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Rich Straub's Blog
Thanks to the church family of Orion UMC and to my Brothers and Sisters in Christ who supported me in prayers and petition to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ:
Since I’ve been sharing my thoughts and experiences with you over these past several weeks I thought you might enjoy a change from verbal description to some visual descriptions seen in highlight pictures. What you see depicts only some of the events God made available to me during my time in Liberia. Pastor Dave has asked me to offer a more detailed presentation during our church and Sunday school on March 7. I will be looking forward to sharing this adventure of the beauty of God's grace being expressed through pictures and stories of the people of Liberia Africa.
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Ganta United Methodist School (GUMS)
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Presenting sports equipment to Principal Rev. Priscilla Jaiah and students
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Presenting IJ Williams UMC with Orion UMC Cards and funds to finish the school
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McCarthy Lincoln Family
Metta, McCarthy and Rich on Rich's last day
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As the scriptures state: “For God so loved the World that He gave his only begotten Son.” This indicates God’s embrace for our two separate lands of America and Africa to hear His message of the Good News. Let us give thanks and praise!
Blessings to you all,
Richard Straub
Monday, Feb. 15
Rich made it back safely!!!!
Very tired, but looks good & he had a “real shower!” HA!!
And YES he really shivered because he had his light coat packed in his checked bag, wore short sleeves & had sandals on. He decided to fill up the car when we got to Orion and came hurrying back in the car to get warm!!!
Deb & Rich
On Saturday Feb13th, I received this letter from Rich:
Good day to all of you and I pray and hope this message gets to all of you. This will more than likely be my last message before I leave Monrovia, Liberia. Sunday will be a very busy day with going to the I.J. Williams Church service in the morning, hopefully having lunch arranged before I get dropped off at the airport for the long wait until departure at 9:00PM (3pm Illinois time) During this time I am so praying and hoping to see McCarthy and Metta whom I haven't been able to see since I first arrived January 12th. Our connections have been very difficult to make and the ability to schedule a meeting time has not worked out. If it isn't transportation problems (mechanical or getting rides to or arrive when you expect) it's something else that changes your plans, like communication issues between people not being on the same page.
Looking back on this God led, God fed, and God provided mission trip, I have discovered the necessity & dependency on others; the will for patience; the power of God's strength during trials; the love expressed through people; the power of God's strength in providing every need; the generosity of what God gives when you ask Him; the faith one needs in times of all these things; the great joy of seeing the world through God's eyes, with the power of the Holy Spirit in one's heart; the realization of how good God truly is in a world of suffering, trials, and pain; how wonderful people can be when they have the fruits of the Spirit embracing their lives; and how God directs, plans, and orchestrates our whole being, even when we are blind or unresponsive to His will (not my will, but thine be done).
Liberia is a land of challenges with many great opportunities for fellow Christian Brothers and Sisters to come together in working to meet the needs of a people. It’s an experience I would highly encourage every person, with God's calling and leading, to participate in, and for one's own faith to be challenged.
As the Scriptures state in James 1:2-4: "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing." James 1:12 continues, "God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." Can we ever be more grateful and blessed when God IS at the controls? As God is our provider and our sustainer may He ever be praised and glorified in our words and by our actions of service to this hungry world in need.
To my family: Thank you for your prayers, support, and love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ whom I pray has enriched your own lives throughout my time of being away. By and through God's leading and fulfilling grace, I hope I have become a servant worthy for His eternal kingdom and may you see Him through me as my faith journey continues to grow and mature.
To the church family: Thank you for your unceasing prayers and support, not only for me here in Liberia, but for my wife, Debbie, and my family. Without your love and outreach for her, my time away could have been troubling and filled with much uncertainty. God IS our strength in times of need no matter what the circumstance(s) may be. Individually and collectively you have been a blessing for me and my family. When I return, my desire is to share with you God's story being expressed through the people, the stories, and the experiences I have had over these past five weeks. My role, is being an ambassador or vessel for our Lord, through the expressive words He directs in my heart.
Worship and Praise Be To God,
Richard
On Friday 2-12, I received this surprise letter 1st from Christopher and his mother Ocelia then Rich (we sponsor Christopher for school and his mother cooks for mission team members at the United Methodist Compound in Monrovia).
