TRANSFORMING YOUR WORLD

Greetings TMI & Aaron's Beard Partners and Friends,

Praise the Lord we are back from a most wonderful missions trip to Liberia, West Africa, sponsored by Dr. LaVern Stevens, founder of the Joseph Alliance. I don't have space in this blog to even begin to convey the lessons learned and the grace to have seen the hand of God move in such a wonderful way. Over the years I have been blessed to travel to several nations for missions work. Each have been unique in their own way. The world and it's many cultures and people, is an exciting and eye opening place in which to minister for Christ. Each time I go I believe I come back far more enriched than those with whom we seek to share our gifts. Liberia is a nation on the rebound after a fourteen year civil war and great fear and uncertainty for a number of years before the war. The people are wonderful but in need of much, especially education. Everywhere we found young people hungry for education. Much of the school system was damaged or destroyed by war. Praise God for the teachers who serve but there is a great need for many more trained teachers and administrators. Part of our team provided teacher training at the Lott Cary School in Monrovia. The presentations were excellent, practical and very well received. Future teacher training is being planned. A psychologist, Christopher Townsend, plans further study on the affects of the the trauma of war on the culture but particularly the youth. The clergy on our team provided pastoral and church leadership training. The church community is perhaps the strongest and most influential body in the nation. While they are very gifted and capable, they also desire additional training to be more effective in the great work to which God has called them in the context of very difficult times. Prices for everything is high, higher than most places in the U.S. The official unemployment rate is near 85%, although most are finding some way to put food on the table. And then there is the concern over what happens in three years when there will be a new presidential election. In the midst of it all, the church stands as a beacon of hope for the future of Liberia. We are developing partnerships through Transformation Ministries and Aaron's Beard (mentoring for clergy) with church's and pastors there. Pray for the beautiful children we met in two orphanages and pray for the young former rebels who had been forced into becoming child soldiers (killers). We were blessed to meet some like Tommy, who are now saved in Christ and desire education and a life in service of our Lord. Especially keep our Liberian host in your prayers, Rev. Emil Sam-Peal. A man who has made unimaginable sacrifices to bless the people of Liberia, particularly in the area of education and ministry. He was a most gracious and wonderful host who really took good care of us while there.
I will be completing a reflection paper in a few weeks once I have processed the experience in my own mind and spirit. I will make it available when complete, by request, at no cost. Requests can be made through the comment section of this blog or by going to Dr.B.A.Beard Ministries.com. Watch my blog for when it will be ready. Pray for Liberia and for how you may be able to help. Pray for Dr. Steven's and the great work she's doing through the Joseph Alliance and pray for Transformation Ministries International, that we will continue to be used by God to: Transform the Believer, to Transform the Church, to Transform the World.
May God bless each of you and I hope to hear from you soon.