Sometimes things don’t workout how you’ve planned, “do they?” Especially when your doing something that makes you feel good. Even after you’ve prayed and you believe your doing God’s will.
Liberia in West Africa was a mission trip I (Peter Ruck) was suppose to have gone in a team several years ago in a ministry team. George Osborn my colleague at a former ministry said, “the next time I go back are you up for it?” We prayed and decided to do a joint venture to Liberia we wanted go do open-air healing crusades, go into prisons, school and hospitals, start mission school training equipping pastors. George had always emphasised to me how poor and hurt this nation was to me our humble the pastors were.
We started our ministry campaign Zeal & Lumina Ministries. We began collecting Bibles and Aid we had our visas ready to go. Then Ebola struck the country the first time, it soon became evident that we would have to postpone our mission.
The response to our appeal was fantastic, Bibles, Theological books, desks, bookcases, tables and chairs all for the planned school that is to be converted into a mission school. Equipment for schools and orphanages, footballs bikes, nursery items, toys, push chairs, clothing, cots beds. Computers, generator etc. It was fully loaded, we were really excited remember we had paid and brought this container outright. So once Aid items had been distributed the container would be converted into a school room to teach God’s Word.
What happened next was unexpected ill health in both our families and me personally. Once more the visas weren’t used. I talked to George, “why don’t you still go?” “No, I believe God has called us to go together!” George replied. “Let’s concentrate on sending the container Bro”
Can you believe we spent over a year packing it, “jumping through so many hoops” finally getting the container sealed. It spent three weeks on the seas, then a year in Monrovia docks. We give all the glory to God for this amazing mission, we continued pray experiencing numerous obstacles, demands for money, storage, taxes on charitable donations all preventing the container from being released. We often felt exhausted and frustrated with endless conversations leading us up blind alleys. George and I continued to encourage each other praying together, praying with Pastor Amos Freeman our partner over in Liberia on line.
Then finally the MIRACLE happened we received a president’s waiver, on the import taxes of charitable goods. God overrules those seeking to withhold this consignment. We are so grateful for those who continued to stand with us in prayer. Our hearts are filled with joy as so many prayers have been answered. So blessed as so many gave gifts and finance others laboured tirelessly.
It has been a blessed time watching the photos coming through of Children in schools and orphanages receiving gifts. Young people and Pastors receiving Bibles and theological books, Evangelists receiving bikes to ride out and share the Good News. Do look through the attachment powerpoint slides these say a 1000 words!
We would have liked to make the trip, we continue pray for those who will make it to heaven as a result of this project, as people receive tracts or get taught from the Bible by other believers who are now equipped to teach others, in these vast nations who have suffered so much in the past. You’ve read this blog and previous posts do pray for this wave of grace and love to fill this nation. Thanking so many people who stood with us. So grateful to God and you.
What a lessons we have learnt, feeling truly blessed writing this highlights, reflecting on the importance of unity, patience, perseverance, prayer and faith.
Feeling blessed
Peter & George.
