Greetings from Monrovia, Liberia – I hope these updates give you a glimpse of life in Liberia, my life serving here, and Mercy Ships plans. 

I miss the amazing ways Mercy Ships celebrate Easter on the ships.  For Easter Sunday here, I joined a current crew member, Felix who is from Liberia and was here on vacation, at his older brother’s church.  Felix has been my friend for many years – we refer to each other as ‘FCM’ – Fellow Crew Member.  The pastor asked Felix and me to share briefly with the brothers and sisters who gathered for Easter.  The chorus they sing when greeting others is one of my favorites: ‘We Will Stand’ by Russ Taft – “Oh you’re my brother, you’re my sister.  So take me by the hand.  Together we will work until He comes.  There’s no foe that can defeat us when we’re walking side by side as long as there is love we will stand”

Since Mercy Ships visits to the nation of Liberia 2005 – 2008, there have been various Liberians who have served as crew.  Many of the former crew members live here in Monrovia and recently I hosted a reunion.  We enjoyed a meal together and I was able to share some updates on Mercy Ships, our timeline and plans.  People here know they were with Mercy Ships and people ask them and I want to ensure they have the latest information.  
 

I’m doing good, healthy, and trying to balance all aspects of life and living here.   So thankful to God for his mercies and grace each and every day.    

Liberia Facts:  Universal access to clean water and sanitation is one of the 17 global goals that make up the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  In Liberia, most use hand pumps to get water for all their needs.  At our team apartment, we have piped water inside most of the time – though it is not water we can drink.     

Improved toilet facility Includes flush/pour flush toilets that flush water and waste to a piped sewer system, septic tank, pit latrine, ventilated improved pit (VIP) latrines; pit latrines with slabs; or composting toilets. So many Liberian have no facility at all for a toilet and just use the bush/field.  

COVID-19  For the continent of Africa, over 4.3 million confirmed cases – with more than 3.8 million recoveries and 114,000 deaths cumulatively.  Liberia has had 2,066 confirmed cases and 85 deaths.  African nations are receiving some COVID 19 vaccines, Liberia received 96,000 doses and is administrating them now for healthcare workers and those who are high risk.  Though please know that malaria, a preventable, treatable, and curable disease, is endemic in Liberia and remains one of the foremost public health problems in the country, taking its greatest toll on children under age 5 and pregnant women. 

Prayer Requests:  *Health and Safety for me, my team and the people of Liberia  *For our leadership in Mercy Ships as there are some changes and transitions.  
*God’s wisdom, insight, discernment, and guidance