We have a special tradition at African Bible College. Shortly before a volunteer team leaves, we gather for a “celebration meal.” It’s a time set aside for the Liberian workers and American volunteers to talk about cultural insights and share one last meal together.

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We just finished our fifth celebration meal, and it was close to perfect. In true African form, I was given the opportunity to lead the singing after the meal. What followed was the opportunity for both groups to express their gratitude for one another. I hope at some point in your life you are able to share the bond of Christ with someone whose life is totally different from your own. To hear the love pouring out between the team and the workers just made my heart want to burst and my eyes teary. God was there. I think we all felt Him.

As I was writing this, one of the Liberian women I work with stopped by. As we were talking, she said, “Thank you, Joni, for the way you work with us. You don’t take us for granted. You tell me throughout the day that you are thankful for my work. I won’t forget, Joni. I won’t forget you.”

My cup overflows as I write this. Are there sacrifices that come with living overseas? Yes, many. But the blessings we receive through relationships far outweigh the sacrifices.

My last team arrived this week. I was excited to meet them, but I also knew that after their departure, I too will be leaving this place, beautiful Yekepa. African Bible College will be completed and dedicated on Sept. 6, after more than three months of restoring and rebuilding the campus that was nearly destroyed during Liberia’s 14-year civil war. I will move to the capital city of Monrovia on July 29 to assist with our Water Sanitation project.

As I close this blog, let me leave you with some prayer requests that have been on my heart these last months.

Please continue to pray for the country of Liberia and our work here. We have 33 projects currently being facilitated in the country. Pray that beneficiaries will be able to grasp the wonderful gift of God’s grace as we provide for their physical and spiritual needs.

Please also pray for the safety of our expatriate and national staff. Even though Liberia is in a time of peace now, safety and security are still a top priority.

Thanks for reading.