Category Archives: Prayer Letters

December 2014 Prayer Letter

Kuwaa Mission December 2014 Prayer Letter

 

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December 2014
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Our greetings to all of our mission partners this sacred season of the year from the Kuwaa Mission.  Christmas is typically a season of the year for which we give thanks to our friends, and the Kuwaa Mission has much to be thankful for.  Your support is at the top of the list.  Without your prayer and financial support the Mission would not have been able to accomplish what it did.  What has been accomplished you may ask?

• Distributed over 100 water filters to 16 villages

• Installed 12 wells and rehabilitated many others

• Provided 3 scholarships for “Deacon Training” successfully completed

• Provided one nursing scholarship successfully completed

• Conducted our initial “Teacher Training” workshops

• Conducted two “Water Well Pump Maintenance Training” workshops

• Conducted our initial “Village Sanitation” workshop

• Conducted our initial “Vacation Bible School”

• Built a remote 8 room rural clinic with well and Nurse Quarter to Liberian Health Department standards and turned it over to the Ministry of Health via a Memorandum of Understanding

• Provided support and funds to the Lutheran Church in Liberia and Samaritans Purse in the fight against the Ebola virus

• Provided medicines and medical supplies to the clinics in Fassama and Kondesu as well as midwives in the villages

• Built a strong partnership with the Lutheran Church in Liberia

• Initiated a working relationship between the Lutheran Church of Liberia and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Liberia

• Earned the respect and trust of the Kuwaa People

• Built a strong working relationship with the Government of Liberia

• Built a strong partnership with Samaritans Purse

All of these accomplishments were only possible with the financial support of individuals, churches and organizations who believed in the Kuwaa Mission, in its goals and in its capacity to successfully implement its objectives.  I urgently request your continued support this year.  Each year the Mission has successfully completed its planned work program.  The Kuwaa Mission continues to place high expectations on its prayer and financial warriors, and the year 2015 is no exception.  This coming year the Kuwaa Mission plans to:

• Rehabilitate the bridges between Fassama and Kondesu to insure that vehicles, especially the Ministry of Health, can travel to the new clinic in Kondesu.  This will also enable the continued development of this area of the Kuwaa kingdom.  Projected cost $9,500 usd.

• Install three new wells and conduct another well training workshop.  Projected cost $29,725 usd.

• Conduct another village sanitation program.  Projected cost $850 usd.

• Conduct another Vacation Bible School.  Projected cost $550 usd.

• The total work program for this year is $40,625 usd.

Transportation of people and materials has always been the most expensive part of the Mission’s program and remains our largest challenge.  Thanks to our dedicated contractors and Samaritans Purse we have always been successful in overcoming this challenge.

Our balance sheet, while very positive, requires your immediate help to continue our successful record of assistance to this remote area of Liberia and the people who have been neglected by their government.  We continue to look to new areas of support and while promising have yet to actually result in funding.  Most of us are very fortunate in that we really don’t need “another package under the tree”.  However there are thousands in the Kuwaa area that do need “a package” and as the ONLY organization providing help to the people of this area please consider giving a generous donation to the Kuwaa Mission’s General Fund in honor of someone dear to you.  Not only will you be honoring someone and letting them know you will be providing assistance to many people who truly need and appreciate your assistance in their difficult lives.

I ask you, as CEO of the Kuwaa Mission, to prayerfully consider the Mission and its work.  To keep the work going, during this Christmas season please give to the Kuwaa Mission’s work as generously as possible.  Please send all donations to Bethany Lutheran Church to the address as noted below.  You can also go to our website www.kuwaamission.org for “PayPal” donations.  It is also very easy to set up automatic monthly donations to the Kuwaa Mission by visiting the website.

Thank you again for your support.  From all of the Board of Directors, we pray that you have a truly blessed Christmas season.

