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May 2014 Prayer Letter

Kuwaa Mission May 2014 Prayer Letter

 

 

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May 2014

In April of this year the Kuwaa Mission celebrated three major achievements.

Our CEO, Stan Olsen, went to Liberia in late March and visited with the Gbarpolu County Health Department (CHT) while en-route to Kondesu.  It had been essentially agreed that the Health Department would accept the clinic but he needed to meet with them to finalize details.  At the conclusion of the meeting it was agreed that the Health Department would accept the clinic as of May 1, 2014 and that a Memorandum of Understanding would be signed.  The verbiage for the MoU has been agreed upon and should be signed before the end of May 2014; in the meantime the CHT is making plans to staff and supply the clinic.

On Palm Sunday,  April 13 the Kuwaa Mission dedicated the new clinic in Kondesu, Liberia.  We started this project last January during the dry season, as that is the only time the roads are passable and then we stopped work during the rains and in December of last year we restarted the project.  The clinic contains a reception area, storage area with the solar system controls and medicine refrigerator, pharmacy, OB ward, general ward and d two exam rooms.  Next door is a smaller building that will be used to house a nurse.  The senator for this area is building a house next door that may be used to house two more nurses as requested by the CHT.

Attending the dedication ceremony was Senator Momo, Representative Malai, the County Superintendent, the CHT and several chiefs of the Kuwaa area, various local dignitaries and about 200 interested local people.  The day was warm, sunny and the air was filled with excitement.  Many songs and some dancing occurred and of course there were many speeches.  The Senator, Representative and Superintendent all thanked the KM for their work and emphasized to the local people their responsibility to take care of the health providers who would be stationed here, to maintain the roads so that medicines can be delivered and development take place.  The Senator also noted that the clinic was for everyone, not just the people of Kondesu, not just Lutherans but everyone who lives in the area or is traveling through.

Our third milestone was the first meeting between the Lutheran Church in Liberia (LCL) which is associated with the ELCA in America, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Liberia (ELCL) which is associated with the LCMS in America and the KM.  Stan arranged a meeting between Rev. Amos Bolay, the Bishop of the ELCL and Rev. Isaac Dowah, the Special Assistant to the Bishop of the LCL, (Bishop Seyenkulo of the LCL was out of Liberia on church business and unable to attend) and Stan presented to Rev. Bolay his request that the KM and the ELCL work together to enable the KM to obtain funding through the LCMS to help the people in Liberia associated with the ELCL and the LCL.  Despite the theological differences between the two church bodies we all agreed that these need to be put aside to so that together we can holistically help the people.

The two church bodies have been operating in Liberia for many years but have not set down and discussed how they can work together.  Within two weeks of Stan’s departure the two bishops did meet and a draft of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two is in the final stages.  It is very rewarding to see such positive steps being taken after such a prolonged drought of communication.  Truly all the people will benefit.

Dave Hagstrom of Billings, MT accompanied Stan on his trip in April and completed the installation of the solar system on the clinic in only 4 days.  A special ceremony was held upon reaching this milestone with all the villagers of Kondesu taking part.

One other special note is that when Cindy Bye was in the Kuwaa area she and Korpu Barsay conducted our first sanitation workshop, in Kenata, to help the local people understand why they needed to keep the town clean of feces.  When Stan visited in April he was pleasantly surprised at how much cleaner the town was than during his visit in 2013.  We are making a difference!!

Thanks to the wonderful support we have received from all of you we have been able to make remarkable progress in serving the Kuwaa People of Liberia.  When we first started working in Liberia2009 we had no idea of where our mission would take us, we only that we knew we needed to try and help.  Now, with your prayers and generous financial contributions, we have truly helped made a difference in the lives of the people.  As we finalize plans to involve all our supporters for our 5th year anniversary celebration please continue to keep the Kuwaa Mission in your prayers and financial support.  Please check our website soon for we will posting many photos of the clinic and the dedication ceremony.

Our contact information for donations is given below.  Please contact myself or Rev. Carol George, the Congregational Coordinator, if you want a spokesperson to visit your congregation.  Her email address is: pastorcarol@kuwaamission.org   Thank you for your continued prayers and financial support.

