Day 5 Questions:
Joe,
who preached
today?
What was the message and the primary texts ?
Were there any visitors in church today?
What was the same about their
service?
Were there any noticeable differences?
I can understand Pastor Wesley very well, and the hymns were able to be sung.
Other parts of the service were harder to distinguish.
There were so many people to meet and I realized that though I was hearing their names,
they were not sticking in my mind.
"Greater Love Bible Baptist Church--where everybody is somebody!"
Day 5 Letter from
Joe:
I will try to take lots of pictures. Baby Moses is sleeping.
Electricity is now in his home from 6am to 6pm
approximately.
He sold his car. This morning we are going to go to church.
Last night after dinner I gave him $100, but I am not sure that
it is enough to feed and support me for this time.
whatever is right or pure, if anything is excellent or admirable,
lovely or worthy of praise.
Pray me through.
Make sure to listen to the test of the voice recorder.
Love,
Joe
CLICK HERE for audio interview and words
Have a hard time understanding Liberian English?
We transcribed Joe's 1st audio interview with Pastor Wesley.
Keep up the good work! THIS IS PERFECT. Mom and I read it together...
and laughed at the Excess Baggage Bargaining process...
and enjoyed the fact that God gave you an 'Airport Catherine' for mutual support.Yes. It's all about God....and ALL about US....Thank you, Joe!Dad
Pastor Wesley wrote a reply to Dad on Day 4: click here
Elaborate. This will be useful for your paper.
Day 6 Answers: Yes.
I feel like I am so needy and that I am vulnerable and need to protect what I have.
I know it is not good to be so self-centered.
Mainly, I am trying to be thankful and smile and wave at all those around me.
to the internet from 6 am to 6 pm.
The suitcase containing all my changes was not there. They said it would come on Sunday afternoon,
but it did not. So, I even wore that outfit to Church -- boy did I feel underdressed, but the only
one to say anything was Richard Jr. who asked "Are you wearing that?".
I do not know how to help anyone here. All of the family seems to want to help me and
will not have me lift a finger, carry my own water or anything. I feel so unworthy and do not even
know what is going on. I think that they all want something from me that I will not be able to give them.
Inauguration Day in Liberia covered by NBC with Video
which involves Pastor Wesley having to 'WAIT' on the Lord?
If not, ask him about his hopes or dreams sometime today.
How does he handle 'waiting' upon the Lord?
Day 7 Answers: Yes, Pastor Wesley has been waiting.
The clinic which he began 5 years ago is still not finished,
The church does not yet have a baptistry.
Consider all of the years of civil war in which he waited for God to bring peace.
Day 7
Monday/Tuesday exchange
Hi Joe:
We're winding down for the night here. A new day. If you're
like me when
I was in Liberia and every other mission trip I've had, your
sleep schedule is still messed up.
Get the most out of that. Do some positive writing. Be on a
God Hunt...write some stuff you
remember seeing...or conversations you made during the day.
Now...remind Pastor Wesley that you're gonna be experiencing
some jet lag for awhile so,
nap as you need it, OK.
I saw the Fugates today. They're still sick...Mom and I are
too. That reminds me....make
sure to drink some Airborne. Daniel breaks it up and sticks
in a half-bottle of water and
shakes it up that way.
Write me as you can. I know Mom wrote you a personal
letter...plus there's yesterday's letter from me,
and
one (public) from Rodney that's pretty
important. Don't you love having email?
OH..important question. How and when do you get
on the internet?
Is it a slow connection? Fill me in on that, OK?
bye,
papa
Dear Papa:
(Internet Speed: 10 mBps) I usually get on the internet early in the
morning.
Pastor had internet access put into his house the day before I arrived
and he has electricity for half of a day.
He said that it comes from the hotel and is kind of expensive that is why he
has it half of the day.
They have switched to 6am-6pm so that we can email more effectively.
2nd letter: Now I am helping Pastor Wesley install his printer
that he has had
for over a year and a half or two. But he just bought the cord the other
day.
Yesterday we employed a carpenter to erect a large wooden rod with an
antenna
attached for the purpose of viewing the inauguration live on the home
television.
It was not too clear the first time,
but later it was rebroadcast over CLAR
TV which has a very good signal.
Earlier we were able to go over the external CDRW drive and teach Pastor how
to record onto it.
click on photos to enlarge
Any thoughts on the subject?
