Merry Christmas

Well it's been awhile. Don and I have taken a break since being home. We have used this time to evaluate our mission, plan for the future, and enjoy our family. We are excited to get back into the swing of things. Starting in January we will be hosting a new batch of exciting fundraising and partnership opportunities!  Don and I will be taking another team to Liberia in November 2016. From January until April we will have spaces available for anyone feeling called to come with us.   Being in Liberia was an amazing experience. It really allowed me to see first hand the need in the country.  I was also able to grow in my faith and bring that growth and knowledge home to my family. 

Christmas is almost upon us and I'm so thankful for the time spent with family that this season brings. It warms my heart to know that on December 25 my friends and family will be celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ along with my Liberian family so far away. It is through our faith and love that we are connected. I wish you all a Happy Holiday season and a Very Merry Christmas. From my home to yours God Bless xo

Heading Home

Last day in Liberia, it  is a day mixed with bitter sweet emotions. I cannot wait to get home and see my .beautiful wife and my wonderful children, and yet I am sad to leave my Liberian friends behind. I have truly been blessed by the people of Liberia, from Augustine and his crew of YFC volunteers that made sure that my stay was safe and comfortable, to the smiling faces of the many people I have had the chance to meet  and always being greeted by welcome to Liberia.  It has been amazing to see the great work being done by YFC Liberia,  how far it reaches into the many communities around Monrovia, and how many lives are being affected.
I will be travelling for the next day and a half so please pray for safe travels. Thank you all for the continued prayers and support.
I will leave you with a few pics from the worksite today.
Blessings
Don

Quick Update

Hello All

Just a quick update on what hs been going on since Tania, Cameron and Kat left. Saturday I returned to the worksite and moved some more bricks, for the masons who were laying them until rain forced the work to a halt for the day. Sunday  I was privileged to spend the day with Augustine, Amos (a YFC Liberia volunteer and Augustine's right hand man who we have spent much of our time in Liberia with) and  his fiancee Jeanette. First we went to very spirited church service with much praise and dancing where Augustine preached. Then I we went back to Augustine's house and we spent some time with Augustine  and  his family. Then some time to rest in the evening hours.
This morning was back to the worksite where the form work began so we can hopefully cast the upper beam tomorrow. I am excited to get this done. I will take pics of the process and post them tomorrow. This evening I met with Augustine and he introduced me to 2 of the YFC Liberia board members. It was an honor to meet them and we had a good time getting to know each other.
I feel very blessed to be here in Liberia and I want to thank all the partners that have helped to make this possible. I feel s though you guys are right here with me helping the people of Liberia. God is truly at work here and it is humbling to see his hand in the things that we have done here and in the people that he has led us to. Please continue to pray for me so that I can run with perseverance the race that is laid out for me. Thank you

Blessings
Don

Amos and Jeanette

We made it!

It was a long couple of days in transit. We got in yesterday at 3:00 and were  asleep by 7:00 lol. God gave us travel mercies and helped us along the way. I figure now that I have led a team through some pretty tough airports, without loosing anyone, thing, or my mind, I can do anything!!  :)

Thank you for all your prayers. Please continue to pray for Don. 

Tania

More pics!

The children of the Doe community

Berea Christian Institute. A school offering tuition free education

Augustine jr aka Happy!

Rossini's garden

Our friend Rossini showing us around his garden

Sweet baby pineapple!

More worksite pics

Liberian Scaffolding

Some of my little friends from the worksite

More Pics!

Add caption

Some construction sight photos: Walls up to height ready to start casting upper beam tomorrow! :)

County Boy

                                                                 

I will try to keep the pics coming
Blessings
Don

Meeting former General Butt Naked

Over Wednesday the team and I had the chance to meet Joshua Milton Blahyi the former General Butt Naked. During the Liberian civil war he was one of the most feared and ruthless warlords. He got his name because he and his brigade of mostly child soldiers used to fight naked because they thought it made them invisible. Joshua was willing to sit down with us and shared his story. It was an amazing story of a misguided boy who was born to be a warrior, trained from an early age to commit unspeakable acts and how God's great power s able to overcome the evil, change this mans life and turn him into a positive roll model. Joshua is now  helping hundreds of  former child soldiers, war affected youth, and young boys who live on the street, and are rejected by society. He gives these boys dignity, hope, and shares with them the love  that is found in Jesus Christ our Lord. Joshua invited us to visit his compound  on Thursday where he and other former child soldiers have built a house where they live and train leaders for the many projects that his organization Journey Against Violence are working on to rebuild Liberia. We spent a couple hours there and he showed us around. It is great to see the work that he is doing. He told us that before he was saved that he caused much pain and suffering now he is trying to make up for the pain that he caused. It is inspiring to see how he is trying to rehabilitate former child soldiers that fought for him and against him. A true lesson in repentance and forgiveness

Don

Heading home

Well, we are heading home tomorrow.  I am happy to be heading home to my family and sad to be leaving my Liberia family behind.  I want to say a big thank you to all the people who have supported us financially and through prayers.  We could not have accomplished what we have without you.  Thank you to Augustine and all of the YFC Liberia staff members that have made our stay very comfortable and welcoming.  I know it has be a busy couple of weeks for you all and I really appreciate what you have done for the team.  I am coming home with a head full of stories from the people here that I cant wait to share.  I have been so blessed by this country.