Hi Debbie its Christopher and Ocelia wishing you a wonderful valentine this day and hope you are fine. We are fine here with Rich and hoping that God will keep his blessing upon us. Thank you for all your gifts and effort. We surely promise that it will not go in vain. Thanks God bless you.
Hello,
Here I am back on line and I thought you might like to hear from our extended family here in Monrovia. It has been nice to see both Christopher and Ocelia and to spend some extended time with them. Tomorrow we will see Martha and, hopefully, McCarthy and Metta. Later in the day Christopher, Ocelia and Iwill be going to his school for a look around and seeing all that he is involved with. I'm looking forward to this and the time we'll be spending together. Saturday, we're planning on getting together with Sam Qurash & go to West Point, (Sam is West Point’s pastor.)Then possibly visit the Embassy and other locations in and around downtown Monrovia. Later that night we'll be going out to a restaurant for pizza and having our last night together before Priscilla drops me off at UnificationTown for Sunday’s church service and departure for the airport. Everyone sends their love. We all wish and pray you could be with us at this time and I know how much you would like to see everyone. We talked about in God’s timing, one day it might happen.
Our trip down from Ganta to Monrovia,was another adventure to behold with our transportation truck having mechanical problems. First we were delayed because of a slow leak in the front right tire (they found three nails). Later, when we were on the road we stopped for some cabbage and pineapple and the truck wouldn't start because of a dead battery. This delay was about one hour, but finally a gentleman stopped and exhanged his battery for ours to start the engine (no jumper cables available). We were off again, but later developed oil pressure problems and the engines compression was low so we literally crawled into Monrovia going at a high speed of sometimes 30 miles per hour. Through it all, with God's help, we arrived a little over 7 hours later. Tomorrow, Jackson, will be taking the truck in for service and having things looked at. Hopefully everything will be taken care of and the rest of our time needing the transportation will be ok.
I left Ganta with many wonderful memories and many new friends and extended family members. Everyone has been gracious and appreciative during the time we had together and God's hand has been in everything. The last day of school was magnificient with a wonderful send off from the students and teaching staff. A drama club skit was performed on the parable of The Prodigal Son, & wonderful gifts were presented. Many pictures were taken throughout the whole event & I will have many stories to share and photos to show when the opportunity comes.
I hope despite the snow storms that have been coming and dumping the white stuff you all have a wonderful day. I'm sure you are well over due for having spring arrive and temperatures rising back to a comfortable level. Say hello to everyone and hopefully if I have access to the computer, I’ll be sending one more message before I leave this Sunday,
February 9, 2010
Rich’s Mission Trip to Ganta Mission Station United Methodist School is coming to a close
In writing this, Rich will not have access to a computer as it is in need of repair, so it may be awhile that I may receive anything from him.
First of all I want to give PRAISES to God, for what He has done and will continue to do as Rich’s time at Ganta Mission United Methodist School comes to an end on Wednesday. It has been a life changing experience of which will not come to a conclusion but rather will start with another chapter. A beginning to which only God knows the start, the journey, and the steps of faith that will be taken. I have appreciated the faithful prayer warriors out there who have lifted up Rich, me, Brian & Nathan, as well as the people of Liberia especially McCarthy Lincoln and his family. Never underestimate the Power of Prayer. God is faithful to hear our prayers and in His Grace, grants us patience, and peace as we learn to trust with faith.
Philippians 4:6-7 says “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition, with THANKSGIVING, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Hebrews 11:1 says “ Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
So when you pray, start with praise and thanksgiving, putting your faith and trust in Him, patiently and expectantly awaiting His answer. With this being said I will tell you:
Today I had the most wonderful thing happen. I received a telephone call…A very PERSONAL telephone call from someone Special. When I looked at the name of the person calling and he said “Hi Debbie.” I let out a big “OH My!! OH PRAISE GOD!!” It was MCCARTHY LINCOLN! I started crying. He told me “I’m home Debbie.” I told him that so many people were praying for him. I talked to his wife Metta. They both are so thankful to God and to thank all of the people who had been praying. I had difficulty at times hearing everything that was being said but I could hear the joy and the almost ‘see’ smile on his face. McCarthy said he is doing special exercises to strengthen him. They had been unable to reach Rich to let him know about being home. Later, Rich called me and I told him the good news! He was so excited and praised God for His healing. So everyone, Give Thanks and Praise to God!!
