Read "Memoirs of a Reluctant Servant"
By former Liberia Mission director and current board member, Jerome Cabeen"Memoirs of a Reluctant Servant" is the powerful account of Jerome Cabeen's two year journey through Liberia, Africa as a Catholic missionary. Cabeen, along with his wife Clarisa, experienced the very best and worst that life had to offer in one of the world's poorest and most challenging countries. In the end, the book is testament to the beautiful children Jerome and Clarisa lived with and served at Liberia Mission Incorporated outside of the capitol city of Monrovia. Their love and support lifted and supported the couple through the hardest of times and revolutionized both of their lives. "Memoirs of a Reluctant Servant" has spent time at # 1 on AMAZON's Best Sellers list in the sub-category "Coastal West African Books" and has received critical acclaim both nationally and internationally.
"This is the best book ever written about Liberia." - J. Dawala Hutchison, founder and CEO of AFRICA TV 1
Learn more, read reviews or purchase the book (a portion of the proceeds to go Liberia Mission), by visiting www.readreluctantservant.com or the book's facebook page.
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November 2011
Read the November e-Newsletter!
Shaping the Future: Voting and more ...
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October 2011
Read the October e-Newsletter!
New Year Begins with Excitement & Changes...
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August 2011
Thank you for a fruitful year - Highlights from 2010-2011
Read the 2010-2011 Highlights here or
Download Highlights here: Highlights_2010-2011
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A Time for All Things
There is a time for everything, and for Liberia Mission Inc., June was a time for goodbye’s.Two graduation services and a re-installment of the Mission’s Closing Day Ceremony sealed the 2010-2011 school year for LMI during a celebratory weekend. The three consecutive events were held in St. Michael the Archangel Chapel June 18, 19 and 20.
On Saturday June 18, students of kindergarten levels I and II and grades one through three listened to Mission director Bernardine Ileto speak about finding joy in learning and the importance of student, teacher, and family collaboration in education. She also spoke about the various aspirations of the K-II graduates which include teacher, doctor, driver, nurse, and police men and women, to name a few. Ileto’s words aligned with the excitement of the graduating K-II students who bid goodbye to Kindergarten and will advance to grade one in August.
The next day, grades four through nine assembled for ninth grade graduation and the school’s closing ceremony, where a dedicated community member delivered an uplifting speech in honor of the graduates. Principal Wonyen and Vice Principal of Administration, Mr Lornyeam, awarded faculty and mission staff with superlatives; “Most Dedidcated” “Most Analytical” and “Most Generous” were a few of the estimable titles.
School administration also recognized the charitable members of the community who donated – money, tools and time – toward the improvement of St. Anthony’s school buildings and landscape.
The extended Liberia Mission, Inc. family also attended the mission’s closing ceremonies on Monday, making the event a joyous reunion of past and current staff, families, and supporters. Present were Fr. Tikpor, mission staff, resident beneficiaries and their families and friends, and former founding mission directors Mr. Howard Mendoabar and Mr. Samuel Ford Tabolo, Sr.
Ileto said this was the most well attended ceremony yet. About 85 children’s guardians, relatives, or neighbors traveled – some near, some far – for the big day, packing the chapel tight with family.
She also said this was the first formal closing program held in many years, and it was a great opportunity for the parents to see the fruits of the Mission for their children – a spirit of community, creativity and joy.
“Re-installing that was very exciting,” she said. “It could never have been accomplished without the house parents. They were the driving force behind re-instating and preparing for this wonderful program.”
Families were impressed by the program structure and kept buzzing about the kids’ performances. Many referred to the ceremony as a “great culture show.”
Read the rest of this article here....
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August 2011
Thank you - Your Love blessed and given and bringing New Life to Liberia!
Dear Friends,A miracle has occurred in our midst! Last week, we heard the Gospel of the loaves and fishes... and indeed, it has happened right before us in the form of the Martin / Dewan Liberia Challenge Match! Blessed. Broken. Shared. Multiplied. And Overflowing.
It started with just an idea and a prayer back in April. Then, your love and generosity poured out, overflowed, and together with other supporters during this "Triple your Gift" challenge match, you raised more than $196,662! Our goal was $150,000 - that was $50,000 from donors like you, matched twice with $50,000 grants from Deacon Eddie and Jennie Martin and John and Sue Dewan.
A miracle of love! Because of your generosity and prayers, we now have the funding level needed to take us from summer into an exciting new school year for our more than 340 children, 35 staff members and numerous community families who all learn, love, and pray at Liberia Mission!
Thank you for all you do to bring hope and new life to Liberia. May God continue to bless you for your abundant generosity, your prayers, and your love, which is truly saving lives in Liberia!
In Christ's Peace,
Bob O'Dwyer, Board President, and all of us at Liberia Mission Inc. and Mission Honduras International
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May 2011
Triple Your Donation!
Martin/Dewan Liberia MatchDonations made from now until July 31, 2011 will be tripled thanks to two generous challenge grants from Deacon Eddie and Jennie Martin and the John and Susan Dewan Foundation. Each has pledged to match up to $50,000 apiece. Our goal is to raise $150,000 during this challenge.
Mark your gift "Martin/Dewan Liberia Match" and either send by mail to
Mission Honduras International
PO Box 56007
Chicago, IL 60656-0007
Donate Online Right Now!
Read the complete Easter 2011 Newsletter with inspiring stories and pictures from LMI Volunteer Lindsay Gallmann here ....
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April 2011
Easter Greetings!
Hope, triumph, victory, alleluia, glory -- these are some of the words we associate with the celebration of Easter.
For these 50 days of the Easter season, we will celebrate this hope, the triumph of Jesus’ resurrection, the brilliance and joy of New Life beyond the tomb. It is this Easter message - of overcoming challenges, and deepening our trust in God’s overpowering love - that guides us as we continue to serve the children of Liberia.
Your partnership with us in this endeavor is concrete evidence of the truth of the Easter message.... Read the rest of the Easter Message here ....
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March 2011
We are Hiring!
Education Coordinator:The Liberia Mission Inc. Education Coordinator serves as a consultant and mentor, coordinating and enhancing educational programs and activities at LMI. Read the complete Education Coordinator Job Description ... This position is now closed.
Communications and Volunteer Coordinator:
The Communications and Volunteer Coordinator supports MHI’s goals to promote relationships with donors and volunteers who desire to partner with Liberia Mission Inc. Read the complete Communications and Volunteer Coordinator Job Description ... This position is now closed.