Don will not be returning with me.  He will remain in Liberia to see to the final stage of the building project.  By final stage I mean having the first section roof ready.

We have had some amazing opportunities here that will hopefully advance the building of the school.  I'll keep you updated on that as it developes :)

Anyway that is all from myself.  Pray for safe travels and for Don while he remains behind.
xo

-Tania

Notes Home

I'm just writing tonight because I have really missed my kids.  I have had the opportunity to meet and play with so many kids.  It has been wonderful but today was hard.  I can't wait to get home and hug my babies!
                           Kieran - I miss your mischievous smile, your silliness, and your kind heart.
                           Callie  - I miss your giggles, your hugs, and your love of God
                           Quinn -  I miss your cuddles soooo much and your jokes
Just know that I'm praying for you everyday and I love you soooo much xoxoxoxoxoxoxox
 
To Clare,
Thank you for watching over my babies and keeping then safe and loved.  xo

-Tania


Heya!
Today we went to the Doe Community. We told these little children about the story of Jonah. We had some little ones come act it out with us. It was really fun! We told them that they are children of God and the Jesus died for them. And they understood!

Mom- I miss you and Jonah and the weird one. I love you guys and I can't wait to see you...when I'm not super jet-lagged! I can't wait to tell you all about it!

Jonah- Stay in school. Don't give up. I know it is hard sometimes but you are brilliant. I know you can do ANYTHING you put your mind to! God's given you that gift. Kids here can't all afford go to school and have to stay home. I'm sure you think that sounds great but it's not. They can't get the education they need and desperately want. Nothing is easy here. We are so lucky for the things we have ESPECIALLY free education. I have a lot more to tell you and share with you but please think about what I've said. I love you and I'm proud of you punk.

Dad and Gen- I miss talking to you and will call you when I get back! Also after jet-lag sleep. I lovvvveeeee youuuu! I have a lot to tell you!

-K@

hello everybody. We had a pretty restful day today, I got to read for like five hours give or take. After lunch we spent part of the afternoon with some of the cutest, nicest kids you will every meet, it was amazing. Kieran, Callie, and Quinn don't worry you are still my favorite kids, but they were a close second XD.
I'm sad my time in Liberia is almost done, but I am very happy to be coming home on Friday.

- Cameron

Hello all,
Today was a great day! I was soo happy to spend some time in the Doe community today. This community touched my heart when I was here in 2013 and it was nice to be able to spend some time with the children. This also left me missing my own children.
To Kieran, Callie and Quinn Daddy loves you and misses you. When Daddy misses you at night I look up at the moon and it makes me smile that you guys can look at the same moon from the other side of the world and it also reminds me that God's love shines through the darkness for all to see whether you are in Africa, Canada, or anywhere else in the world. So Kieran, Callie, and Quinn as you get ready for bed tonight look out your window at the moon and know that Daddy is looking at the same moon and thinking about you and praying for you. I love you xoxoxoxo
Dad: I love you and I am thinking of you as well.
Aunt Clare: Thank you for watching the kids I am truly blessed and comforted to know that they are in your care.  Thank you!


Blessings
Don

Ebola update

I wanted to update everyone on the Ebola crisis that effected Liberia during this past year.  The disease itself is gone but the memories of this terrible epidemic remain.  There are signs painted on buildings and hand washing stations in various parts of the capital.  It has been painful walking through areas of the city that suffered so many losses.  Learning where you are standing is were a person has passed away.  Before Ebola, Liberia had two ambulances.  That is TWO in the entire country!  Other countries have donated more to help with the crisis but that number is far short of a country this size.  Medical professionals were turning away anyone who had any symptoms that resembled Ebola.  That included many that were treatable.  The country did not have the capacity.  If the parents of a home died, their bodies were removed from the home and everything in the home was burned.  Their children were just left behind.  My heart breaks to think of a government so heartless as to do this to its people.  2000 Ebola orphans have been identified across Liberia thus far.  These poor kids ranging in age from 6 months to 17 years.  The organization responsible for locating and placing these children is working with YFC Liberia to raise support and awereness of this huge issue.  We were fortunate to sit down with four of the children that were orphaned by this horrible disease.  The money sent in to YFC Liberia from our Ebola relief supporters has helped fund all four to be in school for the year.  The school these kids are in is a Christian school and lead by a group of teachers and principle who have such a heart for them, and heart for Jesus. 