I also ask prayer for Rich and Priscilla’s safe journey on Thursday, back to Monrovia and Unification town. Rich is anxious to visit with McCarthy and his family and share in their joy with McCarthy being home and to hold ‘little Debbie,’ my namesake. (What an honor that is for me.) He will also visit with Christopher whom we sponsor for college, and will be able to visit the school where he attends. And visit with Ocelia Christopher’s mother, who also will be in service cooking for Richard at the Methodist Compound. He will visit the I.J. Williams school to see the progress of the completion of the school of which Orion UMC has made the commitment to support. On Sunday Rich will join in worship at the I.J.Williams United Methodist Church, where he will present the Orion UMC letters that we as a congregation signed, in addition to support finishing the IJ Williams school.
Thank you again for all of you who didn’t get cold feet and bought (A stockin’ mission)And for your support spiritually, prayerfully, hungrily(chili) and financially. It’s all for His Praise, Glory and Honor that WE SERVE Him!
Debbie & Rich Straub
Sending a combination of messages from Rich from Last Sunday to today. He has not been able to be online much and fragments of his messages come thru a few at a time or they sit in his draft box and don’t send so that’s why the delay in me getting them to you to add to the blog. The top Feb 4th being the most recent. No updated news on McCarthy although I have e-mailed Metta’s sister and Rich has not been able to call her.
Deb
Feb 4th
Good day to you all,
This is the first I've been able to get on line for quite some time. I haven't had the access to the computer for various reasons.
First, things are going well over here. My chest and congestion is much better so the medicine I was given must have helped along with all the prayers that were lifted up to God on my account. Thanks go out to all and I have always appreciated your prayers from the beginning and what you are continuing to do even now. The concern I've had with my digestive system is working itself out so health wise I'm doing remarkably well and praying each and every day for continued blessings and provisions from our Lord.
This week has been one of the fastest weeks I've experienced since my arrival. The days activities have been wonderful with academic instruction being very rewarding and with much pleasure in seeing students respond with such appreciation. I have had positive feedback from both of the co-op teachers I've been working with and the lessons I've been responsible for have been well received. I am thankful for being given the opportunity of instruction and through the demonstrations of using a variety of techniques and teaching directives everyone has been very appreciative and complementary. Sister Telah and Sister Elizabeth have both been enjoyable and eager to see a variety of styles and approaches to student instruction. What has been most rewarding is seeing the students respond favorably and the interaction that comes with the learning of the information presented.
I better go for now I'm having issues with the generator so I hope you get this without it being lost.
Love you all,
Rich
Sunday Jan 31st
Hello and greetings to you all, As Liberians continue to tell me when I greet them, I'm fine, thank God!"
I was asked to give the Sunday school lesson today. The women's annual conference has been this weekend and many, many ladies have been around since Wednesday of this past week. Sunday school went very well for God supplied me with a lesson from Ephesians 6:10-18. The students were very interested and attentive. God's word was powerful and with a little history lesson thrown in on Roman soldiers and their armor we tied together Paul’s use of this metaphor in explaining the spiritual battle we find ourselves in with satan.
Church was powerful as you might expect with lively singing and praise of worship. The message was from Matthew 25: 14 (the parable on talents) and connecting with II Thessalonians 3: 6-13. The DS from Nimba County presided, the Reverend Labolah. He is a powerful man of God and delivers God's Truth with passion and vibrancy with no sugar coating mixed in. Straight from the Scriptures and relating it to how we can use it in the world and our surroundings.
Hearing Rev. Yanti last week and now, Rev. Labolah, I have to admit these men of God have a tremendous spirit that transcends directly to my heart. The Word of God is meant to transform one's soul, mind, and heart and when these gentlemen speak of God's Truth you know God is speaking to you through their voices. I can't help but admire them for they are helping me by feeding my spirit in passing forward what I feel God is directing me to do upon my return to America. Your prayers will help in this process of following the path God is leading me into. I pray that I hear His Word and follow in faith the direction He calls.