Social Worker:
The LMI Social Worker aims to address the welfare of the children and youth of LMI by assessing their developmental needs and making recommendations to address such individual, communal, and programmatic needs. Read the complete Social Worker Job Description ... This position is now closed.
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January 2010
Joy to the World - Celebrating Christmas At LMI
Although a White Christmas was out of the question, holiday cheer was in great abundance nonetheless here at Liberia Mission. How excited were the children? Let's just say that they were singing Christmas carols for a good six weeks before the big day. The complete lyrics to "Joy to the World" are now forever etched in my brain.
In the days leading up to Christmas, everyone here pitched in and got into the holiday spirit. The house parents carefully picked out gifts for all of the children and organized fun activities. Brother Lawrence planned our mass schedule. Chris strung Christmas lights on the lonely little tree in the boys' house courtyard, echoing the Charlie Brown Christmas tale. And of course, yummy goodies were whipped up, including Christmas cookies baked Liberian-style on a charcoal stove! We were also blessed to have Sue and Erica Dewan here to spend time with the children and spread holiday cheer.
On Christmas Eve, we celebrated mass with an evening Vigil. The children put on a drama recounting the birth of Jesus, complete with a Liberian-style crèche and a boy who portrayed an angel by beatifically flapping his arms. The next day, we celebrated Jesus' birth with a song-filled morning mass, followed by a fantastic special meal, prayers of thanksgiving, and of course, a visit from Santa!
As an aside, here's a helpful tip for would-be Santas: although toothpaste may seem like a good idea for keeping cotton balls stuck to your face (i.e. as a makeshift Santa beard), the minty freshness eventually turns into an unrelenting stinging sensation, somewhere along the continuum between aftershave and battery acid.
Putting aside this minor wardrobe malfunction, Santa and his helpers cheerfully gave out presents to the eager children. In turn, the children surprised our house parents by presenting each of them with a gift that they had created themselves (including paintings and homemade shirts). We also read letters from new and old friends in America, including the women's soccer team at Seton Hill University and former directors Jerome and Clarisa. We finally ended the day with a friendly soccer match at a nearby orphanage. (We won 3-1.).
Dr. Brian Chan, Medical Director
BLESSING THE NEW CLASSROOMS
One February Sunday before Mass, Monsignor Tikpor arrived early and blessed each new classroom of the new school building with Holy Water while leading everyone in song and prayer. He expressed gratitude towards the missionaries here and supporters in the states.
Msgr. Tikpor was amazed by how spacious and nice the classrooms were, and later in Mass, while recounting the blessing ceremony, he called on the students to perform to the high standards of the building and reminded the children to appreciate it by explaining that many people from town would be jealous of its beauty and size.
We're really excited the kids and community are taking so much pride in the building, and we hope this bears out with increased academic performance and care of the building. We are so grateful to all the donors who made this new building - and the new opportunities for learning it enables - a reality!
Read the complete January 2011 Newsletter here ....
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December 2010
ADVENT REFLECTIONS AND GIVING THANKS
Advent is my favorite liturgical season. It is a time of awe, wonder, waiting, stillness, and hope. Being here in Liberia for Advent requires me to make some mental adjustments when I enter into prayer. Back home (Boston, Massachusetts), my anticipation for Advent begins when I walk towards my parents' house for Thanksgiving, leaves crunching under my feet the crisp autumn air upon my face, apple pie in hand, family from near and far gathering. The ever colder and darker days invite me to stillness in prayer as I anticipate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Here in Liberia, many of my Advent "markers" are absent. Liberian Thanksgiving is celebrated the first Thursday of November. Under my feet I find crunchy leaves replaced by grass, dust, ants, and crickets (those can be crunchy). The air is hot, my family is far. The days are ever warmer and brighter as we enter into the dry season. Stillness is hard to come by when surrounded by over 100 children in my own home.
And yet, it is the same Lord that I and the Liberians await with excitement and anticipation. It is the same familiar Church dressed in purple. The same "Angels We Have Heard on High" that the children have begun to sing in prayer and while walking around the mission, albeit with a unique upbeat pep and drum accompaniment that is new to me. I love that in Liberia I can dance to Christmas carols!
At our mission chapel, the beginning of Advent was marked by the Harvest celebration, which the adult prayer group organized. People danced down the aisle during offertory, bananas and papayas balanced on heads, babies strapped on backs, smiles on everyone's faces. House Mother, Mrs. Helena Gonyor, shares her story about the Harvest celebration below.
And so, while it wasn't what typically marks Advent for me, it was still a day of giving thanks: thanks to our gracious God for crops, food, and community. And indeed we have much to be thankful for at this particular time. Construction of 5 new classrooms for our school has just been completed. We recently hired a new house mother (Ma Victoria) for the boys' dorm who helps with their studies, teaches them to mend their clothes, shows them how to make cherry jam, shares laughter, and gives hugs. Our catechist, Brother Lawrence, has joined us full-time, now also teaching religion at the school, guiding the Catholic Youth Organization and adult prayer group, nurturing the daily prayer gatherings for the children, and being an additional compassionate ear for the children. Many of the children have been on the Honor Roll at school over the last two marking periods. The house parents meet weekly to share ideas, improve our work with the children, and share stories about our joyful moments with the children.
Truly, there is much to be thankful for, and we thank you, our donors, for being a driving force behind all of these accomplishments. It is your prayers and generosity that strengthen us as we, the children and staff of Liberia Mission, Inc., deepen in love and grow as a family. May the wonder of Advent and the hope for Christ Jesus be a blessing to you and your families. We hold you in our prayers always.
Blessings,
Bernardine
Director, Liberia Mission Inc.
HARVEST IN LIBERIA
Harvest is a tradition of the Catholic Church in Liberia. Harvest, in an African setting, has become a tradition, adopted by the Catholic Church from the days of old. The scripture reference concerning Harvest in the Bible can be found in the book of Numbers 15: 17-21.
Harvest in the various parishes in Liberia is celebrated to bring parishioners together, including those who have broken away from the Church. Also, during this time, all members of a parish community willingly bring in their produce and vegetables from their farms and gardens to form a part of the procession during offertory. If the member does not have a farm or garden, he or she may buy an item with his/her monthly salary or from some money earned during the period. This harvest celebration is to show some sign of an appreciation to God for a good harvest.