 Donations can be given in two ways:

1.   Make out check to: The Kuwaa Mission  (send to Bethany Lutheran Church (see below))

2.   Go to the Kuwaa Mission Website at www.kuwaamission.org:  use PayPal to make a one time or automatic monthly donation

PDF and MS Word versions of this letter will be available on the website

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The Kuwaa Mission:  c/o Bethany Lutheran Church,  1340 8th Street,  Slidell, LA 70458

 

April 2014 Prayer Letter

Kuwaa Mission April 2014 Prayer Letter

 

 

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April 2014

Happy 5th Anniversary — Kuwaa Mission

Dear Kuwaa Mission Partners,

     Please join us in celebrating the 5th Anniversary of the Kuwaa Mission in Liberia, West Africa.  During the past five years, you, as a partner or partner congregation in this vital ministry, helped dig wells for fresh drinking water; build a medical clinic; provided scholarships for technicians, nurses, and evangelists; trained for well and filter care; provided school supplies and Christian education to families in the villages of the Kuwaa Chiefdom.   We would like to say “thank you” by inviting you to party with us this Fall.

     5th Anniversay packets will be available on-line for your celebration or where one close to you might be.  Included in the packets are the following:

  • A DVD on the progress that has been made through our mutual efforts
  • Reproducible flyers and bulletin inserts
  • Liberian Recipes that you might use to host a Liberian lunch or dinner
  • A Litany of Celebration & Thanksgiving suitable for use in worship
  • A reproducible coloring page for use in Sunday school or children’s church
  • A special anniversary “noisy offering” paint can cover

All of these resources and more will be also available on our website at www.kuwaamission.org soon.

     We suggest you pick a Sunday this Fall for your congregation’s Kuwaa 5th Anniversary Celebration.  It could be as simple as using the Litany of Celebration & Thanksgiving during your morning worship, taking up a “noisy (loose change) offering,” and serving a “birthday” cake following the service where you would play the video of the mission progress.  Or you might choose to host a Liberian meal and invite a Kuwaa board member or missionary to speak.  A speaker may be arranged by contacting Stan Olsen, CEO at (907) 333-2614 solsen@kuwaamission.org or Rev. Carol George, Congregation Coordinator at (907)227-7501 or pastorcarol@kuwaamission.org   Please let us know when you’ll be having the party so that we can post it in the prayer letters.

Thank you for all you’ve done and continue to do for the Kuwaa people.  NOW – LET’S PARTY!

Happy Easter-He Is Risen

     We can party because what Jesus Christ accomplished in his suffering, death, and resurrection. Because he accomplished restoration and renewal for all humanity, we can celebrate new life in Christ and the5th Anniversary.   Jesus gave himself for the following purposes:

  • Reveal the love of God passionately, deeply, and unconditionally
  • Forgive the sins of all people throughout the ages
  • Replace the curse and consequences of the Law that all people deserve with forgiveness
  • Disarm and defeat Satan
  • Abolish the disease that separates mankind from God that allows people to come to him   cleansed, unafraid
  • Installed a 24/7 connection with God forever for us

Now we have the power, the Holy Spirit, to go out and be missionaries for Christ sharing the good news of Christ’s resurrection to all Mankind by word and deed. During this Easter Season, for those of you who can’t go consider helping send someone – you can pray for them, you can support them and the Kuwaa Mission will gladly send them!!!

 Let us also remember the people in Western Africa who are affected by the deadly outbreak of Ebola in our prayers.   Let us also praise him for being a God who cares for all people and who keeps his promises. Let us also remember to thank God for all of the prayer warriors, volunteers, field workers and financial supporters.  We the Board of Directors thank you all for being a witness for Christ.  We ask God to bless and keep you.

Celebrate and party joyfully in Jesus,

Carol George & Lolitha Shepard – Board Members

Our contact information for donations is given below.  Please contact myself or Rev. Carol George, the Congregational Coordinator, if you want a spokesperson to visit your congregation.  Her email address is: pastorcarol@kuwaamission.org   Thank you for your continued prayers and financial support.

 Donations can be given in two ways:

1.   Make out check to: The Kuwaa Mission  (send to Bethany Lutheran Church (see below))

2.   Go to the Kuwaa Mission Website at www.kuwaamission.org:  use PayPal to make a one time or automatic monthly donation

MS Word versions of this letter

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The Kuwaa Mission:  c/o Bethany Lutheran Church,  1340 8th Street,  Slidell, LA 70458

 

March 2014 Prayer Letter

Kuwaa Mission March 2014 Prayer Letter

 

 

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March 2014

In February 2014, I returned from my fifth trip to Liberia with the Kuwaa Mission.  What a pleasure it is to see the Kuwaa People that I have come to know and love.  Thanks to all of the Mission supporters for making these trips happen.  We are doing great things and changing lives.