Here it is, just one and one-half weeks left to be in Ganta before I return to Monrovia. I looked back and 3 weeks have passed since I left Orion to Chicago. What appeared to be a long ways ahead has now been rapidly moving along. Another busy week ahead with many lessons to be taught and practices to be run. I have been invited to teach a lesson to the high school (11th grade) on American History and the American Revolution. The teacher informed me he would like me back for his other class so I'm hoping that is a good sign that I did well. Many opportunities to share instruction with students, but more importantly even more chances to share in God's Word. How our Lord and Savior works is remarkable when hearts and minds are open to His instructions.
I have had many little critters visit me in my house over the past few days ranging from salamanders, spiders, centipedes (6" to 8" long and the size of your index finger), and one time a chick tried to come into my quarters. I've been able to get rid of all but one little lizard who is in the bathroom hiding beneath the floor covering and I can't reach it because it runs under or around the stool which is very cramped next to the wall. At least it might eat more of the insects that find their way into the house.
Hopefully I will be getting together with Ruben from the UN Police Quarters and together we will be taking a ride around and into Guinea. I went to town in Ganta yesterday and did shopping for food and supplies with Jonathan. We might be going to the place together this evening to watch the African Cup being played tonight. I believe it is between Egypt and Algiers. Either way it is supposed to be an exciting game with no love loss between the two countries.
Blessings abound here each day and my getting used to the surroundings, although they haven't changed, is getting better. I had running water this morning for the third day in a row. Thank God. Share my hellos with all and I continue my prayers for all of them.
Rich
Thursday Jan 28th
I received the following message today from Elizabeth, who is Metta’s sister. Isn’t it wonderful how God has been so faithful to listen and answer our prayers! In ALL this, we give Him the Praise & Glory!
Deb Straub
Hi Sis Debbie:
Many thanks and appreciation to you, Richard and the rest of the family and friends, for being so special to our dear ones, Metta and McCarthy and for your many prayers. We are very grateful and bless God for the wonderful e-mails you have sent as they were passed on to them.
We give praises to God Almighty for McCarthy is recovering! He has been removed from the ICU and is presently in the ward. He was diagnosed of diabetes and pressure. The Doctors have advised that a tennis ball be purchased for him to work his hands in order for his muscles to not get worse. The doctors might discharge him sooner so that he can be taken to Acupuncture. We have been advised to purchase the diabetes tester and strips.
All Glory and honor to God that McCarthy is gradually gaining his speech. Please extend our appreciation to the rest of the family for your many prayers.
Thanks and God bless you all!
Liz
I later received Rich’s message (below)
Jan 28th
Greetings,
It is wonderful to have access to the e-mail system once again. My time away from being able to write and keep in touch has been too long since Priscilla had gone to Monrovia and her system had to be updated. She has been so wonderful in allowing me to use her computer and very generous and patient during my times of writing all the messages.
My inbox was wonderfully full of messages this week. Thanks to every one of you (too many to name) and “The Bible Study Group” for all of their prayers and scripture passages sent my way. Nothing is as powerful as God's Word and His children coming to Him in prayer in the name of Jesus Christ. Having you do this for me is very much appreciated and confirms the fact that when two or three are gathered in His name wonderful things happen, and what is happening with me is knowing the friends I have meeting at church and in our home, means God's love is present in each and everyone of you. Your prayers and support for both Debbie and me are felt many thousands of miles away. God's grace has been felt in all situations. Even when I get discouraged at times the strength I receive from Him is from your prayers you have for me.
My health situation (congested lungs and hacking cough), although better than what it was is still hanging around. I have been told by the Dr at Ganta Hospital, that the culprit is probably the dust that is constantly being stirred up and being breathed into the lungs and for someone like me who isn't used to the air environment it can create a problem. Again, I am relying on God and prayers for strength in correcting this issue.
I KNOW everyone is merciless in their prayers for McCarthy, Metta and the rest of his family. Through you requesting healing powers from God, the miracles of His touch on McCarthy will be sustaining and everlasting. I was able to get in touch with Metta and expressed, not only my concerns and prayers, but all of the people back in the states who are praying and lifting words of praise on behalf of McCarthy, her and family. Pleasure, assurance, and thankfulness were expressed by her for all of you.