Gifts are brought up to the altar in lines of twos, carrying gift items on our heads and in our hands while singing, dancing, and praising God. The priest receives the gifts, blesses the people, and thereafter they return to their seats. After the Mass the priest decides how the items brought up will be used, for charity or other purposes. Later the celebration continues by sharing, chatting, and eating. This is how Harvest, which has become a tradition, adopted by the Church, is celebrated in our country, Liberia.
Mrs. Helena Gonyor
House Mother, Liberia Mission Inc.
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November 2010
LIBERIAN THANKSGIVING AND LMI ANNIVERSARY - ONE GREAT CELEBRATION
Liberia celebrates its Thanksgiving on the first Thursday of November; this year it was November 4. After talking to the house parents, we decided to celebrate Thanksgiving and the 7th Anniversary of Liberia Mission Incorporated jointly on Sunday, November 7. The LMI Anniversary had never been celebrated before so everyone was quite excited about throwing ourselves a birthday party. We invited the day staff to come and bring their families. Several brought their children to join in the fun.
Emulating family celebrations where members contribute a dish for the meal, the girls offered tomake the soup, the boys made the rice, and the international staff (with some help from the boys) made bread rolls and "cake" (or bar cookies as we know them). Many of the children and staff decided to "fast" from after dinner the night before until the late lunch feast. Fasting at Thanksgiving is a fairly wide-spread Liberian practice.
The day started with giving thanks at Mass and continued in the afternoon by "breaking the fast." Ma Helena led us by blessing the water and food. As is tradition in Liberia, we had coconut and cassava to eat. Two of the youth leaders volunteered to be in charge of entertainment. They coordinated a game of volleyball before lunch, and after lunch, the games continued with a soccer match, bag races, fishing for bottles, and egg races. Laughter rang through the courtyard as boys and girls and staff competed. The day ended with tired but happy residents going to chapel and preparing for tomorrow's lessons.
Amy Spelz, Program Coordinator, Liberia Mission Inc.
READ THE COMPLETE NOVEMBER 2010 NEWSLETTER HERE!
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October 2010
WE'RE HALF WAY THERE! CLASSROOM CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
It started with a tent. Our general contractor showed up in his blue pickup carrying four large silver tarps and a dozen men with machetes and hoes. They marked out the new school site, then cleared and leveled an area in front of it, all by hand. Their machetes made quick work of a stand of bamboo, which they used to frame the tent. Then the tarps went up over the frame and the men went to work digging the foundation. Unless a company is financed by the UN, or a large Lebanese or Indian company, all the work in Liberia is done by hand. As the men dug for the next five days, trucks came and went dumping their loads of sand and gravel. Finally, late one afternoon, while all of us were impatiently watching the road for any sign of our next delivery, a truck hauling 300 lbs. of concrete showed up just as the sun began to set. We unloaded quickly in the dark as our security guards nervously watched; then we secured all the materials and prepared for construction to start in seriousness the next day.
Construction progressed rapidly. One crew prepared the metal rebar and wooden pouring frames, another mixed cement to turn into blocks, and a third crew finished digging the foundation. As all five classrooms were dug out and leveled, the digging crew made a second cement mixing pit and started pouring cement wheelbarrow load by heavy wheelbarrow load. On sunny days, work moved quickly as hundreds of concrete blocks were formed and the foundation filled in with concrete. On rainy days, drainage trenches were dug to keep the tent dry and empty the water from the foundation until sunny weather returned. During one dry week, the school walls seemed to jump up as the stockpile of concrete blocks was stacked one atop another like Legos. Door frames were built, and stands to pour the pillars and cross braces were nailed together. As we entered the next stage of construction, all but a few masons went home as the knocking of carpenters' hammers replaced the sound of bouncing wheelbarrow loads and scraping shovels.
We've reached the halfway point now. The carpenters are about to start framing out the roof; the concrete walls and supports are all finished. As indicated by the sweat rolling off my nose and onto the keyboard as I write this letter, the dry season is upon us. This means very few rainy days will interfere with completion of the roofing. Once the rafters are up and covered in zinc (the universal roofing here) rain or shine our carpenters and electricians, followed by the masons and finally painters, will be able to work nonstop. This means that our school children should be able to move into the newly completed classrooms well before Christmas and the start of second semester.
To those who have contributed to this effort and who are working so diligently here as well as stateside to make these new classrooms a reality, our most sincere thanks.
Matthew Travis, Program Coordinator, Liberia Mission Inc.
READ THE COMPLETE OCTOBER 2010 NEWSLETTER HERE!
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September 2010
BACK TO SCHOOL AT LIBERIA MISSION!
Monday, September 6, 2010 marked the first day of classes for Liberia Mission, Inc.'s St. Anthony of Padua School! Over 330 students joyfully arrived in their signature khaki pants, green jumpers, and white shirts and blouses. The children were eager to see old and new friends, acquaint themselves with their teachers, and begin the school year with Mass.
This year is particularly exciting because we are building 5 new classrooms! The lower elementary school grades currently meet in makeshift classrooms (dining room, church hall, meeting room, etc.) but in just a few months they will move into their own brand new classrooms.
The school also welcomes a new principal, Mr. Moses Wonyen, who brings new ideas, integrity, and a hard work ethic to his leadership position. Our new school liaison, Chris Keeney, is an incredible support to the school staff, assisting with registration, classroom preparations, and administrative duties.
The Liberia Mission, Inc. campus buzzes with activity as the children go to school, sing their morning prayers, recite their lessons, return home to complete their chores, do homework, play, and end the night with prayer. The hum of the generator lulls them to sleep at the end of a long and fruitful day. They rest in anticipation of a new day full of learning and friendship.
Thank you as always for your continued support, which enables our students and staff to embark on this exciting new year of academic, personal, and spiritual growth!
Bernardine Ileto
Director, Liberia Mission Inc.
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NEW PROGRAMS, NEW SCHOOL YEAR, NEW LIFE AT LIBERIA MISSION!
"Summer" has officially ended here at Liberia Mission, and the children have all returned to school. (I put summer in quotes because the months of June, July, and August actually fall in the cooler rainy season here in Liberia).
Our children kept themselves engaged and entertained while school was out. Amy began a series of computer classes while I introduced writing sessions (including poetry and short stories). A quartet of kittens captured the hearts of both children and staff, although their propensity to scratch through window screens and rummage through our kitchen created some clean-ups for us.