Stan Olsen, CEO

 Donations can be given in two ways:

1.   Make out check to: The Kuwaa Mission  (send to Bethany Lutheran Church (see below))

2.   Go to the Kuwaa Mission Website at www.kuwaamission.org:  use PayPal to make a one time or automatic monthly donation

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The Kuwaa Mission:  c/o Bethany Lutheran Church,  1340 8th Street,  Slidell, LA 70458 www.bethanyslidell.org
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October 2014 Prayer Letter

Kuwaa Mission October 2014 Prayer Letter

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October 2014
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Greetings in the Name of Christ,

“As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ.”   1Thess 1:3

Happy 5th Anniversary, Kuwaa Mission!

The Kuwaa Mission is having an anniversary celebration.  That’s right- we’re celebrating our 5th Anniversary during the month of November and many of our partner congregations are joining in the celebration.  During the past five years, you, our donors and partner congregations, have helped build wells for safe drinking water; clinics for medical care; scholarships for technicians, nurses, and evangelists; training for well and filter care; school supplies and Christian education to families in the villages of the Kuwaa Chiefdom.   All of these vital projects could not have been accomplished without the support of our partners in ministry.  We are so thankful for your prayers and generous contributions over these last five years.  We couldn’t have done it without you.

It’s not too late to celebrate with us!  We suggested November for your congregation’s Kuwaa 5th Anniversary Celebration, but any day that is convenient for your congregation would do.  It could be as simple as using the Litany of Celebration & Thanksgiving  that follows during your morning worship, taking up a “noisy (loose change) offering,” and serving a “birthday” cake following the service where you might play the YouTube video of the Mission’s progress.  Or you might choose to host a Liberian meal on a Sunday evening or week night.  If you have questions or would like more ideas for planning, please check out our website at www.kuwaamission.org.  There you will find resources to assist you in spreading the message of hope that has been made possible by your faithful support of the Kuwaa Mission.

Thank you for all you’ve done and continue to do for the Kuwaa people.  Now, let’s PARTY!           

The following Litany or a similar prayer may be offered in worship as part of a celebration of the Kuwaa Mission 5th Anniversary.

 

Litany of Celebration & Thanksgiving for the Kuwaa Mission         

Leader: God the Creator, maker of heaven and Earth,

Congregation: Have mercy on us.

Leader: God the Son, Redeemer of the world,

Congregation: Have mercy on us.

Leader: God the Holy Spirit, Sanctifier of the Faithful,

Congregation: Have mercy on us.

Leader: Holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, one God,

Congregation: Have mercy on us.

Leader: That it may please you to have your church go into all the world to help others so that the name of Jesus may be known and worshipped by all peoples,

Congregation: We beseech you to hear us, O Lord.

Leader: That it may please you to awaken a zeal for missions in the hearts of all your people,

Congregation: We beseech you to hear us, O Lord.

Leader: That it may please you to send out laborers into your harvest,

Congregation: We beseech you to hear us, O Lord.

Leader: That it may please you to kindle within your people an awareness of mission and a willingness to provide faithful support,

Congregation: We beseech you to hear us, O Lord.

Leader: That it may please you to bless the mission work of all who labor with few resources and great challenges,

Congregation: We beseech you to hear us, O Lord.

Leader: That it may please you to provide safe drinking water; clinics for medical care; scholarships for technicians, nurses, and evangelists; training for well and filter care; and school supplies and Christian education for the people of the Kuwaa Chiefdom in Liberia, West Africa.

Congregation: We beseech you to hear us, O Lord.

Leader:  For the health and safety of missionaries and volunteers with the Kuwaa Mission who bring expertise, encouragement and education to the Kuwaa people.

Congregation:  We beseech you to hear us, O Lord.

Leader: For an increase in evangelism and ministries of mercy in our local community and abroad, that all people may come to know and enjoy your blessings,

Congregation: We pray to you, O God. Lord, hear our prayer.

Leader: For greater awareness of and empathy for the needs of all your people throughout the world and the injustices that they endure,

Congregation: We pray to you, O God. Lord, hear our prayer.