Just a Reminder

Just wanting to send a quick reminder to everyone.  We are still able to collect and resieve donations while we are in Liberia.  If you would like to donate to any of the following that would be AWESOME!!!!

YFC Liberia - to keep programs running and staffed

Ebola relief - towards orphan children school fees

School building project - Brewerville (YFC Project)

Supply children with desks and supplies at Berea Christian school - a free school for underprivileged children.

Please give if you can.  Most importantly Liberia needs prayer!

Donations can be sent to QYFC Youth Unlimited 

                                        PO Box 233, Belleville, On

                                        K8N 5A2

or on line at www.QYFC.com

Thursday

Today we started moving blocks for the school, it was very satisfying and fulfilling to see our efforts yield results. After working for a few hours we got the opportunity to go to see a large garden that belongs to a man from the work site named Rossini. He grows limes, pineapples, sugar cane, hot peppers, bananas, and lots of other fruits and vegetables. While we were there we got to smell some lime leaves they smelt awesome. When we got back to the work site and worked for about half an hour, then we had an amazing lunch. After a short rest we were up doing things again; we went to the Doe community. I felt bad for the people living in the community because there was water every where. One of my  thoughts was why don't they just move some were dryer but then I realized they can't just move. In Canada if we don't like were we are living we can move but they don't have that luxury. Another thing that really hit me when we were there was that though the people have very little and struggle to get the things they need they are so happy and joyful. People in Canada, my self included, have trouble with that. We get upset when we don't get the nicest or newest things, or we can't have some of the luxuries we are accustom to, and we take what we have for granted. I pray that God helps us as a country to be happier and have more joy in our situations no mater what they may be. I also prey that God blesses the people of Liberia.

-Cameron

Late night reflections

Hello all,


Tonight I  have some time to reflect, as we have been here almost a week now and have been privileged to have seen many different areas of Monrovia, visited schools, NGOs, ebola survivors,churches and had the chance to see what everyday life is in Liberia. What is apparent in all we see is there is soo much need in Liberia. I have met so many people dedicated to change, dedicated to making the country better for the next generation and doing the best they can with what they have. We visited a school today that is free to attend because one woman saw great need in her community. The teachers all work for free there because they know the impact education will have on these children. She is also starting a sewing program for the mothers so that the families of these children will prosper and hopefully be able  to continue the child's education when they grow out of the school.
I am finding the need here heartbreaking, we just don't have the time or the resources to help everyone. God is doing great things here in Liberia and that is encouraging, but it is soo hard to pass, hungry children, or orphans with no family, on your way to go help someone else. I am trusting that God is leading our team to where He needs us most and I am trying to find comfort in that. Please pray for great change  to come to this beautiful country. Please pray for our team and that God will use us in a mighty way, and please pray that we have the wisdom to do this.

Blessings and goodnight
Don

PS Aunt Clare: Please tell the kids that I love them and miss them and give them a big hug and kiss for me.

Rememberance Day

Today is Rememberance Day is Canada.  We are going to follow the honour and respect of this day along with our fellow Canadians.  At 11:00 we will be stopping along with our Liberian friends to remember those who have given their lives for our Countries.  Here war and loss are a lot fresher in the people's minds. The carnage of war has left such a strong mark on Liberia.  Everywhere you look there is reminders of it.  Bullet holes in buildings and bridges, execution posts, abandoned barracks and buildings.  Liberia is a country trying to rebuild from devastation with no help from the Government.  There is no social assistance here, no safety net for those who loose there jobs.  We witnessed an accident yesterday that was horrific.  There is no health coverage for those hurt or unemployment/disability.  We take so much for granted.  I am so thankful to all those that have fallen fighting for whats right and just.  Today I will listen to the pounding of the rain and remember.

-Tania

Pics, Pics, and more Pics

New Krutown, Monrovia

Can you spot Don?  

New Krutown, Monrovia

This little guy wanted his picture taken so bad :)

Augustine Fridricks (Director of YFC Liberia) and hi family.  Hope, Deborah, Happy (Augustine Jr) and wife Veronica.

November 10th

Hey all!
Today the team went to a school. I was able to talk a bit at one of the christian schools here. I told the kids here about what school in Canada was like. I didn't realize how much we took for granted. I explained that kids in Canada can go to school for free and don't value it. This confused the class. A boy raised his hand to ask me a question. He said since kids don't care about going to school could he go to Canada and get some free education? Everyone laughed...and I waited for Augustine to slow down their English for me. I laughed. Another child explained to me what it was like in Liberia. He said many of his peers can't go to school because they can't afford it. The value of school was really evident in these children's lives. I stepped out of the classroom and started to cry. I skipped school so many times while these kids fight to go to school. They love and treasure the education. I've only been here for a little bit but the longer I am here the more I see what fighters the Liberians are. Nothing comes easily here but you can see God at work with these people. Liberians don't give up they work with what they have and are grateful for what they receive. I thank God that I am able to meet these incredible people and learn more about them.