Everything is going well and I have had wonderful experiences in realizing God's grace and His power of serving my new Liberian friends. I say, new, but everyone I have gotten to know over these past several days have truly become an extended family in so many ways. I’ve had opportunities for instruction in Reading, English, Phonics, Math, and Bible study. Our situation of co-oping together with teachers, is working out well. Many strategies and teaching techniques have been discussed and everyone is anxious and receptive to the input of suggestions for improvement and implementation. They are more than willing to let me instruct lessons for the students and demonstrate style and means for interactive instruction with the students. Classroom management and time efficiency in instruction is one area we have discussed and tried to implement. So many students are without books and so much board writing is required that time of transposing information onto the board and student copying into their notebooks takes away most interaction lesson time. To minimize teacher writing of information virtually word for word & transposing from manual to board, we’ve discussed and demonstrated simplifying and abbreviating highlights of information with examples. What one teacher spent in time writing text information onto the board (over 72 minutes) I had highlighted and reduced the same amount of information in simplified fashion in 12 minutes. The next day I was allowed to instruct classroom material so they could see a process that would not only benefit the teacher but also the students for more qualified instruction. Methods and processes in teacher/student interaction with specific learning information is more efficient and useable.
Basketball coaching is going very well with 39 students taking part in the camp. They have had to learn or relearn many skills of the game and it has taken time for them to adjust, learn, and understand the correct techniques for doing things the correct way. Some have pretty good talent, but have developed very bad habits; some have never touched a basketball and are very raw; but, all are very eager to learn. The discipline and respect for the game is what most didn't expect, but they are willing to learn the work ethic and fundamentals it takes to develop into a basketball player. I have had to implement an almost boot camp like, very regimented, and disciplined style of coaching to get them to understand the skills and techniques of doing things right. We drill and drill and drill to get the fundamentals down so as they progress the building of skills will develop into better techniques. They have finally realized the discipline and hard work I'm trying to instill in them and hopefully that they know when all is done, they WILL be better players coming out than when they first started. So far they have all returned day after day and many have come up to me and thanked me for what they are learning and how they have appreciated doing the simple things right. We also implement God's glory throughout practice for what He has given each and everyone of us in mind, body, and spirit. Knowing and depending on God to be able to play and exercise, realizing His blessings in being able to do what we do, and thanking Him for the opportunity of participating has been uplifting for all involved. We always end with recognizing His glory in being here and for all He does in our lives each and every day.
This opportunity of serving the people of Ganta through the means that God has provided is both invigorating and humbling. My journey of faith is continuing and constantly being enriched because of God's direction & all that is happening here is remarkable in strengthening my foundation in His Word. Challenges have been here and God has pushed my limits under numerous situations, but He has done so with the purpose of developing me into what He wants me to become. These people, both young and old alike, and this opportunity of being in Ganta, has been beneficial spiritually, physically, and mentally and will go with me for the rest of my life. This time away has been a bit more challenging than I first imagined, but as the time passes we both know the reason God placed me here.
My prayers continue for all of you back home in the states. God's strength is felt when I know His people pray. I can assure you God is working here in Ganta and I pray through my service, it is worthy to honor Him.
Rich
Thursday, January 21, 2010 5:37 PM
To all: Rich has not heard any update on McCarthy Lincoln and his condition. I did talk to Metta, McCarthy’s wife, very briefly early yesterday (Wednesday) and then also received an e-mail from her sister stating that as on Monday, McCarthy had progressed to a critical state. Please continue prayers for all of them!
Thank-You,
Deb
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From Rich’s last Liberia mission trip: Rich and McCarthy Lincoln |
Thursday Jan 21st
Greetings,
Between the prayers you have been offering on my behalf, the forwarding of messages to everyone, notifying others for prayer on McCarthy's health situation and for Metta and family, taking and sending me pictures of "THE BIBLE STUDY GROUP" was marvelous and very much appreciated (I can't put into words how much that meant), sending the church information, and for Pastor Dave, Judi, and Amy in helping setup a blog, thank-you.(I read it all and so pleased to see the news from Liberia being shared). God is using his people in powerful ways through prayer and support for you and me that I can't even come close to thanking everyone enough.
I have the lesson for Bible study tomorrow and my theme will be on answering God's call when the opportunities come. This opportunity of coming to Liberia and specifically Ganta, has enriched my faith tremendously while at the same time by uncovering and exposing my weaknesses it has strengthened my love of the Lord and my dependency on Him for more than what I often admit.