Day 8 Answers: No, nothing comes quickly here in Africa.
But I have not heard much complaining at all.
I hear great thankfulness about the situation and hope for the future.
I hear 'God is Good' and 'to God be the Glory''.
I see smiles.
Day 8
Note from Joe with Photos
(scroll up for photos of TV at our house)
Hey Papa,
I have access to the internet right now and thought that I
would send you a quick note.
This morning I was able to help set the table. Laura Wesley is so sweet.
Well, I will send more information later.
Love, Joe
(click on photos to enlarge
them)
1.
Joe helps set the table. The setting for two reveals that Joe and Pastor Wesley are eating separately.
2. Ruth Wesley (16) pressing a pair of pants. Ruth had been the focus of attention
from our own Veda Rackley during the last three years of her life.
The iron that Ruth is using is heated by hot coals that are inside it.
Notice below (in photo 7) that Eunice is holding an electric iron.
These are certainly days of transition for this particular family in Liberia.
3. Abigail Wesley at the Piano
and ready for school
4. (left to right) Abigail, Eunice & Richard, Priscilla
5. (left to right) Abigail, Priscilla (holding Robbie), Richard, Eunice
6. (left to right) Abigail, Priscilla (holding Robbie), Richard, Eunice
7. Eunice Wesley
8. Ready for School
9. Abigail, Eunice & Robbie, Priscilla
10. Richard, Robbie, and Abigailedward
11. Edward (a member of the church?),
Robbie, Richard (balancing a can),
Eunice, and Abigail
12. Robbie Wesley
Day 9 Questions: Joe,
how do you
'feel'
today?
Day 9 Answers:
God is in control.
We believe that his children will not be forsaken.
It is not about what we feel, it is about what God's Word says.
Day 9 quick email exchanges between Joe and Mom:
Hey Papa,
Here are some other photos from today.
One is of the odd reminders
about the technological
and
developmental irregularities here in Liberia.
You will see a very nice newer car,
traveling down a dirt road
in front of a building
that used to be used for a
church.
The walls are gone.
Next to it is another
home that does not have electricity.
The batteries that I had for the camera have run out,
but I think that I will try to use some of the other regular AAs
until I can recharge those. I really don't know if that will work,
but let's trust God because we need the photos.
We will need more money that is not specifically designated
if works are to continue on the Clinic and on the baptistry.
I see so much good around me, yet still do not feel God's presence.
I can vouch for his character, he loves God and is very positive about his situation.
far more expensive to employ an American in this position.
but I think they are all fine with that.
Mom here.
Tell us about your bathing.
We didn't get the second batch of photos.
Do you have time to write a few times right now?
Joe: As it appears right now,
Living Waters, International
will not be getting
their drill any earlier than April.
Mom: Oh bummer. Dad is in bed and I'm
learning how to use his gmail.
Did you meet Mr. Brunson?
Dad said we
haven't really sent that much money for all that has been done.
Dad agrees
with you that employing an American in Liberia
would be much more expensive
than providing for an indigenous Pastor.
pretty useless for travel.
Pastor showed me the records and I guess that they were ok .
I still wonder if I have anything good enough to wear to church and the like.
I will be traveling more now.
Did you get my long letter the other day giving you some instructions?
Does Robbie always hold his mouth the way we see him in his pictures?
Tell Laura you need to buy some changes of clothes. She will listen to you.
Are you drinking enough water?
Can you go to the school with the Wesleys and watch?
I love you. Mom
Joe: I have my suitcase, is it enough what is in there??
Mom: Why are you having a problem with clothes then? Please try to make sense to me.
Look through it. You have button-down shirts in there.
Why did you say you didn't have clothes if you have your suit case?
Mom: Joe, Go and buy what you need for church.
It is important that you are dressed respectfully for them.
Ok, I'm going to bed. I wish you would have written back more?
Maybe you're talking to a friend while I'm on line. I don't know.
Have a good day.
love, Mom
Day 9 Early Morning email from Joe to Mom:
Mom,
in this context.
Anyways, I have a problem buying things but I had Pastor Wesley look at my clothes. I have those black trousers and the button down shirts. They will be ok.
I drink about one cupful with every meal.
I have not been too tired, but I have not been very active.
