the arrival

Joel has not been able to do blog updates because of internet connection but we received this update with some great pictures of the project up to this point from John Bleah (the Liberian project coordinator). John and his wife Ruth have been taking care of the guys and are a part of the group that the Lord impressed to begin this project. So here's the basics of what's been happening so far...


"Dear All,
Greetings in Jesus!
We praise the Lord and thank you for taking the bold step of faith toraise money and begin this big project!
On Wednesday, February 1, John Corley and Team arrived. Kendell of Samaritan’s Purse provided vehicle and drove them from RIA to ABCU guesthouse. Next day shopping for building materials was completed.  A meeting was held with Kendell who agreed and provided a vehicle and took the team to Saclepea on Friday, 03 February. The team arrived with a rousing welcome by the Church and the Mission Team.
On Saturday, 04 February, laying out of campus began and was completed on Monday.  Work on the roof and the digging out of trees for the foundation of New Guesthouse began on Tuesday.  Kendell provided a truck that took the building materials to Saclepea.  The truck arrived on Tuesday, 07 February. Roofing sheets are being placed on the roof and the foundation of the new guesthouse is being dug.
More photos on the way!
Praising Jesus Christ our Lord,
JB"

campus layout

making plans 

fellowship

We again thank you all for your prayers throughout this project. Joel has communicated that it's not an easy build simply because the supplies are primitive which requires a bit more "inventing" to make it all come together correctly.  It's also down right HOT and the men are exhausted by the end of the day. They have however received wonderful care...beds provided which Joel says would not be typical in the area, and Ruth is doing an amazing job trying to give the guys more "American" meals so that their stomachs can handle it. Joel described the people as extremely loving...and curious. They gather around watching and wanting to help every step of the way. (you can see this in some of the pictures) It is also apparent to him the effects of the brutal war that they have been through and the calloused nature that they demonstrate because of it. The fruit of this school project will likely take many years to take effect and break through the mind set that has taken hold of the culture. 

first church service

-So please take on the task of interceding for these people. Only God's mighty Spirit can accomplish what man cannot! 
-Also pray for John (Corley) and Joel as they will both be teaching in different churches tomorrow! May God's words be clearly conveyed!
-Pray against warfare and for the Father's strength on those involved
-Praise God for His mighty work in the nation of Liberia and for His love He desires all to receive!

roofing

The Gospel…the Power of God

“For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the Power of God for Salvation to Everyone who Believes”

I love this verse! It is such a wonderful reminder that it is not our craftiness, or our methodology, even our skill and effort that saves the souls of men, but it is only the Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That is our motivation to Go and to Serve. We believe that it is a wonderful privilege to be a part of the awesome work of God that He is doing in the West African Republic of Liberia.  A few short months ago SOM received a call from a ministry that we had partnered with a few years ago, Missionary Tech Team. TECH is the ministry link that God used to direct SOM to Liberia and the project at African Bible College. We were incredibly blessed to be a part of what God did and continues to do on the campus of ABCU, but we had also finished the span of work that we believed God had for us there and so we have not been back to Liberia for a while now. So when TECH called, we were anxious to hear about this new opportunity to return to this country that we have grown to love, and to a people that are hungry for Hope and Salvation found in Jesus Christ. TECH described to us that they had been contacted by a ministry called AIMS (Association of Inland Mission Schools). Here is a quote from the AIMS website:

“The ASSOCIATION OF INLAND MISSION SCHOOLS (AIMS) is an intercultural, international, faith-based organization of the evangelical tradition, comprising Americans, Liberians and other nationals who are committed to primary, elementary and secondary education in the West African Republic of Liberia which is recovering from a devastating military revolution that left the nation and its people battered, bruised and broken.”

AIMS requested that Steppin Out partner with them in the rebuilding and future development of their school in Saclepea, Liberia.  You can learn more about this ministry and the project in Saclepea at the AIMS website:  http://www.aims-liberia.org/project_saclepea.php . SOM will be taking a small team during the month of February to replace a roof on the main building that is currently on the campus called the Carson House. Along with that project we will be assisting them by planning and laying out future building locations and forming up the foundation for a new guest house that will serve to house future short term teams and medical teams for the region. What I think is so incredible about this project and serving this new ministry is that many of the students and pastors from these AIMS schools and churches are now attending or are alumni of ABCU! In fact we will be reunited with many of those people when we return, and we will have the privilege of assisting and equipping them for even more impact throughout Liberia.

That is why that scripture rings in my mind and in my heart, the common denominator in all of these ministry efforts is the advancement and proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  What an honor to do the work that He has called us to do. To be able to connect solutions to the needs of these ministries around the world and to help spread the Gospel that much further, because there are more buildings, water wells, generators producing electricity, so that men, women, and children have the opportunity to hear and teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The buildings, the wells, the generators, and even the people will someday perish. But Eternity will be impacted if just one soul is saved because of the Power of God in the advancement of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

Of course we could not do this ministry without YOU! And it is that same power, that same Gospel that is at work in your hearts to partner with us and to support us in love, in prayer, and in deed. We praise God for your partnership in advancing His message of love, hope, and forgiveness not only to the people of Liberia, but to the uttermost parts of the world. Thank You!