miles to come. We had no idea what to expect but we certainly did not expect every midwife from the region and had no idea how joyfully we would be received. We shot some priceless video of Isela joining in their dance as the women cheered her antics, we can’t wait to show you. Then we all piled in to an outdoor room because the indoor facility was way too small. Isela gave an exciting introduction to the Doula Program and I added comments when appropriate. Altogether, the two hour meeting confirmed our conviction that this program is exactly what Liberia needs right now and that the Lord has revealed it to us. When the midwives learned that International Certifications were being made available for the first time they cheered. All the midwives want to become Doulas when we want to train Doulas to help them. Isela had them raise their hands if they were midwives and they all raised their hands. While their hands were raised she asked if they wanted a Doula to help them and they all stood up and cheered again. The entire meeting was translated into Kpelle, the largest tribal language in Liberia, though it took two interpreters to keep up with the Costa Rican African Queen. I marvel at her and the impact she has on everyone here.

We are staying through Sunday Morning when I will speak at Hope of Glory, the church where Lawrence Broh is pastor. He is brother to Patrick Broh, our friend from the Buah church where the chief has given 50 acres to our ministry. Hope of Glory also has a school with 285 students meeting in mud buildings with dirt floors. He has also offered his church as the meeting place for all the local church women’s groups to meet with us tomorrow. This response has been so overwhelming and its timing is perfect. We will meet with the Ministry of health Monday to gain their participation and approval for our efforts here. Encouraged with this local cooperation, it seems impossible to imagine they would be less than supportive.
Finally, we are staying at the home of the Honorable Adam Bill Konia, the Representative for this area of Bong. He gave us his room and it is air conditioned, clean, with a private bath and continuous electricity. Isela is so excited she is already asleep. Again, we did not ask for this and had no idea where we would be staying when we left early this morning. Lord, I don’t know why you love us so much but I’m glad, so glad.

Lastly, I want to take this opportunity to bless my Pastor, Darryl Williamson. I have never known a brother more committed, gifted and attentive to the Saints God has placed in his capable care. I am so thankful to God that you are my pastor. Both Isela and I love you, honor you and bless you. You and your precious wife, Julie, mean so much to us. We can’t wait to share these ceaseless blessings with you again as we did the night before we left. Your fellowship has strengthened us and followed us to Liberia and has been shared with thousands already and many more to come.
We love you all, keep on praying,
Fred and Isela