Was It Worth it?

April 19th, 2006

     Was it worth it going to Liberia for just 7 months, only to turn around and evacuate (because of civil war), leaving behind nearly all our belongings and friends?  Yes it was worth it, because during those 7 months we saw so many lives touched by the love of God!

Here are just a few examples…. Angelina at age 14 gained hope amidst war when she committed her life to Jesus Christ. Junior learned contentment, even though at age 18 he had no money to complete elementary school. Abraham, an orphan with not even a roof over his head, trusted in God to protect him from the rebel troops, who were forcing boys into their army.

I especially have fond memories of Yvonne. I first met her as a sickly depressed refugee, who was so skinny that I could see her ribs protruding. The lines in her face were drawn tight with anguish as she sobbed on my doorstep one day. But my God transformed her into a smiling joyful woman who became one of my best friends!

I can also remember those two Liberian house guards, strong muscular husky fellows. Having been beaten and robbed by rebel fighters, they fled to the sanctuary of our home, their spirits completely broken. As I shared with them about God’s love, they both became my brothers in Jesus!

Then there was the “Old Ma” at the ECOMOG military base, where we were hoping for a helicopter ride to safety. The “Old Ma” sat on a wooden bench, homemade broom dangling from her hand, head bowed down, shoulders hunched over, and eyes lost in despair. She had recently been separated from her family by this war and felt all alone. After telling her that there was still someone around who loved her, she gave her life to Jesus Christ. Smiling broadly she lifted her head, pulled back her shoulders, and stood up to resume her sweeping. As I left she waved to me, shouting joyfully, “I will see you in Heaven some day, yah!”

Was it worth it? Yes, because we gained so much! We gained deep Liberian friendships; new brothers and sisters in the Lord! In fact, it was so worth it that we are going back!