Amy and Mat brought a group of children to the Logos Hope ship docked at the port of Monrovia (read the Logos Hope article below). While on board this ship, the children enjoyed Gospel-centered presentations and picked out books to keep for themselves. And we celebrated Liberia's Flag Day by bringing all of the children to a nearby orphanage, My Brother's Keeper, where our girls' kickball and boys' soccer teams played friendly matches.
With the advent of the new school year, the children are being introduced to changes that we expect will improve their education and life skills.
A Youth Leadership program has been established so that older children can learn responsibility and leadership skills that will allow them to grow as individuals as well as give back to the mission. We have hired a woman with a lifetime of valuable experiences who will provide another motherly figure for our younger children who are in special need of a warm, parental influence.
At St. Anthony of Padua School, our Program Coordinator for Education (Chris) is working hard in conjunction with the school staff to improve curriculum, ensure accountability among teachers, and establish a school handbook and a working Parent-Teacher Association.
While these improvements are occurring, five new classrooms are being constructed adjacent to the existing facility. These new classrooms will help our school accommodate our 340 + students (some of whom were being taught in the church and even an outdoor, thatched-roof space). Read more about how you can help the construction project here.
In regards to my medical domain, most of our children are doing very well, although three of our children are in need of surgery (one has a cataract and two have hernias). In the Liberian medical system, there is no "health insurance" so we must pay for these surgeries ourselves, although thankfully prices are relatively low (we'll probably pay about $200 for each surgery).
We are ever mindful that it is thanks to generous donations from people like you that we can pay for these life-restoring surgeries, not to mention the expansions and improvements to the school and to the mission that are so long overdue. Thank you as always for your continued support and prayers.
Brian Chan, MD
Medical Director, Liberia Mission Inc.
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VISITING LOGOS HOPE - BOOK FAIR ON A SHIP!
On August 20th, Mat and I (Amy) took 9 of the top students to a book fair on a ship - Logos Hope. It is a converted ferry that carries a volunteer crew of 400 around the world to sell (and donate) books at a cheap price. They see their mission as helping people to educate themselves and to bring the Christian message around the world.
With rain pouring down, we piled 5 older boys and 4 younger children into the vehicle and headed off for the hour drive to the Freeport of Liberia. By the time we got there, walked up the gangplank, and stood in line, we were all drenched.
The kids faces lit with wonder as we boarded the ship and watched the short informational video in the entrance. Their eyes widened as they stepped into the bookshop. We asked them to help us pick out books for our library by choosing two books for purchase. Shivering from the air conditioning, they stood for a long time at the first two cases, afraid to touch, but wanting to read the books.
The youngest 4 picked their books immediately, so I encouraged them to walk through the shop before settling on these. I gave them permission to pick up the books and gently turn the pages. After about 20 minutes they got the hang of it, and were quite at home walking through the cases and choosing, choosing, choosing. Luckily with the prices being reduced, we were able to buy the extra books that made it into the basket.
They returned to the mission aglow from their great adventure and proud of their expert knowledge about ships.
Special thanks to the donation by a former volunteer who made much of this possible. We now have about 100 more books in our library. Many of them sit in the main office and the children come read them daily.
Amy Spelz
Program Coordinator, Liberia Mission Inc.
READ THE COMPLETE SEPTEMBER 2010 NEWSLETTER HERE!
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August 2010
SUMMER AT LIBERIA MISSION - GRADUATIONS, VOLUNTEERS AND MORE!
Liberia Mission's St. Anthony of Padua School celebrated the completion of another successful year in late June. Over 340 children received a first-rate Catholic education at our school this year. To celebrate, they held two wonderful and Spirit-filled Closing Program Ceremonies.
Twenty-one children graduated from the K-2 class (Kindergarten 2)! In Liberia, graduation from K-2 is a very big deal and is celebrated with great excitement. An esteemed guest speaker from the community addressed the gathering, the children performed songs, some recited a poem or gave a speech, and they all received certificates. Many families took pictures of themselves with their new graduate and his/her certificate, signifying the importance of this milestone in the child's (and family's) life. For many, their young graduate is the only person in their family with the opportunity to go to school.
The second Graduation and Closing Ceremony celebrated 6th grade and 9th grade graduates, marking their successful completion of elementary school and junior high, respectively. This lively program also included esteemed speakers, songs, poems, certificates and many pictures. Thirty children graduated from 6th grade and will go on to junior high. And, in just our second year with a 9th grade, we had 14 graduates. Next year, we will have a full grade 9 with 30 students!
This summer, many of our residential children are spending vacation visiting relatives and family, while about 50 children, most of whom for various reasons do not have anywhere to go, are staying at the Mission. Our children who stay with us were delighted to receive a group of volunteers from Mission Honduras International and our friends at Teach Peace. They especially enjoyed a talent show and soccer tournament with the group, as well as all the day-to-day joys of sharing life and interacting with the volunteers - learning new games, reading books from our library, mini-choir classes, sewing classes, and free time in general to laugh, play, and share stories.
The next school year begins September 1st, when we look forward to welcoming new and returning students! We are also excited to welcome a new principal. Under his leadership, and with the help of other administrators and teachers, many preparations are being done during the summer vacation to make the coming school year even better!
Thank you for all your prayers and generous support of our children. As you can see from how many are graduating and growing in mind, body and spirit, you are giving them a never-before-possible opportunity at breaking the cycle of poverty. Thanks for all you do!
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CELEBRATING INDEPENDENCE DAY!
Monday, July 26th was Liberian Independence Day! It is a major celebration in Liberia and Liberia Mission had their own festivities, complete with games and treats!
Our children also learned a little about their history on this, the 163rd celebration of Liberia's declaration of independence and statehood. Colonized in 1821 by American "free blacks" through the financial support of the American Colonization Society and the Maryland State Colonization Society, Liberia became a center for captured slave ships to release their prisoners. The colonizers, who became known as "Congo" people or Americo-Liberians, created a rather traditional colonial society with the native tribes being second class citizens and the colonists holding the positions of power. Today, people of tribal descent are moving closer to equality with those of Americo-Liberian descent. Certainly opportunities like an education from Liberia Mission's St. Anthony of Padua School are instrumental in helping to move toward equality.
The LMI community gathered together on Monday the 26th to pray for the country and celebrate their freedom. Dr. Brian Chan spearheaded the festivities, giving a brief history lesson, and leading the field day-type games and dancing. The children had friends from the neighboring town join them and happily shared soda and cookies with their guests. It was a traditional Independence Day celebration, and the children had a fantastic time celebrating!