We are digging 3 wells this year, in Fassama, Konjade, and at the clinic site in Kondesu.  This will bring our total to 15 wells!  Praise the Lord!  We will continue to dig wells, as each village needs at least 2 wells.  The villages are larger than you might think, with the smallest at about 350 people, and the largest at about 3000.  The villages look small, because they don’t have a lot of houses.  Many people will live in one house.  They also don’t have a lot of STUFF, like we have!  Why do we have so much stuff?  That’s a question I often ask myself.

One of the high points of my trip was a visit to the clinic in Kondesu, which is under construction.  The clinic and nurses’ quarters will soon be complete.  That will be such a blessing to the Kuwaa People, as the only other clinic in the region is over a day’s walk away from some villages.  We began planning for the clinic dedication which will take place on April 13, 2014 (Palm Sunday).  Stan Olsen, the Kuwaa Mission CEO, will be there.  The rest of us will be there in spirit, and we are certainly celebrating!

The CBS program covered 2 afternoons, with lessons about David and Goliath and about Jesus’ love for children.  The children learned and recited two Bible verses: Psalm 23:6 and John 3:16.  Nancy had supplied crayons for each child, and everyone got to color a picture of little David overcoming the giant with God’s help.  Even the adults enjoyed the coloring!  We also supplied snacks for them, and my helper from Monrovia, Korpu, popped corn for everyone.  They were amazed and delighted with that.

The whole village participated in the CBS program.  We had requested help from the women, and 16 of them volunteered.  The three evangelists (Lutheran, Catholic, and Pentecostal) helped, too.  To show the women our appreciation, Korpu and I served them tea and biscuits at the conclusion.  We read a few Bible passages and let the women know how important they are to the health and happiness of their community.  All of the helpers received certificates in their names, which is very popular in Liberia.

We also conducted our first “Community Led Total Sanitation” program in Kenata.  This is a UNICEF program designed to incite community leaders to want to clean up their towns, by showing how disgusting and unhealthy their practice of open defecation is.  Korpu facilitated the program, as it is necessary to have a native Liberian involved.  She did an excellent job, and we want to continue this program.

I was absolutely delighted to have transportation by helicopter this year, provided by Samaritan’s Purse.  They have been an integral part of our clinic construction.  We wouldn’t have been able to do it without them.  Thank you so much, Samaritan’s Purse!

My time in the bush was the highlight of the trip.   The Kuwaa People are the reason that the Kuwaa Mission exists!  I got to see many of my old friends, and I can see how their lives are improving.  I also spent some time in Monrovia carrying out some of the business of the Kuwaa Mission.  We try to make contact with government officials and other NGOs working in the area.  Life is all about relationships!

Again, I want to thank everyone for their participation with the Kuwaa Mission.  Thank you for your financial support.  Thank you, too, for your prayers – they are powerful!

I am lucky to be the messenger, to deliver the Good News, the clean water, the improved health, and particularly hope for a better tomorrow to the Kuwaa People.  I am only a messenger, and I don’t take the credit for God’s work through you.  To God be the Glory!

Blessings,

Cindy Ellis Bye

Kuwaa Mission Volunteer

March 2, 2014

Our contact information for donations is given below.  Please contact myself or Rev. Carol George, the Congregational Coordinator, if you want a spokesperson to visit your congregation.  Her email address is: pastorcarol@kuwaamission.org   Thank you for your continued prayers and financial support.

 Donations can be given in two ways:

1.   Make out check to: The Kuwaa Mission  (send to Bethany Lutheran Church (see below))

2.   Go to the Kuwaa Mission Website at www.kuwaamission.org:  use PayPal to make a one time or automatic monthly donation

MS Word version of this letter

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The Kuwaa Mission:  c/o Bethany Lutheran Church,  1340 8th Street,  Slidell, LA 70458

 

February 2014 Prayer Letter

 

 

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February 2014

As many of you know the Kuwaa Mission operated as a special mission under the auspices of Bethany Lutheran Church – Slidell, LA since its inception in 2009. After waiting 2 years, the Mission acquired its own tax exempt status under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) in late 2013.  This means that any income the Mission receives will continue to be exempt from state and federal income taxes.

The government will recognize donations sent to the Mission as charitable gifts.  They are deductible on your income tax returns, up to 50% of your adjusted gross income. Checks can now be made out to the Kuwaa Mission.  Bethany Lutheran Church will continue to be the mailing address.  This step is vitally important in being able to receive grants.

