Welcome to Be Still

This is the online journal of the Be Still Empowerment Program based out of Monrovia, Liberia in West Africa.

We were blessed 18 months ago when God allowed us to adopt six children from Liberia, West Africa. Our three oldest boys, Will, Mark and Josiah (age 17) lived in the Shepherds Village Orphanage for older boys in Monrovia, Liberia. While they were at the orphanage, I was able to talk to many of the other boys living there. I developed a real heart for these older, motherless boys.

Shortly after our African sons arrived in the USA, Shepherds Village was closed. This summer in July, the temporary home that had housed the boys had to be closed as well.

With the help of only four other families, I was able to place ten boys and one girl in trade school in Liberia. Nine other boys are living with the students, working or attending other schools as they are able. The 19 boys share six rooms. Pastor Jimmie Koffa attends trade school with the boys and oversees their activities. We call this endeavor the Be Still Empowerment Program.

Liberia is in a terrible state after their fourteen year civil war which ended in 2003. The average age is 18 years. Liberians who had skills and education were either killed or fled the country. We hope to empower these young men to become Christian leaders with a heart to deliver the Gospel as they work to rebuild Liberia.

The focus of Be Still Empowerment Program is to provide the boys with the means to learn a trade while mentoring them in their walk with Jesus Christ. The boys are supplied with basic needs. They are required to attend Pastor Jimmie’s church and to work to help provide for their own needs. So far, this has been done for about $5000 US.

Karen Barkman of Provision of Hope and Jason Nightingale of WordSower International have agreed to be my consultative partners in this project, as I administrate it. Please see my links to their ministries.

The funds we had available when we started the Be Still Empowerment Program are now exhausted. If you feel an interest in assisting these boys, you may sponsor a boy for any amount or give a one-time gift. There are also needs such as funds for medical attention, tools for on-the-job training or helping to send me and one of my Liberian sons to Liberia to help the boys with their practical needs.

The progress among these young men is remarkable. The boys are learning to be self-sufficient. We are so thankful that God has provided new opportunities and possibilities for these boys. He is training these boys to be His own workers who will lead their families and their communities for His glory.

Thank you for considering these needs.