Our New Church

July 25th, 2007

St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church; Gary and I have both been warmly accepted by our new church family. One Sunday our Liberian brothers and sisters waved banners in the church proclaiming, “Welcome Brother Gary and Sis Ruth! “Up front they crowned each of us with an African robe, sliding them over our American clothes! They beat their drums, clapped, and snapped our pictures. Then they asked us for our responses. Gary expressed his gratefulness in words, while I responded with an African dance. Everyone cheered.” Now you and Gary are truly African!” the elders declared.

Our new church has many ministries. While preaching the Word of God is of utmost importance, the church also has a ministry to the deaf and dumb. This group of people are highly intelligent and very diligent workers. There is also the outreach ministry led by Enoch Glaybo, who travels to different teaching points around the country of Liberia helping new believers start churches. This Sunday Gary and Enoch had the privilege of participating ” in the small teaching point at Kakata. Enoch preached while Gary gave his testimony. It was a very rewarding opportunity for Gary.

The church has other ministries besides–a small clinic, a school, and a tailor shop where outfits are custom fitted and sewn. I hope to have several Liberian dresses make for myself, as they are a lot cooler than my American clothes! Our new church has very godly preachers and teachers, who love the Lord and make it their goal to preach the Truth. We also have a very lively choir who love to sing and dance! Oh how I enjoy worshipping with my new church family!