READ THE COMPLETE AUGUST 2010 NEWSLETTER HERE!
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June 2010
INTRODUCING THE NEW DIRECTOR OF LIBERIA MISSION!
Dear Friends,
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Mission Honduras International /Liberia Mission Inc., I am very pleased to introduce Bernardine Ileto, who will serve as the new Director of Liberia Mission from summer 2010 - 2012.
Bernardine brings over 10 years of experience in education, pastoral ministry, business, and international missionary work. Prior to joining the Liberia Mission community in May, Bernardine worked as an educator, teaching and directing programs, developing curriculum, leading teams and mentoring new teachers, and coaching sports in the U.S. and South America. She also owned a small business dedicated to health and wellness where she honed her financial, management and community relations skills. In addition to her breadth of professional experience, Bernardine has four years as a full-time lay missioner, focused on education and living and working with marginalized communities, with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, School Sisters of Notre Dame, and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chambery.
Bernardine holds a B.A. from Harvard and a Masters in Education from Boston College. Her graduate work focused on pastoral ministry, curriculum development, and developmental theory. She earned educator's certifications in early education through high school ages, as well as a certificate in Youth and Young Adult Ministry Studies. Bernardine's deep desire to do God's work and to live in solidarity with people in need prompted her to pursue this focus in her studies, work, and volunteer experiences. In addition, Bernardine's many other interests and skills will surely benefit the mission. She has traveled extensively throughout the world, enjoys hockey, running, biking and yoga, and has a wealth of experience in the arts - theater, dance, art education, and singing.
Liberia Mission and Mission Honduras International are blessed to welcome Bernardine. Her strong desire to be a presence that shares God's love with others, and her desire to integrate her faith and leadership skills in service of God's people, make her an exceptional new director for Liberia Mission. Furthermore, Bernardine's interest in sustainability, along with her organizational skills and background in business administration, project management, teaching, and pastoral ministry, will benefit Liberia Mission in the immediate and long-term as we continue to grow and be an ever-increasing resource for the children, community, and Church of Liberia.
Please read Bernardine's message below. She also introduces Brian Chan, Liberia Mission Medical Director and Bernardine's husband, as well as Amy Spelz and Mat Travis, Liberia Mission Program Coordinators. We will share more information about each of the team members in upcoming newsletters. Please join us in welcoming Bernardine and each member of the new leadership team to the MHI / LMI family!
God Bless,
Bob O'Dwyer
Board President
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MINISTRY OF PRESENCE - A LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR
Dear Friends of Liberia Mission,
I feel truly blessed to be here as the director of Liberia Mission, Inc. God's presence and work here at the mission is palpable: in the smiles of the children, the dedication of the staff, the prayers of the people, and the needs of the country. I have been here 8 weeks now and have come to embrace the mission as my home for the next 2+ years. My work so far has included meeting all the children, getting to know the staff, learning about the Liberian government and agencies, working with the mission school teachers to prepare for final exams and graduation ceremonies and to prepare for the next school year, interfacing with the Catholic Archdiocese in Monrovia, and much more. There is never a dull day here, and there is always more work to be done.
My "work" here, however, is more than merely a list of administrative tasks. Indeed, the work of being here at Liberia Mission, Inc. is one of a ministry of presence: spending time with the children, listening to the staff, building relationships with the Liberian community, sharing in the life of the people, praying and working alongside one another to proclaim the Gospel message of faith, love, and hope, both in word and deed.
Such shared moments include joyful moments playing soccer, reading with the children, baking bread with the cooks, and celebrating graduation with the students. They also include difficult times: caring for several ill children, some who were hospitalized, and mourning the death of a teacher. Through it all, what prevails is the sense of care and "place" that the children feel here at Liberia Mission, Inc. This is their home; we are their extended family, and for some, their only family.
This ministry of presence takes a community to make it sustainable. We have 27 Liberian staff who work hard to care for, educate, and keep our children safe. We also have an administrative team that shares various skills to provide leadership and support to all of the programs of the mission.
Brian Chan is our medical director (and my beloved husband). Upon arrival, he hit the ground running, caring for a measles outbreak, treating malaria, conducting physical exams for all the Liberian staff, and taking care of many everyday ailments such as cuts, injuries, infections, and headaches. He has quickly learned about the medical facilities and availability of treatment in Liberia.
Amy Spelz is our Program Coordinator for Community Development. Her background in Peace and Conflict Studies, teaching, and social justice work prepare her for important responsibilities such as further developing the Child Protection Program, fostering the academic and vocational interests of the children, and assessing the needs of the staff.
Mat Travis is our Program Coordinator for Organizational Development. He manages all the operational things that keep us running: finances, plumbing, our two vehicles, material needs, food, facilities...you can just imagine how busy and useful he is.
Throughout these next two years, I look forward to sharing this journey with you, friends and donors of the mission. We keep you in our prayers and ask that you remember the children, staff, and people of Liberia in your prayers as well.
Blessings,
Bernardine Ileto
Director, Liberia Mission Inc.
READ THE COMPLETE JUNE 2010 NEWSLETTER
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April 2010
CELEBRATING EASTER 2010 AND LMI UPDATE!
Dear friends, supporters and family of Mission Honduras International,
Clarisa and I would like to extend deep wishes of health and newness to you and your loved ones as we faithfully move through the Easter Season. In this season of renewal, redemption and resurrection we celebrate the risen Christ and His glorious defeat of death and sin. As I am sure you and your family followed Christ’s footsteps, it was no different for us here at Liberia Mission Incorporated. We celebrated a glorious week of prayer, song, Stations of the Cross and finally culminating in a beautiful Easter Sunday Mass that was as alive as the risen Christ. Monsignor Robert Tikpor, still strong and dedicated at the age of 84, reminded all of us the importance of the stone being rolled away that ushered in the beginnings of life and ushered out the dominion of death.
After the Easter Mass, Monsignor Tikpor joined us at the mission for Easter lunch, and the children took part in our annual Easter egg hunt on the mission grounds. After they had finished their somewhat raucous hunt, all of the mission children enjoyed a very delicious Easter lunch themselves of Okra Soup and rice with sweet cornbread, a typical Liberian dish. It was a very beautiful day that was enjoyed by all of those involved.