-K@

Day 1 on worksite

Hello all,
   It is great to be back in Liberia! It feels like my home away from home. I have had an incredible time catching up with old friends, it is so great to see that they are healthy and doing well. Along with catching up with old friends we are able to build relationships with new friends.
   We have been in Liberia for five days and I am now re-acquainted with Monrovia and the sights and sounds. As familiar as much of it is,  it is still hard to see the living conditions of many. It leaves me with a heavy heart that I cannot help everybody that I see. God is helping me to see the abundant beauty in Liberia. Liberia is a rich country,  not in monetary ways as we think of in North America, but it is spiritually rich and rich in family and I find this truly inspiring. God has presented us with many opportunities to see this wealth first hand.
   Today we started at the work site clearing overgrowth. It felt great to start work, even though the sun was hot, I mean really hot (which only deemed as warm here in Liberia) With frequent water breaks the team did a great job and accomplished a lot of work. I am impressed by their strength and determination.
   I am sorry that we are not posting more pictures but we are finding that our internet connection is not the best but we will upload photos as we can.
   We are staring to meet more children here which is bitter sweet for me, as most of you know I love little kids especially babies, but it leaves me missing my own children that are at home.
Kieran- Daddy loves you and I think of you all the time
Callie- My princess I hope you are having fun with Aunt Claire Daddy loves you
Quinn- I miss your silliness and I love you
Sending big hugs and kisses to all of you xoxoxo


Blessings
Don

enjoy

Sunday

We were very fortunate today to attend Amas's church today.  It was wonderful to see people shaking their bodies for the Lord!  Praising God for what they have even though it may not be much.  I love church in Liberia!

We have been fortunate enough to meet with a Presidential candidate set to run in 2017.  This was a great honour and hopefully we will have an opportunity to sit down again and fully discuss his platform.  Augustine says he is a good man and wants change for Liberia.  Listening to him speak he really has a love for his people and country.

Construction of the school began Saturday.  First materials had to be purchased and the sight had to be cleaned up.  Today is a day of rest so we begin on Monday with the hard labour.  We are all getting excited to get our hands dirty.

Today was hard for me.  I miss my kids and hope they are well.  Seeing children working that are the same ages as my younger siblings and my own children is difficult.  Mommy loves you guys, miss you.  You too Owen and Bri. XO from Liberia.

-Tania




I am alive and made it to Liberia safely! Thank God! It's been a busy few days or at least it feels that way with jet lag. It's been exciting and eye-opening so far. I love meeting the people here and can't wait to meet many more! As Tania said we start building the school tomorrow! Cameron and I are going to be hanging out with the kids on the work site, as well as helping with construction. All the little kids I've met/seen are super adorable and I'm excited to get to spend time with them. Thank you everyone for your prayer support, it is so appreciated! I love you mom, dad, Jonah, and Gen! Type you more later!

-Kat




Hey everyone, I survived the trip to Liberia with just some sore muscles. The trip here went well, there were some nights with very little sleep but other then that every thing was good. I have been here for three days, it has been amazing. I have been, as Augustine would say, getting sufficient rest. Something really interesting I noticed is that a lot of the taxis have hand painted messages on them, its really cool, for example GOD IS GOOD and IN GOD WE TRUST.  I've enjoyed reading these because it is not something you would see at home.  Hope all is well.

-Cameron

We are here!

Plains, trains, and automobiles!  We have made it to Liberia.  It took 8 hours on the train, a subway ride, a sky train, 15 hours at JFK Airport, and two airplane rides (13hrs).  All that and all went smooth.  Praise the Lord.  Augustine met us at the airport with a wonderful group of volunteers that helped us load our luggage and got us to Brewerville.  Brewerville is where we are building the school/trade center.  My favorite part of the day was the hour drive through Liberia.  It was full of all the sights and sounds of Africa that I love.  There were so many people going about there daily lives, women carrying baskets on their heads and babies on their back.  People on the side of the road selling Palm Wine, fish, gasoline, cell phones, clothes, chicken's feet, you name it.  Children in uniform making their way to school.  While other children were working in iron yards, fruit stands, or just playing.  My heart felt at home and I am blessed.  I wish my children were all here to see what I see and experience what I am experiencing.  One day babies, mommy loves you and misses you all. xoxo

-Tania

  

It has begun!!