All:  Amen

 

Blessings and peace in the name of our Risen Savior,

Rev. Carol George

Congregation Coordinator

 Donations can be given in two ways:

1.   Make out check to: The Kuwaa Mission  (send to Bethany Lutheran Church (see below))

2.   Go to the Kuwaa Mission Website at www.kuwaamission.org:  use PayPal to make a one time or automatic monthly donation

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The Kuwaa Mission:  c/o Bethany Lutheran Church,  1340 8th Street,  Slidell, LA 70458
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August 2014 Prayer Letter

Kuwaa Mission August 2014 Prayer Letter-2

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August 2014
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Special Report: Ebola Crisis

By Jennifer Cosgrove, Ph.D.

Greetings in the name of Christ Jesus, the Great Physician:

            It is with heavy hearts that we see Liberia making international news due to the Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever crisis.  Starting this past spring in the neighboring country of Guinea, this disease has spread in four West African countries, infecting over 3,500 people and killing over 1,900, including over 120 medical care workers (according to the CDC and other sources).  Some local experts believe these numbers are underestimates by 25-50%.  The situation was called “uncontained and out of control” by Ken Isaacs, a vice president at Samaritan’s Purse, when he spoke to the U.S. Congress.  Hospitals and clinics are understaffed to the point of having to close.  People are dying from complicated births, accidents, malaria, and other treatable conditions.  There are not enough doctors, medical workers, isolation units and supplies.

            While suspected and confirmed cases of Ebola have been found in all the counties surrounding the Kuwaa villages, their county, Gbarpolu, appears to be untouched (so far).   For this, we thank God.  We also thank you again for your support of the Kuwaa Mission’s work to provide hygiene and sanitation education, water filters, wells, and a medical clinic.  These necessities are important to the health of a community at all times and are crucial in areas hit with a medical crisis such as Ebola.

            How has this crisis impacted our work?  Our last volunteer trip was in April to install the solar energy system and officially open the medical clinic in Kondesu.  Since then, Liberia’s Ministry of Health has not been able to supply the clinic with medicines and other supplies as they are overwhelmed with the Ebola situation.  We also need to continue well maintenance (e.g. check the quality of the water in the wells and chlorinate them, as needed).  We will not send our local assistant to the area until/unless it is safe to travel there (the counties surrounding the Kuwaa region have Ebola and the government is restricting travel).   While we cannot send State-side volunteers until the crisis is over (at least not until 2015), we want to help the Kuwaa people with medical and other health related supplies and we request your continued financial support for these efforts.

            You may have seen solicitations for donations towards the Ebola crisis.  We would like to suggest the following groups who have shown their dedication to this crisis and are known for their fiscal responsibility. These organizations have been overwhelmed by the situation and need funds for the support of brave volunteers and the medical supplies and equipment that are desperately needed.  You can donate via these web links as well as receive the latest information about the crisis by “liking” their Facebook pages.  Please “like” our page as well and invite your friends and family.

Samaritan’s Purse

This Christian organization has been extremely helpful to the Kuwaa Mission in helping us transport our supplies upcountry.   We have sent them funds to help with their work in ministering to patients afflicted with Ebola.

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/disaster/ebola-crisis/

https://www.facebook.com/SamaritansPurse

Serving in Mission – ELWA Hospital

ELWA Hospital is one of the treatment sites featured in the news.  It is the hospital where Dr. Brantly (who was in Liberia with Samaritan’s Purse) and Nancy Writebol worked.  These are the two Americans who were successfully treated in a special isolation unit in the United States.  ELWA is particularly important to KM Board Members Rev. Richard Thompson, Ed Stelling, and Jennifer Cosgrove as this was the school and medical clinic they went to while in Liberia in the 1970’s.  Currently, Doctors Without Borders is opening up more isolation wards at this site.

http://www.simusa.org/

https://www.facebook.com/simliberia

Doctors Without Borders (Medicins sans Frontieres)

This secular organization is widely recognized for the volunteer medical care it provides throughout the world.  Their medical volunteers have been on the frontlines of this crisis from the beginning.