But our joy and celebration at Liberia Mission Incorporated didn’t end with Easter Sunday. Just two days later, we welcomed into our midst Amy Spelz and Mat Travis, two new volunteers who selflessly volunteered at least a year of their lives to serve the children at our mission. The children quickly took both Amy and Mat in as one of our own, and they have already made such a huge impact in the lives of the children and Liberian work staff here at LMI. In just two more weeks we will celebrate again as Bernardine Ileto and Brian Chan arrives at LMI for the next two years. Bernardine will be the new director of Liberia Mission Incorporated while her husband Brian, who is an MD, will care for all the children, workers and volunteers at the mission. To say we are going through a re-birth and resurrection this Easter Season at Liberian Mission Incorporated would be an understatement. The hand and grace of God has blessed us so much and continues to lead us to places we never thought attainable.
Our mission school, Saint Anthony of Padua, just underwent a facelift when it received a beautiful new paint job by art instructor Dominic Bah and his art class of mission boys. They worked hard all Easter weekend to make sure the faculty, staff and students had a beautiful building to return to on Monday morning. We now have our sights on our church, Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic Church. It will be even more beautiful than the school when we are completed with its transformation. As I alluded to before, this Easter Season is truly bringing many new resurrections for all of us involved with Liberia Mission Incorporated.
I would like to send each and every one of you who support us financially, prayerfully or both the most humble “thank you.” The impact you have made and continue to make can’t be measured in words or deeds. You are absolutely saving lives and making an immediate impact in the lives of children who had no future before you became involved with the mission.
I recently sat down for lunch in downtown Monrovia with Monsignor Andrew Karnley of the Archdiocese of Monrovia. When the conversation turned to the mission he became very quiet and looked at me and said, “The supporters you have in the United States will never know how many lives they have already changed, I just pray that more hear the call because your mission is the cornerstone for all the other programs in Liberia.”
These are very powerful words from a very well-respected priest in Africa. And they are true.
YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE EVERY DAY. We love you for this. And, keeping in the Easter theme, I confess to you that each of you resurrected a very necessary mission in a very needy part of the world.
Things are only going to get better for Liberia Mission Incorporated. With Bernardine, Brian, Amy and Mat charting the course here in Liberia, I can only imagine the incredible plans our loving savior has for LMI and its children.
WE LOVE YOU!
Peace and Prayers,
Jerome and Clarisa
Directors
Liberia Mission Incorporated
Blacktom Town, Lower Careysburg
Liberia, Africa
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February 2010
Mass of Dedication and Blessing Celebrated at Liberia Mission!
On February 24th, Coadjutor Archbishop Lewis Jerome Zeigler and Monsignor Andrew Karnley from the Archdiocese of Monrovia celebrated a Mass of dedication and blessing at our Liberia Mission church, Saint Michael The Archangel. Fr. Don Halpin, OFM Conv., Spiritual Advisor to MHI / LMI who visited Liberia Mission for the month of February, con-celebrated the Mass with Archbishop Zeigler and Msgr. Karnley.
Before the Mass began, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held to signify healing and rebirth at Liberia Mission - a truly powerful experience for all. The Church was packed with people for the beautiful celebration, filled with song and dance and prayer! During the Mass, the Archbishop confirmed twenty-five of our students in the Catholic faith. At the end of Mass, many people offered personal remarks and Monsignor Karnley shared these words:
"Liberia Mission Incorporated is the greatest thing to happen to Liberia since the end of the second civil war in 2003. There is simply no other way to state it. Its impact on the past, its impact now, and its impact in the future cannot be over stated... We are a blessed country because of this mission."
Special thanks to all of YOU who make this possible! Your support of prayers, time, talent, and treasure is making an unparalleled difference in the lives of so many in Liberia. You are truly helping to build a brighter future for children, families, communities, and a country!
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A LETTER FROM LIBERIA MISSION
Dear Friends,
I wish all of you could be here to see the growth and prosperity happening at Liberia Mission Incorporated (LMI) and throughout the country as well. Your financial support and prayers are making a huge difference in the lives of so many people in Liberia that it is hard to adequately describe it. I have received countless e-mails and phone calls from people in the United States inquiring about the mission and the children we serve, and that is a great source of strength for me and Clarisa as we labor here on your behalf.
SPECIAL CLASSES / WORKSHOPS
I would like to thank two people in particular, Clarisa's parents, Renato and Ethel Chavarria, who came to Liberia Mission to experience first-hand the joy of our children as well as the daily struggles of the average Liberian. Ethel came for a month and a half last July and conducted daily Spanish classes for the children, taking two of them in particular under her wing, Aaron Lawyee and Saytu Peter. Not a day goes by without one of them asking about Grandma Ethel. Her presence at the mission was a life-changing event not just for her but the children and employees of LMI. And last month Clarissa's father completed a 3-week stay with us during which he, too, conducted Spanish classes. He also set up and directed a Human Sexuality seminar for the older children. Based on Holy Scripture and Catholic doctrine, the five-day workshop addressed God's plans for our bodies, marriage, and the consequences of sexual activity outside of marriage, among other topics. The children absolutely loved the workshops as did Helena Gonyon and Harris Mulbah, our long-serving House Mother and Father. God Bless Ethel and Renato. Their love and dedication for the children and staff at Liberia Mission will be felt long into the future.
NEW ADULT LITERACY PROJECT
In another bit of exciting news, Clarisa and I are honored to inform you that LMI, in partnership with the governor of Blacktom Town, Mr. Tom Dennis, embarked upon an adult literacy project for Liberians. When Governor Dennis approached me about allowing the adults of the surrounding villages to use two classrooms at Saint Anthony of Padua School for night classes, Clarisa and I were determined to help him. (Since we each have a background in education, we were moved by the idea of grown-ups who had never walked into a classroom before taking steps to educate themselves.) Classes are held Monday through Thursday from 6:00 until 7:30 p.m. In my orientation meeting with the villagers, there were tears of joy and a deep appreciation to all of you and us at the mission for providing the much needed classrooms to conduct their classes. All I can say is that it is one of the most beautiful and inspiring things I have ever seen in my life. I feel that this is one way for the Liberian people to say "Enough war and violence; enough being fooled and deceived. We are going to empower ourselves!" Please pray for the project's success.
STRONG PARTNERSHIP WITH ARCHDIOCESE OF MONROVIA
Liberia Mission is also eagerly awaiting response from the new archbishop, Lewis Jerome Zigler, who we have asked to visit our mission in order to offer a Mass of Official Blessing for the church and to preside at the Confirmation of a number of our children. Clarisa and I have developed a very strong and effective relationship with the Archdiocese of Monrovia and they have been more than supportive of our efforts with the children. We are blessed to call them "great and loving friends."