Train to Manhattan 

"Welcome to my country" video

Here's a video I found this week on You Tube.  Its a bit touristy at first but I did enjoy it overall.  

Check it out!

It's Almost here!!

I can not believe in less then a month we will be in Liberia!  I am so excited!  Make sure to follow while we are there.  The team will be posting pictures and messages as often as we can while in country.  Liberia has hydro, it's just not reliable.

I have asked Augustine to send us a list of items that would help his ministry.  We are hoping to bring some of these.  

                              - projector (for seminars and leader training)

                              - school supplies

                              

We are also looking for the following items to aid in our ministry:

                              - Men's dress shirts

                              - soccer balls

                              - toiletry items

                              - work gloves

                              - first aid equipment (band aids, polisporin, peroxide, tenser bandages)

                              - hard candies

If you are wanting to donate any of these items would be great.  Here is a list of items we can not take.

             - Crayons (they melt in the heat)

             - prescription medication
             - heavy items i.e. construction material
             - Food

             

Loss and Grace

The month of September has been rather tough for our family.  My mother in law, Sharon, unexpectedly passed away.  Sharon had been diagnosed with cancer in July.  It was not the cancer that took her.  It was a lung infection and other complications that ended her life.  Even though it was one of the hardest things our family has faced, we were blessed by God's grace through it all.  A friend of mine told me the other day that worrying about what could be is far worse then when it actually happens.  It is in the time of need or during a crisis that God blesses us with his Grace.  God does not call us to worry and therefore worry cannot be surrounded with grace.  This is so true.  During our moment of crisis the grace that surpasses all understanding surrounded our family.  Sharon's life was full.  She was a teacher for many years, involved in her community, and wonderful Grandmother.  Even though we will miss her, to have the reasurrance that we will one day be joined in heaven is amazing.  I know this is a blog dedicated to the YFC mission in Liberia, I felt like I needed to share this.  When our friend Dan Zumi from Ghana said to me "we do not need to cry for the problems we see in our World, for if we did we never would stop crying.  Instead smile and thank God every day.  He is good."  Dan was talking to about worry.  I am a cryer and I always will be.  God made my heart very sensitive and my eyes very leaky.  It is not those tears that are the problem.  It is the worry and hopelessness that IS the problem.  Give it to God.  Do your part, pray, give thanks, and he will do what he does best.

Meet Cameron!

Cameron is a wonderful kid, who loves the Lord, and is also my oldest son.  Here is a bit about Cameron and his calling.

Hello, my name is Cameron Butler.  I’m 14 and have been following Jesus since I was in grade three. That's when some missionaries came to my school.  They talked about Jesus, and his love and forgiveness then asked if anyone wanted to give their life Jesus, I said I did.  They prayed with me and I accepted Christ as my savior.  My faith has been reinforced multiple times since then.  Largely due to the influence of Youth Unlimited speakers and staff.  

Since my parents first mission trip in 2009, God has been slowly and quietly prompting me to go out and spread my faith, and help others.  Missions work has been somewhat prominent in my life.  It wasn’t until this year that I realized God had been calling me.  After a time of prayer I felt that god wanted me to go and help the “least of these” in Africa.  I also knew that this was the mission trip God was calling me to. He wanted me to go help the war torn people of Liberia and show them His love.  I believe God wants to and will work through me and the other members of the team to help show the people of Liberia His love and mercy.

Meet Kat

I would like to introduce Kathrine Higgins, our newest team member!  Here is a bit about Kat and her reasons for joining our team.

Hi, I am Katherine Higgins. I am 18 and have never done anything like this before. I decided to follow Jesus Sept. 1st 2013. I have been following Him ever since. This past year God has really been pushing me out of my comfort zone and getting me to share my faith with others more often. It started with a mission trip to New York (NY). The NY trip showed me that I needed to work on listening when God is calling me. So I started practicing that more which led to me giving me testimony at school. Shortly after, the director of YFC asked me if I would start working with the YFC in Belleville. I had been a student leader in the Campus Life programs and so they thought I might be interested. This past year God has been opening door after door after door. I feel like Liberia is another door He wants to take me through. To give some history of the love I have for Liberia and what YFC is doing there we have to backtrack to eighth grade for a second. When I was in 8th grade, I had a teacher talk to our class about war torn children. I couldn’t believe what had been going on. I couldn’t believe how many people didn’t know about what was going on. There was this aching in my heart to do more about it, but I had no idea what that looked like. There weren’t any opportunities that I was aware of to help with this, so I let it go. Now fast forward to 2015. I started working as a summer student at YFC in Belleville only to realize that they are working alongside Liberia to rehabilitate war torn children! Not only that but there is a mission trip giving me the opportunity to personally go out and help build a school for children. I feel like this trip is something God is using to help me grow deeper with Him and help others.

Bake Sale!!

