Centre for the Orphaned / Abandoned


CAOAC Aug 07
Originally uploaded by keith.brinkman

Saturdays, I visit the Centre for the Orphaned and Abandoned with about 15 other crew members. There are about 70 children and teen living there under the care of Comfort and Dennis and their staff. While we are there, we usually have games, singing with motions, a Bible story lesson, crafts and more games. As it was rainy last week, we met on the small porch and here is a picture of some of the boys.

Armor of God in balloons

Last Saturday, we brought a special guest to the orphanage… Mario from Italy as the clown. When he came out, the children ran, they had never seen such a person. Prior to our visit, we asked the director if this would be ok and she said she. We were huddled on the small porch as it was raining and so when he came out, they even ran out into the rain. The Bible lesson was on putting on the armor of God and he made balloons to demonstrate – Sword of the Spirit, Breastplate of Righteousness, Belt of Truth, Shield of Faith & Helmet of Salvation.

Collin at Orphanage


Collin at Orphanage
Originally uploaded by keith.brinkman

On Sunday, July 29th I responded to an emergency announcement and reported quickly to Reception. I was assigned to drive for our emergency medical team to a site on the other side of town. The site was where we found Collin who was not breathing and his heart was not pumping, his friend was doing CPR. He apparently drowned while swimming with friends at a local nearby beach. Our doctors and nurses did all they could, but we could not revive him. Henry and Phil, two of our chaplains, came to the site to be there for his friends, our team and others – we had a time of prayer and crying. I didn’t know Collin that well, but he was part of our community and being there trying to help just hit me emotionally also. He was 21 years old, just three days shy of his 22nd birthday. Please pray for his family and friends.

Little George


NGUMC w George 6 months
Originally uploaded by keith.brinkman

My friend took this photo at church last Sunday as I was sitting next to George, 6 months old, and his mother. I was attending the New Georgia United Methodist Church, only 20 km from the ship. Our man of peace here in Liberia used to attend this church prior to being moved into the district overseer role with the United Methodist Church, which is a large denomination here in Liberia. The president herself attends the Methodist church.