The Mission appreciates each of you for the support and prayers you offer for the Mission.  In the course of a year we receive over $70,000 in support for projects like the Kondesu Medical Clinic, providing potable water by digging wells and supplying water filters.  You supported the work of volunteers going to the Kuwaa Chiefdom.  Medical and school supplies were purchased and given to the appropriate people.  Scholarships helped people complete their education to serve the people through the church or medical clinic.  Workshops were held for educators and religious leaders.  Most recently a VBS was conducted.  Of course, sharing Christ is always foremost.  The work of the Kuwaa Mission has not lacked funding.  If more funds are received then more work can be done.

 We the Board members are very thankful and appreciative of all that God is doing through you and for the Kuwaa people.  The Mission also is busy spreading the word about its work.  The publicity is a minimal cost but so very necessary if the Mission is to continue its work.  The Mission still continues to move forward without having to pay any salaries.  We are still 100% volunteer operated.

The Mission appreciates all of you.  We thank God for each of you.  We also include you in our own personal prayers.  It is people like you who make the Mission possible.  All the Kuwaa people also thank you as the Spirit is transforming their lives and the providing the necessities they need to live.

Your Brother in Christ,

Ron Morgan – Treasurer & Board Member

Certified Public Accountant

Our contact information for donations is given below.  Please contact myself or Rev. Carol George, the Congregational Coordinator, if you want a spokesperson to visit your congregation.  Her email address is: pastorcarol@kuwaamission.org   Thank you for your continued prayers and financial support.

 Donations can be given in two ways:

1.   Make out check to: The Kuwaa Mission  (send to Bethany Lutheran Church (see below))

2.   Go to the Kuwaa Mission Website at www.kuwaamission.org:  use PayPal to make a one time or automatic monthly donation

PDF of Prayer Letter

Word version of Prayer Letter

Unsubscribe – Edit your subscription

The Kuwaa Mission:  c/o Bethany Lutheran Church,  1340 8th Street,  Slidell, LA 70458

 

January 2014 Prayer Letter

January 2014 Prayer letter

 

 

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January 2014

    Rev. Dr. D. Jensen Seyenkulo and Rev. Dr. Richard Thompson organized the Kuwaa Mission 5 years ago.  Since that beginning the Lord has richly blessed the Mission’s work.  The Board of Directors grew to 9 members and hundreds of people and congregations joined the ranks of faithful prayer and financial warriors from all over the country.

Just what has the Mission accomplished by God’s grace in these 5 years in mission to the Kuwaa people?

  • The Mission constructed or repaired wells in 14 of the 16 villages in the Kuwaa Chiefdom and passed out hundreds of water purification filters.
  • God willing the Mission will dedicate the Kondesu Medical Clinic, nurse’s housing and bath house in April.  Solar panels are being furnished as well as a toxic waste incinerator and clinic well in April.
  • The Mission provides scholarships.  Ester Kowula receive a full scholarship to attend nursing school so that she can serve as the clinic’s full time nurse.  3 young men received full scholarships to attend the seminary to become ordained evangelists in the Chiefdom.
  • The Fassama Clinic, schools, and dressers received medical supplies from the Mission each year.Workshops were held for pubic and church school teachers, also for evangelists, town pastors, Sunday School teachers, and church leaders. 
  • Several workshops were held for people to be trained in the need for sanitation and drinking good water, especially for the children and workshops for learning how to care for the well equipment and water purification filters.
  • The mission also provided books, equipment, materials, and religious materials as well as hygiene information.

For all this we give all glory to God as the Kuwaa Mission celebrates it’s 5th anniversary this year.  The Mission also gives thanks to God for you, our faithful prayer and financial warriors.  None of this could be done without you.  With you the mission is possible!  Thank you on behalf of the Kuwaa people.

Your brother in Christ,

Ed Stelling, Board member

Our contact information for donations is given below.  Please contact myself or Rev. Carol George, the Congregational Coordinator, if you want a spokesperson to visit your congregation.  Her email address is: pastorcarol@kuwaamission.org   Thank you for your continued prayers and financial support.

 Donations can be given in two ways:

1.   Make out check and send to: Bethany Lutheran Church (see below)

2.   Go to the Kuwaa Mission Website at www.kuwaamission.org:  use PayPal to make a one time or automatic monthly donation

PDF of Prayer Letter

Word version of Prayer Letter

Unsubscribe – Edit your subscription

The Kuwaa Mission:  c/o Bethany Lutheran Church,  1340 8th Street,  Slidell, LA 70458