Come on down to the county tomorrow and stop by County Traders!  We are hosting a fundraising Bake Sale!  Good eats for a good cause!  As usual all proceeds will go towards YFC Liberia and our mission.  County Traders is located on county rd 12 (west lake rd.) it is a great place to find antiques and one of a kind items.   Saturday we will be there from 9-1:00.

 

Canadian Summers

Well it's August now and summer is winding down.  It has been a very busy and fairly hot one.  I have been enjoying spending time with the kids in the lake and at the beach. Liberia drifts in and out of my mind pretty much all day.  We are leaving in November and that is not far away!  As exciting as that may be.  We are not quite were I would like to be financially.  To help with this we are planning a Bake Sale for this weekend.  Please pray that we do well and that we reach a lot of new people.  I know that God will provide but it still ways me down with worry.  I am working on having faith in this.

The news from Liberia has been full of ups and downs.  There is still a couple of cases of Ebola.  The country was declared Ebola free in May and that status remains even with these new cases.  The risk for our team is very low as these cases are in the northern rural areas.  Please continue to pray for Liberia, its people, and our YFC staff there.

Yard Sale Madness!!

This past weekend we had our 2nd Annual Yard Sale for Liberia.  My driveway was a sea of antiques, furniture, clothes, toys, sports equipment, art, and some undetermined/confusing items.  We met lots of interesting people and were able to share lots of info about Liberia and YFC.  Oh yeah, we made $1,100.00 too!  Over all a great success!  Thanks to all who donated and all who came!  Don and I were sun burnt and exhausted by the end but so lifted up by the generosity of people.

Here are some shots from the day!  Enjoy :)

Liberia VS Canada - Traffic edition

I live in beautiful Prince Edward County.  Home of Sandbanks Provincial Park, Huff Estates Winery, Historical Picton, and loads of scenic lakes and views.  I love my part of Canada, but this time of year brings with it the return migration of the tourist, and with tourists comes traffic!  I was thinking today about the traffic mayhem that I deal with in the summer and how different it is in Liberia.  My traffic craziness is nothing compared to that.  One example is; In Liberia you honk before changing lanes, this lets everyone around you know your intentions.  Here we use signal lights for that.  Now, we also don't have motorbikes whizzing past us in between cars with whole families on them.  In Liberia it is common for one truck to carry the load of two and people to hang on to the sides and back of vehicles.  It is wild.  In Canada it is common to see a vehicle with one person in it, at least in Liberia, well most of West Africa, that is very rare.  One could even say it is the ultimate form of reducing your commuting carbon foot print.  Well, at least it would be if it wasn't for all the diesel gas that is used.  My husband (Don) drives in Liberia and enjoys it!  I may even try this November, we'll see!  Driving is like most things in West Africa, it's not done "our" way but it works, and we don't need to change it or "fix" it, we just need to relax and go along for the ride.  

Picton, Ontario Canada 

Monrovia, Liberia's capital city

 Tetris anyone?

    

            The mom in me says "So not safe".   The Child in me says "That's awesome"!

     

Yard Sale Fever!

Garage Sale Queen by Karen Chisholm (BMI)
Just some yard sale humour for Ya'll.  We are still collecting your used items.  Please Don or Tania 613-919-1699
or YFC Quite 613-969-0471
or comment here!
Remember all proceeds go to YFC Liberia school project and mission.

Yard Sale!

Its that time of year again!!  Yard Sale season!  Last year our annual yard sale fundraiser made $2000 for Liberia!  Let's beat that this year people!!  We are accepting donations of gently used items from now until mid July.  Donations can be dropped off or we can pick them up. All the money will be used for purchasing building materials and paying local workers while we are in Liberia.  I love this event!  Its a great way to spread the news about what we are doing, to educate the public on the issues in Liberia, and who doesn't love a yard sale!?!  If you would like to donate please call or text:

Tania 613-919-1699
               
Don   613-919-4224

 

Augustine

Who is Augustine Fredricks?  Augustine is the Director of YFC Liberia.  He is the overseer of all programs and volunteers that YFC Liberia runs and assists with.  Without Augustine there would be no YFC in Liberia.  Augustine is a husband and also a father of two beautiful little girls.  Before the war started in Liberia, He was a teacher/principle of an elementary school.  Therefore education is very close to his heart.  It is Augustine that will oversee our team in November and he will be responsible overseeing the running of the school we are building there.  That is many hats for one man.  That is where his faith comes in.  Augustine is strong in his faith and is always leaning on God.  Even in the midst of Ebola, Augustine would contact us and say, "Thank God for everything".  He is a great encourage for us.  His goal is to reach the youth of Liberia and bring them to faith.  The love of Jesus is what he extends to the youth. It doesn't matter to him whether they are from the poorest slums or getting the highest education, he treats them all with the same amount of respect and love.  When I feel my faith is as small as a mustard seed, Augustine reminds me that God can do wonders with anything.  I am so thankful to call Augustine friend.
So why am I telling you about my Friend?  Well, it is because we are trying to raise money to cover the cost of his wages and programs.  Augustine in payed through the generosity of people like you.  Our goal is to have ten people willing to commit to $50 a month to cover the cost of Augustine's wages.  That the less then the price of a cup of coffee a day at Tim Horton's!  Far less if your a Starbucks lover!  Imagine all the children that could be reached on $1.67 a day!  The money we raise covers Augustine's costs not only for himself but for so many programs he runs.  If you can not commit monthly how about a one time gift?  The cost of one bag of rice to feed a family of four in Liberia is $60!  Can you feed his family for a month?  Please donate.

