Sunday, March 21st

We drove after a heavy rain through the streets of Monrovia to Zion Praise Baptist Chruch in Bentol (Bensonville). Pastor William R Tolbert III, Christine's brother is pastor.

After the morning service, we had Youth Rally #1. There was a total of about 200 people with 75 decisions. YFC lead the worship and praise, with lots of dancing. I shared my testimony and we watched part of Sammy Morris' story, Angel in Ebony. The team did the 'Sin Box' drama, about how we can get stuck in our sin, and Jesus is the only one who can free us from our sin.




After the Rally, we provided a rice, palmbutter sauce and juice for everyone. Old and young enjoyed the good food!



On our way home, we visited REAP's William R. Tolbert's Youth Enlightenment and Empowerment Center (WRT-YEE-Center). Christine's father called the children of Liberia "his precious Jewels". Her Dad had a dream to provide hope and opportunity to the disadvantaged youth of the country. The Center is located on 50 acres of land approximately 36 miles from Monrovia. There are 5 buildings that are still structurally sound after the destruction during the war. There is a Multi-Purpose Building, Administration Building with Library and Learning Center, Girls Dorm, Boys Dorm, and Director's Residence.

The target groups are youth, young adults, street chidren, ex-combatants, orphans, orphan caregivers, HIV/AIDS victims, prostitutes, drug addicts, teachers, and women.

The Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) emerged from a series of country consultations, interviews and town meetings conducted by the current President of Liberia, Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sileaf. WRT-YEE Center falls within this vision. After decades of economic mismanagement and over 14 years of brutal civi war, the country has been at peace since 2003 and is on the road to recovery. Roads and buildings are being rebuilt and repaired. Health clinics, schools, agriculture production are increasing.

Liberia's war killed over 270,000 people leaving thousands as refugees, internally displaced, orphaned and shattered. Over 65% live below the poverty level. 70% of school buildings are partially or wholly destroyed. Many teachers have little or no training. Over 50% of Liberian youth and children are estimated to be out of school. A whole generation has spent more time at war than in a classroom. Gender based violence and HIV/AIDS are major issues. two out of five children are growth-stunted and almost 20% underweight. The adult literacy rates display a gap: outside Monrovia, only one-third of women are literate, compared to about 60% of men. There is a 65% illiteracy rate in the country.

The Program Plans will cover: Counseling and Guidance Center for testing aptitude, summer camps, training in starting a small business, leadership and reconciliation, health and sex education, spiritual guidance, recreation and creative play, outreach to orphans, women empowerment, brick making, carpentry, electricians, computer skills, book keeping, sports, secretarial skills, mechanics, sewing, and cooking and preserving, horticulture and agriculture.

There is a great need for assistance in helping Christine see this venture become a greater reality! Please pray for wisdom for her team as they strive to better Liberia in Godly, practical ways.