We met Chris and drove to the school to meet Pastor Mark Anthony and his wife Nicole this morning. The school and church are the same building, called IFEM Christian Academy (International Freedom Evangelistic Ministry). Pastor Mark and Nicole are missionaries from Nigeria. They were called to Liberia 13 years ago and stuck it out through the war when bombs were landing near their home, fearing for their lives. God reminded him constantly of His sovereignty and faithfulness to them, that He would provide all their needs. His testimony is amazing!!
Pastor Mark saw the great need for education since there is 80-85% illiteracy in his church, so he started a Christian school through the church. He has such a burden for his community children to know the Lord. They don't charge the community children for the schooling so there is little to no funds to run the school. The school runs classes from Kindergarten to Grade 6 , all in one building without dividers. The teachers are all volunteers so the turnover is huge, no commitment. They have 7 teachers on/off that can come whenever and some of those teachers also work at 3-4 different schools to earn a living and/or trying to get some teacher's training at the University of Liberia. The teachers there are mostly untrained, although some are trying to get an education but there is no funding. The quality of the education depends on the education of the teachers. There are 150 students crammed into this little building. Mark and Nicole are also volunteer teachers at this school. The school has NO textbooks for the students. Pastor Mark provides free evening classes for adults and their evening services are done in the dark or by candle light.
James (who we're staying with) knows and has worked closely with Mark for many years. The integrity and humility of this couple really impressed us. I will list the needs of this school for those on our email list.
Pastor Mark saw the great need for education since there is 80-85% illiteracy in his church, so he started a Christian school through the church. He has such a burden for his community children to know the Lord. They don't charge the community children for the schooling so there is little to no funds to run the school. The school runs classes from Kindergarten to Grade 6 , all in one building without dividers. The teachers are all volunteers so the turnover is huge, no commitment. They have 7 teachers on/off that can come whenever and some of those teachers also work at 3-4 different schools to earn a living and/or trying to get some teacher's training at the University of Liberia. The teachers there are mostly untrained, although some are trying to get an education but there is no funding. The quality of the education depends on the education of the teachers. There are 150 students crammed into this little building. Mark and Nicole are also volunteer teachers at this school. The school has NO textbooks for the students. Pastor Mark provides free evening classes for adults and their evening services are done in the dark or by candle light.
James (who we're staying with) knows and has worked closely with Mark for many years. The integrity and humility of this couple really impressed us. I will list the needs of this school for those on our email list.
We are safe here on the outskirts of Monrovia. There are 3 night guards and 4 dogs in this gated property. James is thankful that a mechanic has arrived on the scene!! We bless God for another day of safety and provision and for all the things He's teaching and showing us.
Here is a picture of us in front of the school:
The roof needs to be continued to the outside wall:
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