HOW TO GIVE:

1. Phone: Call our office at (613) 969-0471 during regular business hours (9am-5pm Monday-Friday).
2. Mail: Send to QYFC, P.O. Box 233, Belleville, Ont., K8N 5A2. 
3. Office: Cash, Debit, Credit Cards & Cheques accepted at our office: 320B Sidney St. Belleville 
4. Our donate here:  http://qyfc.com/creditcarddonationp796.php

 Augustine with Sami Lester

Colin, Augustine, Don, and myself (Tania) at YFC Quinte

Augustine Fredricks, YFC Liberia.

Update! Team building

Liberia has been declared Ebola Free by the World Health Organization!  That means there have been no new reported cases in over 42 days.  This is great news for the Liberian people, for YFC Liberia, and for our team.  I am very excited to announce that we will be taking a team to Liberia in November of this year.  We are currently accepting applications for the team.  Anyone over the age of 14 can apply.  No experience necessary!  For those of you who do not feel that going to Liberia is for you, but you still want to be involved, we are looking for members for our prayer team and fundraising committee.  Feel free to contact Don or myself.  We are more then willing to meet with groups or individuals to discuss Liberia and our involvement there.  The more awareness that can be raised about this amazing country and its people the better!  Please pray for our team thus far and for Augustine and all his volunteers in Liberia.

He Is Risen!

It's Easter Sunday and He Is Risen!  Praise the Lord!  I hope all of you have had the opportunity to visit family and friends today, and been able to reflect on the gift of Jesus.  This time last year we had the opportunity to share our Easter Sunday with Augustine.  It was wonderful to share with him some of our Canadian traditions and to share in worshiping the Father.  We were able to discuss true Faith in God and how so many people rely on him for their basic needs.  Here in North America I think we are at a disadvantage.  We loose that desperate reliance on God that the third world lives with.  We are so fortunate to be blessed with life's necessities that we have lost the ability to be totally dependent on the Father.  The majority of us know where our next meal is coming from and that we will have shelter for the night.  We put faith in our own financial plans and when those falter we have a stable government that will supply us with financial assistance.  It is both an amazing gift and a curse to be born into such an environment.  Imagine how much stronger your faith would be if that was ALL we had.  To not know where or when your next meal will be but to have faith that the Lord will provide!  Wow!  I am humbled by such faith.  I am blessed and I am saved, but how shallow my faith can be at times.  It is my prayer that this year will bring about a strength in my faith.  Please pray for those who are living in Liberia. Those who do not know where their next meal will come from.  Pray for those living there who have no faith for there life, at times, must seem so hopeless.

I wish you all a Happy Easter

Tania

A post from Don

YFC Liberia

Praise God the ministry of YFC Liberia is fully running again. Although the Ebola crisis stopped some of the ministries of YFC Liberia due to a ban on public gatherings, the brave staff and volunteers never stopped doing the Lord’s work. During the crisis Augustine Fredericks (the national director of YFC Liberia), and his staff of volunteers distributed relief supplies to some of the hardest hit areas of Liberia.  They also helped to find homes for children that lost their parents to Ebola. Now that the ban on public gatherings has been lifted YFC Liberia can resume its many other ministries including the Campus Change program, intended to give future leaders the skills they need to lead with Christ by their side. Other programs include Music ministry, Prison ministry, the Now Orphans program, and leadership programs for war affected youth. YFC Liberia strongly believes that if they raise a generation of Christ centred leaders the possibilities for positive change in country are endless, and this is why many of their ministries teach strong leadership skills.
Clarence Sando is a great example of the positive change that has come from YFC Liberia ministries. Clarence was captured when he was 9 years old and forced to fight in the Liberian civil war. He was forced to fight for over nine years and in this time fought for at least 4 different factions. When the war ended he had no employable skills. Through the War Affected Youth ministry, mentorship, and encouragement of Augustine Fredericks, Clarence is now a fully skilled mason. I had the pleasure of meeting and working along side of Clarence in 2013 when I served with YFC Liberia. Clarence was the head mason on the building project of the elementary school/training center for former child soldiers. I look forward to the day when I can return to Liberia and continue building on the school project and work along side Clarence, who I am honoured to call my friend.