I had an actual shower this morning for the first time and was it cold and dark (no electricity, yet). Oh, the little things, the LITTLE things can help us appreciate God for ALL things in our lives. His blessings overflow even when we don't always recognize them at the time. I'm finding out my body isn't what it used to be in handling the extreme heat along with the duties of coaching in hot conditions. But, I am thankful to God for all he has provided me in this opportunity of service and we talk about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ openly with people and to see the teachers and students respond to God’s love is a beautiful thing to witness and be a part of. God is our source of strength and together our prayers will be heard for His outstretched protection over our lives. This we can depend on and must depend on throughout this time.
Thank you for all your continued prayers and support in these challenging times. We couldn't sustain if God was't our focus for seeing us through.
Richard
January 20, 2010
Sadly, I received a call at 2am from Rich because he had found out that McCarthy Lincoln his good friend in Unification town Liberia, has suffered a massive stroke and is in a coma. McCarthy and Rich had developed a strong bond over the past 1 ½ years from the time Rich was in Liberia to the communications thru e-mail. Rich is not able to leave to visit McCarthy, so Priscilla the principal/minister of the Ganta school is traveling there today. It’s about 7 hours.
We have asked for McCarthy Lincoln to be put on the prayer list at church, for his wife Metta and the rest of the family.
Incidentally when Rich arrived in Liberia, McCarthy had almost his entire family members, grandchildren, sons & daughter-in-laws there to greet Rich. I have my namesake Little Debbie, McCarthy’s granddaughter named after me. This shows what a strong bond that had developed between our families. I will keep you all posted.
Thank you so much for adding the Liberia Blog. I ask that you please post this as well.
Deb & Rich Straub
January 18, 2010
Hello,
Yes, we've gotten word about the quake but not a lot of details. Priscilla is kind enough to let me use her computer but I feel I can't log on for an over abundance of time to catch up on everything happening so thanks.
To fill everyone in on my situation: It is HOT!!!!!!! Imagine that, but it is truly hot and not having electricity or running water available it you have to make do with having a lantern or flashlight for seeing after dark, and IT IS dark, pitchblack. I went back to the guest house one night with my little flashlight and the beam wasn't strong enough to penetrate very far. Had to more or less rely on my senses of knowing the path turned to the left and I was the third house up the road. Having no generator available for the mission station (breakdown of parts and lack of fuel) people have to rely on little portable units and of course my house doesn't have one but Priscilla is looking into it. We get news replacements parts coming but travel is slow, rough, and 6 hours away. My baths, if you call it that, consist of pouring water into a bucket and dipping into it with a smaller pail to dump over my head and body, soap off and rinse. The water is NOT heated and quite cold. I try to bathe in the morning and sponge bath at night. Reading anything is a challenge I have a kerosene lantern giving off general light but have to use the flashlight to highlight the sentences I read. Oh, all the things we take for granted is beyond comprehension when provisions are not available.
Had our first day of school and I got my schedule for working with 5th/6th grade level students teaching English, Reading, Phonics, Writing, and Math. Will be getting the basketball schedule tomorrow, but as of now will do PE the last period of day to coach BB. Basketball coaching will come tomorrow or Wednesday on the schedule when the kids finish signing up. So far, 15 have signed up - Doesn't seem popular since football (soccer) is the sport of choice. But I will do with what I have and work hard so those who come will enjoy and learn more. School begins at 7:30 with devotionals and prayer, 8:00 to 11:00 classes @ 45 minute segments, 11:30 to 12:00 recess/lunch, 12:00 to 1:45 classes resume and school is dismissed. As you can imagine classroom conditions are hot, sultry, not dark but in shadow light. Teaching training is badly needed, but that's another story I won't have time to go into. People here are marvelous, hospitable, congenial, and always make you feel welcome. They truly are in a position for help. Enough hasn't been done and so much more is required. But, this isn't telling you something you don't already know.
I appreciate all the prayers from everyone. I feel God's grace befall upon me and what He is doing in my life by being here in Liberia. Knowing the prayer warriors I have behind and with me during this time is powerful and wonderful. I can't share with you enough of how much this means to me, but I will come back looking forward in sharing my experiences with everyone and encouraging others to come in my place for whatever length of time God directs. This opportunity in Liberia is NOT for everyone but something in service for God, IS! This can't be emphasized enough and I know everyone of my Christian Brothers and Sisters serves in some capacity or another, but this experience shows me that more service is needed well into the zone that nudges us or pushes us into discomfort. I cannot say enough how God can use his people, but through prayer and discernment even a place like Liberia can become a reality for those who are least likely to think they can do it. Thank you all for what you are doing for me and for Debbie. WE ARE truly blessed and God is the center of all the good that is bestowed on our country and in each of our lives. Praise and glory to Him, always and without hesitation. This is required and necessary from all us who have reaped in His blessings.
