by John Hill, Director
While touring through northeastern Liberia, Nimba county region, we traveled to Gbedin to visit the New Covenant OFWB church in that village. This is the only church in that area, and the current building replaced the original church that collapsed a few years ago.
The original church was built with mud/clay brick produced there in the village. Locals collect clay and often mix with sand, that when combined together form a version of concrete. The mixture is placed by hand in molds and left to dry for several days in the sun. Once dry, the clay is baked into its form and suitable for building purposes.
The clay bricks are placed and mortar holds the pieces into one common mass. However, without plaster, the bricks cannot withstand many rainy seasons. The new church walls are ready for plaster, doors, and windows.
When we arrived we realized it was market day for the villagers. The market travels to some communities only once per week. So the locals must go to the market to buy a weeks’ worth of supplies. When we arrived, many were just returning from the market.
I look a lot of pictures of the building to send back to the donor who provided the funds for the church. It’s an amazing accomplishment to see such a dream become a reality for these people. The gathering area is sufficient for the community, and two large classrooms are available for special purposes.
While we waited for the locals to return from the market, we sat under the covered porch out of the sun and enjoyed a nice cool breeze. In the rafters above my head you could see some colorful lizards darting back and forth across the beams. I called them the “church lizards” and the men agreed they were welcome there to eat the mosquitoes and other insects that spread disease.
Two young boys, maybe 8 or 9 years old, wandered up to the church with a half-deflated soccer ball. They lazily kicked it in front of them as they walked, and stopped at the church to see what we were doing. The youngest of the two stood by a porch column with his foot resting on the ball. I quietly walked up and gently kicked the ball away and offered to play. The two boys spread out forming a triangle with me. We kicked the ball back and forth between us for about 15 mins before other young boys saw us playing. Before long I was kicking this deflated soccer ball to ten other boys. Soon a few others showed up with worn soccer shoes ready for a more serious game. I’m too old to keep up with 10 soccer players. Fortunately, the game was interrupted by a piece of heavy machinery driving past.
Several years ago, the mission program brought this community a pair of power tillers to help plant rice to feed their village. Though those machines were long since broken down, the community had resourced a small harvester (*small by American standards), to harvest rice from some fields located behind the church property. Once collected, the rice is spread on tarps or fabric to dry in the sun. Later, the women or children will sift the rice to remove the husks.
The members returned from the market and were coming towards the church. Each one had a colorful plastic lawn chair in hand. It was BYOC kind of day… “Bring Your Own Chair.” They set up in the main room of the church and was greeted by the pastor of the church. Introductions were made and I was asked to speak to the congregation. I told them of how members in North Carolina loved them and how our members were praying for them to grow in greater knowledge of Christ Jesus. I encouraged them to trust the Lord, pray, and believe! I encouraged them to share the gospel with the village and to see the church filled with Christian believers.
Bishop Gnininte greeted the group and shared similar thoughts with them. His father, Elder Benedict, encouraged the group with wonderful words of gratitude and encouragement. Bishop then explained that we brought some medications to share with everyone present. After some other discussion, the group was instructed how they should assemble to receive the gifts.
These were common medications: painkillers, anti-nausea, anti-diarrheal medication, and packets of electrolyte powder to mix with water. These medications are available in the larger towns, but often come with considerable expense. Many, if not all, of those present had ever taken such common medications. As they passed through the line, Elder Benedict recited a litany of instructions for each medication. “…take this for pain…take this when you are weak…take this when your stomach is runny.” After a dozen or so, I was sure I would hear him recite these words in my sleep.
Some mothers had their babies tied to their backs with wide colorful fabrics. The baby rests in the hollow of mom’s back and the fabric is draped over and cradled under the baby and tied at the mother’s breast. The little babies were as snug as a bug in a rug.