 Don Craig YFC Quinte

Good news and Thank you's

Today marks 25 days since a confirmed Ebola case in Liberia!!  The World Health Organization will consider the outbreak over once 42 days have passed with no new cases!  There is light and the end of this dark tunnel!  This news brings a renewed sense of hope to YFC Liberia and to the team here at YFC Quinte.  Even with this news there are so many still in need.

News From Augustine (YFC Liberia)
Augustine sent me a message this week about a group of children he came across.  These children were catching grasshoppers and when Augustine stopped to ask then why, they replied "for food".  The children asked Augustine for money to by oil to cook the grasshoppers in.  This is the plight of many children in Liberia.  Please pray for the children of Liberia.

  They are so beautiful.  These are the children with their grasshoppers.

Thanks to the efforts of those that collected toonies and bought hot chocolate this past month.  We were able to send over $1000 to YFC Liberia!  This money will be used to help the child victims of Ebola!  Thank you again, and if anyone is interested in donating to Ebola relief please contact myself at 613-919-1699 or dontanialiberia@gmail.com or comment to this post.  Funds may also be dropped of the YFC Quinte.

Why Youth for Christ?

I just want to shed light on YFC and why we are involved with this organization.  

In 2008 I had just given birth to a baby boy (Kieran).  We had trouble conceiving and I had, had a miscarriage the year before.  I was feeling very blessed, I had two sons, Cameron who was 7, this beautiful baby, a wonderful husband, great job, life was good.  I was not a Christian but had grown up in the church and still believed in God and prayed.  God put a desire on my heart to help those in need.  I started looking into missions but most were advertising things like, "Come to Africa, go on Safari" and then almost as an after thought, "help orphans".  I was really turned off by this and feeling discouraged.  It was then that a family friend and pastor suggested I talk to a friend of hers that was going to Ghana, West Africa.  She made the arrangements and took me to meet Daryl and Hope Stogryn.  Daryl is the International Director of Youth For Christ.  He and his wife Hope have been taking mission teams all over the world for many years and they have a passion for Africa.  
  I met with then and did an interview it was then that they mentioned they had a large team but were lacking men.  I offered to bring my husband along.  I figured they couldn't say no to me if they needed him!  I was very excited when I left them.  I got home and told my husband that the two of us would be going to Ghana in 2009!  He was a little surprised but very excited. 
  We began meeting together as a team once a month for the 12 months leading up to our mission.  We participated in team building exercises, socialized, and started doing devotions.  It was in that time that my husband and I started attending church regularly.  We were growing in our faith.  Our missions was 5 weeks long and leaving my boys for that time was the hardest thing I've ever done even though I had a great sense of peace that they were well taken care of and that God was with them.  I still missed them terribly.  
 Ghana is a beautiful country.  The people are happy, beautiful, and friendly.  My experiences there changed me.  God used this time and many of those people to soften my heart and build my faith.  We accomplished a lot when we were there.  As a team we constructed the second floor of the YFC training center, we provided some local schools with soccer uniforms and equipment, and were able to help participate in a child vaccine and baby care session, and did a community clean up day.  We visited many churches and historical sights.  It was amazing,  We saw poverty that brought me to tears, faith that humbled me, and joy that was so beautiful.  When we left it felt like I was leaving home.  Don and I new in our hearts that we would be back.  God filled me with a love of Africa that I had never felt before and I knew I would be back, but I assumed it would be to Ghana.  Little did I know that God had other plans.
  In 2013 Don traveled to Liberia with Daryl Stogryn and a small team.  It was while he was away that God spoke to me and said Liberia is where I want you.  When Don stepped off the plan he hugged me so tight and said "Liberia is where we need to be".  I was not shocked or surprised, I just said yes.  I found out later that day that Daryl had asked Don to start taking teams to Liberia and work along side YFC Liberia on there school building project.  
  It's funny how things work together.  I love being able to see the intricacies of Gods work.  Its so humbling to see how God places people and situations in your path to help you grow and guide you to the path he wants you on.  God has taken these years since Ghana to build my faith.  I wanted to rush back to Africa as soon as possible but God new the timing and where I needed to grow first.  We were very upset when Ebola took hold of Liberia.  I just wanted to go and do what I could to help.  I need to remind myself that his timing is perfect and to keep following his direction.  What has happened in Liberia is horrible and it is hard to see God at work but he is there, he will never abandon his people.  In our humanism we think he should just swoop down and cure all, but we need to remember he has a plan.  He weeps with us.  We live in a fallen world.