ABUNDANT BLESSINGS TO SHARE
We are also excited to be welcoming American Franciscan priest Father Don Halpin, one of our new spiritual advisors, who will be with us throughout February. Everyone at Liberia Mission is very excited to meet our new family member and welcome him.
As you can see, the blessings from God are coming in faster than we can process them. Hopefully we can share many of these personal blessings and stories about the mission children directly with you later this year as Clarissa and I begin "touring" the States starting in September. For more information about that tour or how to bring Jerome and Clarisa to your community, please email or call us.
A CHILD'S REQUEST
To close I will relate a little story about one of our children named Zinnah Sackie, who asked me, "Uncle Jerome, if I write a letter to everyone in the United States saying thank you plenty for the sweet food we eat you can mail it for me?" I told him that I would try and get his message to as many people as I can. Please know you are truly making a difference.
Until next time, we leave you in peace and prayers,
Jerome and Clarisa Cabeen
Directors
Liberia Mission Incorporated
Liberia, Africa
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January 2010
Dear Friends,
A HUGE THANKS from all the children at Liberia Mission to all the donors who helped make Christmas extra special this year! The kids were thrilled with their gifts, and your generosity made a very positive impact in their lives!
Celebrating Christmas and welcoming 2010 was a very special time here at Liberia Mission Incorporated.
This year Santa Claus came to the children here at Liberia Mission, but he looked a lot like Clarisa! She spent almost an entire week inside our storeroom arranging gifts and treats for both the boys and girls who live at the mission. Because of her love and dedication – and the kindness of donors - our children all had a very Merry Christmas morning!
We celebrated Christmas Day Mass together in Saint Michael The Archangel Catholic Church on LMI grounds. Afterward, I cooked a turkey and dressing meal and Monsignor Robert Tikpor, our mission pastor, Clarisa and I shared a wonderful Christmas meal. The children were very happy because we slaughtered a pig and our cooks made a special Christmas Day meal for them of Pepper Soup and Pork, which they all said was "SWEET!".
We all rang in the New Year by celebrating 11:00 PM Mass, which took us into our new year as we were celebrating the Eucharist. It was the first nighttime Mass our Church has ever celebrated, and the kids, although sleeeeeepy, were excited to celebrate the Mass at night. We had a tough 2009 at LMI, but God and Love have prevailed, and the children have never been happier!
We are so excited as we know our God has incredible and wondrous things planned for us in 2010. Thank all of you so much for all of your prayers and financial support. The personal emails you have sent to Clarisa and me have been the juice that has kept us going. We love you and we ask you to keep supporting LMI through your prayers and financial assistance.
We wish each and every one of you a HAPPY and BLESSED 2010!
Peace and Prayers,
Jerome and Clarisa
Directors, Liberia Mission Incorporated
Liberia, Africa
Read the complete January 2009 Newsletter here!
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November 2009
Dear Friends and Supporters of Liberia Mission Incorporated,
It is with heartfelt gratitude and appreciation that I write this letter to you. Liberia Mission was blessed to host their first-ever medical mission here in Africa.
Our group was lead by Jake Schroeder who has a long and respected record volunteering in Honduras. The group he brought to Liberia was made up of members from Florida, South Carolina and Montana.
I first met Jake several years ago while I was the Volunteer House Director for Mission Honduras International in Honduras, Central America. So when he contacted me about the possibilities of bringing a medical mission to us from across the Atlantic both Clarisa and I were quick to accept.
Jake's group arrived on Sunday night, October 18th and they returned to the United States on Monday October 26th. What happened between these dates was INCREDIBLE. Jake's group held a clinic on Liberia Mission grounds on October 19th and 20th. On the 21st they were able to tour both Saint Joseph's Hospital in Monrovia and St. Benedict Menni Clinic in Paynesville, Liberia. On Thursday, October 22, in conjunction with the Teach Peace Foundation, the group made their way to the Our Lady of Fatima Rehabilitation Center and worked all day addressing the medical needs of severely handicapped and disabled children. Throughout the entire medical mission, three Teach Peace staff members proved invaluable assistance with crowd control and translating the indigenous Liberian dialects.
Liberia is a country that is still reeling from the atrocities of not one but two civil wars in which more than 300,000 people lost their lives. Since 2003 when the second civil war ended, Liberia has been slowly showing signs of recovery. The sad fact still remains that the majority of the 3.5 million people who live here still suffer from a grave lack of education and medical services.The medical mission that Jake brought to Liberia literally served human beings that not only had never been served by a medical doctor, but also had never been in the presence of a white person before.
The people came from the "bush" villages that are prevalent throughout Liberia. Many of them only spoke the Bassa or Kpelle dialect and those who spoke English spoke in the thick Liberian patois that often needed to be interpreted.Still the 15 members of the medical mission plugged on in the name of love and in the name of God. They were working 12-14 hour days under stressful conditions and yet they were determined to love at all costs.
One of the most dramatic moments for me came on Friday, October 23rd.
I was walking the fence line of our newly built chain linked fence and I noticed a young lady trying to "throw" something over the fence, which is topped off by two large strands of barbed-wire. When I arrived I realized that the bundle that was caught on the barbed wire was a baby. The mother told me that her baby was very sick and she thought if she "chucked" it inside the compound it would have a better chance of seeing the doctors. This is the desperation that the Liberians face everyday. The good news is that both baby and mother were seen and treated a few hours later and both are fine.
In the end, as I was speaking to head doctor Santiago Rosado, he mentioned that the medical group had seen over 2,000 people during their time here in Liberia. What an incredible gift of love and faith Jake, Santiago and the rest of the group were able to give to the people of Liberia.
As usual our beautiful children of Liberia Mission were ecstatic to have our visitors and our visitors were equally moved to be in their presence. On Sunday, October 25, Father Hediberto and Monsignor Robert Tikpor co-celebrated our mass at our church, Saint Michael the Archangel. It was a very moving celebration of the Eucharist and at the end of mass our mission boys choir sang two beautiful songs in honor and praise of the wonderful people who had just brought so much hope and care to Liberia. Personally for me and Clarisa it was an honor and a blessing to once again work side by side with Jake's group.