I will try to remember to drink more water.
and leave for the day. When we return, if it is after 6 pm, then we will not have any current
and I will have to wait to email until tomorrow.
Things move soooo slowly here and I am doing my best.
Hey Papa:
Today I think we are going to pay
the last payment on the doors for the clinic ($45) .
Next, Pastor wants to get some sand, that is about a hundred dollars I
think.
Then we need some bags of cement.
click on photo Pastor Wesley has so much faith.
and looked over some of their materials.
They do not have books.
They have these little Composition pads each with about 100 pages.
English, Bible, Health, History, Math, Phonics, French, Physical Education,
Art/Drawing, Civics, Geography, Literature, Spelling,
African Studies.
Ruth has additional information on Computer.
Lately they have been studying Ecosystem.
Lately they have been studying Vegetation and the Soil of Liberia.
Lately they have been studying King Solomon Chooses Wisdom
and the 10 Commandments and Plagues.
The last two classes of the day are 50 and 35 minutes. The day ends at 2:00 pm.
RECESS
Writing, Health and Reading
RECESS
Social Studies, Spelling and Art
RECESS
French, Health, and Typing
RECESS
Social Studies, Physical Education and Spelling
RECESS
Writing, Health and Typing
Thursday, January 19, 2006
WE bought sand and cement and picked up the doors for the clinic.
1 Load of Sand -- $110
13 Bags of Cement --$120
Transportation-- $8
-- Joe
CLICK on the smaller photos to enlarge them.
Day 10 Questions:
Joe, what is the Name
by
which you could best describe God today?
Day 10 Answers:
The name is
Beyond Understanding.
Why?
"As you do
not know the path of the wind,
or how the body is formed in the womb,
so you cannot understand the work of God, the maker of all things."
Ecclesiastes 11:5
Day 10 Note
from Joe:
Daddy,
They are using the cement and sand and mixing them to cover the cement blocks
with a thin layer of "plaster" that is smooth. Pastor thinks it will take them 4-5 days
and he told me that he is paying them $70.
I am trying to focus on the positive, but I seem soooo far away. . . .[ 'a worry' is edited out]
I think that this trip is WAAAAAY too much for me and way too long.
My only comfort is that all of you are being so encouraging and
Pastor Wesley and Laura seem to think it is ok for me to be here.
From Mom:
how much he is spending per day for your meals. Tell him you want to eat
the same food they eat when you're not there. This will help you get rid of the
worry about if you have enough money.
Remind him that you want to live like they live. When Dad was there,
Pastor Wesley spent more money on food than he probably should have.
Remember Joe, you are working for all of us. Dad and I have paid for your plane ticket.
WE are taking good care of Pastor Wesley and family and those around.
If they were to hire you, it would be very expensive for them.
Your helping has more than paid for your care there.
You're doing that.When Pastor Wesley stayed with us, he didn't worry about what we
were spending on him. He accepted graciously. God took care of it all.
Money is tight for us right now, but God is continuing to take care of us.
I found a bunch of oatmeal that we could have for breakfast. The kids didn't complain
at all about it. I have been cleaning out the freezer, cupboard and using that food.
I made a pot of beans yesterday. Everyone ate them but Mary.
I made her eggs and hash browns.
Richard, Iona's husband, just came by and brought me some Avon orders.
Good things are happening.
Your job is to work alongside of those in Liberia and to share smiles with people.
You're my boy,
love, Mom
Mom,
It seems like every way that I could work would make more work for them.
Even going to the church with Pastor Wesley means that it is harder for him
to catch a cab and costs twice as much.
I am obeying the Wesleys whenever they tell me to do anything.
From Dad:
Hey Joe...I'll guess that she will write you a letter soon.
I just read her
blog. She mentions that James is gonna be helping to
lead worship tomorrow.
It all came about because she challenged my assertion
that
there is a 'homosexual agenda'
to dominate America's popular culture with acceptance of
sex-outside-of-marriage. Of course,
the GLBT agenda is diligently attempting to 'redefine'
the meaning of marriage as well.
So, we've got our issues here too. Still, Eva's
challenge caused
me to write a quick email-articulation of my opinion.
After that interchange
I wrote to her about what and why you're goin' through
what you're goin' through.
At Wednesday night Bible Study (the 18th) we read
Proverbs 18.
Of course, that leads me to the truth found in verse 2:
"A
fool delights in the airing of his own opinion."
