Formation of New Life in Christ

Monrovia, Liberia

Journal for Tuesday, August 14, 2007

We presented the (character) seminar to 87 orphans and abandoned children ranging from about age 6 to 23. They came from 3 orphanages, but primarily from the one at the location of our meeting. Whew, what a spread to try to teach!

Rainfall at times is misty and other times like a car wash. We had several car washes today—while I was trying to present the seminar in a room with a tin roof—and no amplification system. Just about lost my voice. I invited two of the guys in on the process as readers of the various stories. Still there were times when we simply couldn't be heard over the roar of water pounding the roof like an extended timpani roll with higher frequencies thrown in. At those times we would simply smile, stop, and wait for a few minutes—or show some of the slides without comment.

There were moments during the day when I wondered why on earth we were presenting a seminar under a tin roof during Liberia's rainy season. Yet, at the end of our Gospel presentation in today's seminar, in answer to my questions a half dozen youth said they had prayed a similar prayer of faith in Christ prior to today—and about 75 of them placed their faith in Jesus Christ today. I figured they misunderstood my questions, so I asked them to put their hands down. Then I started over, asking a second time how many had prayed a similar prayer of faith in Christ before today. Again, about a half dozen raised their hands. Then I asked again how many would like to pray this prayer today. Again about 75 raised their hands. Only God know their hearts, but it looked to me like heaven may have celebrated 75 new believers today. Praise Him for forming CSI and giving us that privilege!

John Garmo, PhD
President, Mission To Children and The Mission To Children