So to Jake, Santiago, Father Hediberto, Sue, Janet, Teri, Al, Bo, Jenea, Denise, Janet, Karla, Jim, Mike and Lorenzo, the road wasn't always easy.... in fact the road wasn't always there! But how proud you made all of us; and how you blessed all of us.
Thank you so much for all you did. Thank you for loving Liberia and its people enough to come, and thank you for hearing Christ's call.The children and we already miss you and your presence here!
Peace and Prayers,
Jerome and Clarisa
Liberia Mission Directors
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October 2009
LIBERIA MISSION INCORPORATED - “A Place where Love Lives”
Greetings and love from Liberia, Africa!
Clarisa and I just returned to Liberia for our second “tour of duty”. We arrived on Monday, September 21st and were stunned at the greeting the children and the staff gave us as we drove up to the mission grounds. Our souls were lifted so high by all the children who threw their arms around us and were hugging us with all their strength. Before I was able to get to my room I had about 7 kids hanging off me, screaming and carrying on. It was absolutely incredible and it told me without a doubt Clarisa and I are exactly where we need to be at this point in our lives. It is so hard to believe we have already been here more than a year!
Of course the work started at once so we didn’t have time for jet lag; we just had to work through it and press on. The mission was in such great shape when we returned and we owe a HUGE debt of gratitude to both Kevin Rockensies and Joanie Fabiano for sacrificing time out of their lives and making a 6,000 mile journey to make sure the mission was well cared for while we were gone. Kevin is working for the wonderful organization “Teach Peace Foundation”. “Teach Peace” was founded by Dave Dionisi, who was founder of our own Liberia Mission Incorporated and he graciously “loaned” Kevin to us while we were gone. Kevin had already made several trips to Liberia so his familiarity with the country was a big plus in keeping the mission strong and steady. All of you know, or should know, Joanie Fabiano. Joanie is the Executive Director of Mission Honduras International, and like Kevin, she had made many trips to Liberia and the mission so she was a natural at running things in our absence.
This only goes to illustrate the quality of the people we now have in place at Liberia Mission Incorporated. Clarisa and I are blessed to overflowing proportions to be able to work with people like Kevin, Joanie, Dave, Tom Teeling, Joan Agosto, Monica Desmond, John and Sue Dewan and Bob and Kathy O’Dwyer. These are the faces and names that remain stateside to build the very best mission we could have here in Liberia. Their efforts, sweat, tears and prayers have made Liberia Mission Incorporated the huge and growing success that it is today.
But we need another face and another name included in this group to make our vision even more effective….YOURS!
For us to continue down the road we are on, a road of literally re-building and re-shaping an entire country through Christ, education, love and protection, we absolutely need you on our team. Let me update you on some of the great things your support has already helped us achieve.
- The children are eating a better diet than they ever have while here at Liberia Mission Incorporated that includes, fish, chicken, rib meat, chicken feet and eggs. In fact Harris Mulbah, our long serving house father tracked me down a few days before Clarisa and I left for our vacation. He said “Uncle Jerome, look at this belly that Sam Sumo has. He is eating plenty and he is healthy. The children are so happy with their food now.” He then raised Sam’s t-shirt and sure enough his little belly was popping out and he was smiling.
- We have been able to supply the mission church and mission school with electricity for the first time and although it is October the Liberians are ALREADY planning their first mid-night mass here at the mission.
- We have been able to make improvements on the school and also give our teachers a raise in pay.
- In the past week we had 25 new desk tables built for the school that will provide seating for 100 children.
- There now exists a very strong and durable chain-link fence that surrounds the compound and provides added security for all of us at the mission. This is part of our “Child Protection Program” that assures that each and every child in our mission will be taken care of and protected.
- There is a new mission sign, BIG and BOLD, sitting in front of our property that lets all of Liberia know who we are.
- Every child at the mission has a brand new mosquito net for their bed that gives them protection from the malaria carrying mosquitoes that continue to plague Liberia.
You are giving them that chance and our prayer is that you continue to support our efforts and then….bring a friend along to support us.
We love you so much. I know so many of you and I miss all of you. My time that I spent with many of you in Honduras is what keeps me going here in Africa. My memories of you and our time together in Honduras is a big part of my motivation here in Africa. Just know that no matter what you can give or if you give at all the greatest thing you can give us is your prayers and your intercessions. Jesus calls us to great and sometimes difficult challenges but this is a challenge we gladly accept because our kids at Liberia Mission Incorporated are that good, that deserving.
They deserve a chance at a peaceful life.
And rest assured, beyond a shadow of a doubt, when I go to the rooms tonight to hug the kids, and pray with the kids and to high five the kids at lights out, YOU ARE GOING WITH ME, YOU ARE THERE.
May the wonderful God who loves us all and keeps us in His hands bless you and your family with peace and love and may he bless Mamma Liberia.
Peace and Prayers,
Jerome and Clarisa
Directors, Liberia Mission
View the full October 2009 Newsletter Here!
Are you a FAN of Liberia Mission?
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Summer 2009
Dear Friends,
I wish I had enough time to tell you about all of the great things going on here in Liberia, but that would take hours, so I will give you a few highlights.
As for my students, I want you to know just how proud I am of my kindergarten 2 class. For weeks they were refused a spot in the school football (soccer in the States) league because they were only in kindergarten. The other classes laughed at them for wanting to participate....well, they laugh no more! Finally, after convincing the school administration to let my boys play against the first grade, my class overcame a 1-0 deficit in the last 6 minutes of the match to tie up the score.....Then we won the match in a shootout 4-3. As I said....They laugh no more. I am so proud of my boys!
We would like to thank Dave Dionisi, Mary Wind, and the Clement Chiang family for their incredible generosity to all the children here at Liberia Mission. Dave and his crew visited the mission over the new year and really made such a wonderful difference in the lives of these children. Also hats off to extraordinary volunteers Kelly McInhill and Matt Hayes! These people went beyond the call of duty in bringing hope and joy to the poorest of the poor. God bless them all.
My friends, we hold you in our prayers every night. Please continue to support Mission Honduras International - Liberia Mission spiritually, physically, and financially.
You are making such a difference and we need you more than ever! My eyes see for you and my hands have hugged these children for you; you are all with me every time I hold one of these African children or say a prayer with them or go to Mass with them. Your prayers keep us going and the love you have for the missions is felt everyday.
Thank you and God bless each of you. Please remember us in your prayers and intercessions.
Peace and prayers,
Jerome and Clarisa Cabeen
Directors, Liberia Mission