So, I don't know
sometimes about sharing my opinion so publicly.
Lady Folly likes to post bulletins and forward the
sleaze to our children
and our children's children.
Yeah, myspace was in the news here again yesterday.
Seems that the pedophiles are watching.
(as is the FBI and local law enforcement).
I hope they come across
www.myspace.com/pastorob
Not every adult who is
interested in teenagers is following the satanic agenda:
John 10:10
When I am mindful of the Lord's love,
I try to minister the life that is truly LIFE.
Even your Mom
is on myspace these days--for that same reason. She interacts with other
moms across America--taking an active interest in their
hopes for their own children.
That's enough for now. I've got my own space in which to write. I
shouldn't use yours....
lol
Yeah,
that's right. The devil is the accuser of the brethren.
He likes to accuse
me of being 'manipulative' in ministry. Yeah, right. You
know, my opinion about that....
Lovetee's parents came back about 2 weeks ago and they were reunited.
These seven children are still here. These photographs are from 2004 when there were 36 children living at the Home.
Joseph Brown Marwulin Brown Friday Cole Samuel Cole Reuben Johns Jerry Khangar Pinkay Lathrobe
Give the glory to His Name by writing one long sentence with details.
Day 11 Answers: God has shown me that He will do what he wants and no matter what my plans
have been, He can surprise me. If I plan to help people, He can show me how
much help I need and how He provides for them.
Day 11 Letter from Joe: Thanks for all of your support, my dear family.
Today, Pastor Wesley was having some tiles put into his bathroom.
It is about a 5' by 6' space and contains a toilet and a small plasitic "tub".
You can about sit down Indian-style in the "tub" but I am still confused
about how I am to wash my hands.
One of the ladies or children will prepare a small bucket of cold or lukewarm water
and put it in the bathroom. Then I will take myself in there and try to situate my things
in an area where they will not get wet or too wrinkled and give myself a spongebath or
carefully pour the water over my head. It gets quite interesting in the dark sometimes.
Yesterday, I even dropped my glasses in the toilet somehow, but I was able to pull them
out and wash them in the bucket with the antiseptic.
It is tough if I check and there is nothing waiting for me.
hate to lose, but it is alright. Then we went into town and at the third hardware store
found the rest of the tiles that Pastor will need to finish his bathroom. Then we went
to the computer place because he wanted a man there to store a logo that looks like
his church on his memory stick for when they make up flyers.
they had the generator running. There were probably twenty or thirty computers or
more (old ones) and typewriters all over the place. And people were there typing and
printing up different things. I think that most of them were probably for church groups
or for people applying for loans. I noticed a church letter next to me and on the other
side it was a proposal for a business growing Casava.
Joe Joe
Day 12 Questions:
Joe, Who has shown you an act of unconditional love today?
What
happened at church today? Sermon points?
Although he likes it when I give him juice or hold him,
he does not smile and run at me solely for those purposes.
There were 4 visitors at church today.
● We have to agree with God's Discipline. ● God is in Control.
● God needs to prepare our lives so we can really be blessed.
(It wouldn't be wise for Him to bless us if we were not prepared for it).
● We always need to be thankful.
Hey Papa,
Here are some more pictures for you to play with.
:) Joe
CLICK ON PHOTOS to ENLARGE
1. Joe (far right) watching the 'plastering' of a wall in our Medical Clinic
(just south of the church sanctuary) in Sinkor District, Monrovia, Liberia.
2. More
plasteringBelow:
Pastor Wesley's home with new addition.
Joe is staying in the original space. Bathroom in Pastor Wesley's home
Below: Priscilla (eating) Robbie watching her;
Eunice (I think); Joe carrying water;
Solar/Wind Clothes Dryer in front of Wesley's home; United Nations helicopter
_Eunice_Wesley_.jpg)
click on images to
enlargeJoe, before the day is over 'make at least two
investments for eternity'
…then
before tomorrow, write two prayers to water
the seed you
have
sown in the field where God has plo'd.
1.
2.
Day 13 Responsive Prayers:
this time in his life to grow him into the man you want him to be.
May you use that place to bring people into your family.
Day
13 Note from Joe with photos:
but Kodak EasyShare is not totally foolproof.