That's my sermon (so to speak) but one that comes from the heart, mind, and soul of my inner being. I thank God for this and for His love that he has shown me through all of you and from the people of Liberia, specifically at Ganta and Monrovia and Unification Town.
God is their sustenance and hope for continuing on with life. We as a Western society and culture need to continue doing what is currently done, but even more is necessary.
My access is not always readily available but I will keep in touch when possible.
Hope I haven't bored you too much and do do think of you a lot while I'm away. I also appreciate your thoughts and prayers on my behalf and all you do for supporting me.
With love and prayers to all,
Rich
January 15, 2010
Hello from Ganta,
The following will be an example of what has gone on since my arrival:
Wow, what a trip to Ganta yesterday. We got a very late start because of transportation problems and getting another van rented. They had to bring another truck down from Ganta just to load up all the luggage and equipment. Due to the late start we were in very heavy traffic going through red light shopping district and drove inch by inch, foot by foot for well over 45 minutes to an hour. Couldn't find gas because certain stations, which are very limited in number, ran out of fuel. Finally found some and got on our way, after trying for over 15 minutes to start the van. Road conditions have NOT improved from the last time here and it was getting dark and we weren't even half way. Outside of Gbarnga (bonga) we hit a pot hole, one of many, and flattened the two rear tires and bent the rims. Out in very dark, dusty, and heavy traveled road we were stranded. Fortunately, after about a half hour another van stopped from Cottington University in Gbarnga and took us to the theological seminary in town were Bunny knew the director, Yatta Roslyn, and we spent the night in there guest house. Long day with many delays and tired bodies from all the pounding of the rough road we collected ourselves in praising God for the circumstances that could have proved much worse than what it was, because he does take care of his children and looks after them in all circumstances. Thankful for many things: being closer to a community than being farther out of nowhere (some would say we already where), having connections of people and housing rather then having nothing available, having a Pet Boys tire store (just kidding) up the road to fix both tires, etc. etc. I could go on but it would bore you with more details. Bottom line is we are fine but tired, arrived in Ganta around 10:30 AM the next day after two more very rough hours of driving.
I met Priscilla was welcomed and showed to my housing. Still no electricity or water available. Darkness comes around 6:30 so the kerosene lantern will come in handy. Have met with two educators just now and will be getting together at 9:00AM tomorrow for a meeting and schedule of activities for my assignment. Will be working with sixth grade teachers in a coop setting and, with much expressed joy, coaching basketball to both girls and boys later in the day. They are especially excited about having basketball available and according to Priscilla everyone has been looking forward to my coming and have been in preparation for many weeks. You can understand the sense of appreciation from everybody and with gracious hospitality and gratitude expressed by so many. God fed, God led, God provides for all who believe and his purpose of using me here at Ganta will be humbling and honoring for me beyond description.
Conditions, as you would expect, are very primitive, of course hot and dry, and secluded. Am I out of my comfort zone? Yes, but this is not and will not be about who I am but who the Lord is. Challenges and discomforts abound, but are just minor in comparison to the conditions Liberians face each and every day. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in ALL yours ways acknowledge him and He will make your paths straight." This verse in Proverbs 3 will be one of many for my testament during this time of being away from all of you, but will serve as my strength in being called to be here. All of your prayers have been felt and to you I thank you.
Martha, Ocelia, Christopher, McCarthy, Metta, and so many more have prayed for this moment and continue to pray throughout. Just not for me and my situation, but for all of you as well for supporting and being apart of God's call at home. How grateful we can be for what he has done in our lives and for all He provides.
I'll sign off for now hoping you receive this and not knowing when the next time will be for communicating. But when time is available I'll do my best to keep in touch. I'll also be anxious to hear from you and miss you a whole bunch. With love and heart felt embrace I deliver this note. Say, hello, to all and do be careful.
Rich Straub
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