The yellow substance in the bowl is breakfast. Served piping-hot it contains plantains
(banana like but not as sweet), peppers, sardines, edoes (similar to potatoes).
They have the consistency of dense gelatin. It is hard for me to describe.
Anyways, you are supposed to swallow it without chewing.
Standing to the south of the Greater Love Bible Baptist Church,
these men are plastering the walls of the building which will serve as the Medical Clinic.
Below are some pictures of Richard and Robbie. As you can see in one of them
Robbie has a big smile and is not holding his lip in his mouth. Later, Joe
CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGEDay 13 email from Dad to Joe:
We just finished morning devotions. I found your new letter and photos. WOW!
Yesterday's stewardship message was LIVING BOLDLY.
Our services were special yesterday because our first point was:
Bless the Lord (O my soul)
I showed this beautiful photo of Ashley Davis and
Nate Sayre that I had taken from her myspace. Ashley then came up
and read Psalm 103:1-5 and shared a written testimony.
B Bless the Lord
O Overcome our Fears
L Laugh at the days to come
D Deliver the goods.
Yes, not only did we BLESS the LORD with Ashley's beauty and TESTIMONY,
but we 'faced our fears' together. Because after a short interlude, Robin stepped up
Overcome our Fears
Robin McCall testified about growing up in a home
where Jesus was not in the Center. She did, however, get saved
and baptized at age 16 but never went to Sunday School, church, etc.
Later, she moved in with a boyfriend, had a baby...and later,
another...but she aborted her second child.
We showed photos from her past on the Big Screen.
I showed your photos of you in the truck and handling the cement bags
for
LAUGH at the DAYS to come.....
and for the transition to DELIVER THE GOODS.
I mentioned how Pastor Al had written and told you, Joe--DELIVER THE GOODS...
(well different phrasing--same message)...I likened our current situation with that of
Jesse telling David to deliver the cheese, bread, and roasted grain
to his brothers and the commanders of the army.
.... AND then David sees Goliath! Saul and everyone else is scared.
NOT DAVID.
He was about his daddy's business...delivering the food...
...... but look what God was about to do!
remember: "Without Goliath, David was just another kid throwing stones."
love,
daddy
p.s. hey, dude, update your MYSPACE.
At least 'cut and paste' the 'letters from Joe' into a blog...well, see how I did mine.
Day 14 Questions:
Joe,
have you been seeking a place
to be alone for a quiet time?
Describe the setting, please? (at least four
sentences)
If not, tell us why and what
you'll do
next.
Day 14 Answer:
I have been working in the morning trying to answer these
questions positively and truthfully.
I am in the bedroom.
and talk to God I do not feel peace. There are so many
distractions around and I am constantly looking for excuses.
Click here: at Club 163, Miss Parlee and Sue Lopez respond to Joe's Answer
Day 14 Note from Joe:
Today we are going to go to the clinic and check on the workers.
They need to be kept accountable. We also are going to go buy more concrete.
Yet Another Note: 5:46 p.m. Liberia time (electricity shuts off at 6:00 p.m.)
GOOD STUFF Work is continuing for the Medical Clinic.
will be able to finish plastering the inside and the outside of the clinic.
I have shared much with Pastor Wesley to work on the Clinic.
we may have money to complete that portion.
put windows (complete with window bars), whitewash the building ... etc.
We will also need to put up an eave as the front door would be at
risk from the rain when that season arrives.
to aid in the schooling effort there. Pastor Wesley and I will be returning
to the home on Friday.
As you can see, Richard Jr. likes mayonnaise.
There are quite a few fires as people burn trash.
One came especially close to Pastor's house.
All the girls can balance water on their heads.
(click on photos to enlarge)
:D
(note: that is an open mouth
smile)
Later,
Joe
Day 15 Questions:
Joe, you did not
take the initiative to fully ready yourself for Liberia because of
feelings.
Now that
you are 15 days
into this adventure,
what have you learned about God's Way in YOUR life?
Day 15 Answers: God's
way in my life is not always clear at the time and he does not
promise to keep all the bad things from happening to us. But, he has
given us the Bible and Godly advisors to help us so that we should not
fall for the Devil's tricks or give in to our own evil desires. He will show
us what is right, but the choice is up to us.
Day 16 Questions:
Joe, name three people there who seem to be 'practical' in their
daily lifestyle?
Tell us something about each person.
1.
2.
3.