https://donate.doctorswithoutborders.org/onetime.cfm?ref=monthly

http://time.com/3154326/1400-are-dead-from-ebola-and-we-need-help-says-doctors-without-borders-president/

https://www.facebook.com/msf.english

Global Health Ministries

This is a Lutheran organization working with the Lutheran Church in Liberia, particularly assisting their hospitals in Phebe and Curran, which have been in the news.  They have been sending personal protection equipment and other supplies to these clinics.

http://www.ghm.org/

https://www.facebook.com/GlobalHealthMin

PS:  This is a link to the CDC map of West African countries and counties.

http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/resources/distribution-map-guinea-outbreak.html

In the bottom half of this map is Liberia.  The white area (that is surrounded by orange Ebola areas) is Gbarpolu county where the Kuwaa people live and the Kuwaa Mission works, by the grace of God and your support.
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Concluding with some good news!

Ester Kowula, Rev. Chris Kowula’s daughter, has graduated from nursing school and received six honors.  She is in Fassama currently and wants to work in the Kondesu clinic once it receives supplies.  Ester was a recipient of a financial scholarship from the Kuwaa Mission.

A Kuwaa young man, Joseph Jeogbor, is a graduate of Phebe Nursing School and desires to work in the Kondesu clinic as well.  He is the grandson of Pastor John Manawu who was a significant partner with Lutheran Bible Translators in their work with the Kuwaa people in the 1970s and 80s.  We are so blessed by the Lord with these faithful servants who desire to serve their people as their parents and grandparents have done.  Your continued financial support for scholarships makes this possible.

 Donations can be given in two ways:

1.   Make out check to: The Kuwaa Mission  (send to Bethany Lutheran Church (see below))

2.   Go to the Kuwaa Mission Website at www.kuwaamission.org:  use PayPal to make a one time or automatic monthly donation

PDF and MS Word versions of this letter will be available on the website

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The Kuwaa Mission:  c/o Bethany Lutheran Church,  1340 8th Street,  Slidell, LA 70458
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June 2014 Prayer Letter

Kuwaa Mission June 2014 Prayer Letter

 

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June 2014
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Fresh, clean water is so vital for life among the Kuwaa people in Liberia, West Africa.  Now 14 of the 16 villages in the Kuwaa Chiefdom have one or more wells built by the Mission to provide this precious life-giving and life-saving necessity for the people. Infant and child mortality is such that half the children die before reaching the age of 10 years!

Christ Lutheran Church in Costa Mesa, CA, where we are members, has contributed the necessary funds to provide for a well in the village of Konjade near where our family lived 40 years ago while we served as missionaries with Lutheran Bible Translators. The well was completed several months ago and a plaque was placed on the well cover in recognition of the generous gift of our church.

The children of Christ Lutheran School also contributed  to the Kuwaa Mission through their April chapel offerings. Their  goal was $500. They were short of the goal until the 4th grade girls pictured below (Kennedy, Grace and Leila) held a fund raiser which put them over the top,  including a $40 gift from Leila. In lieu of birthday presents, she asked family and friends to contribute to the Kids 4 Kuwaa Project providing school materials for the Kuwaa children. Thank you Leila and the children of Christ Lutheran School.

Ed Stelling, member of the Kuwaa Mission Board of Directors.

 Donations can be given in two ways:

1.   Make out check to: The Kuwaa Mission  (send to Bethany Lutheran Church (see below))

2.   Go to the Kuwaa Mission Website at www.kuwaamission.org:  use PayPal to make a one time or automatic monthly donation

PDF and MS Word versions of this letter will be available on the website

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The Kuwaa Mission:  c/o Bethany Lutheran Church,  1340 8th Street,  Slidell, LA 70458
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May 2014 Prayer Letter

Kuwaa Mission May 2014 Prayer Letter

 

 

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May 2014

In April of this year the Kuwaa Mission celebrated three major achievements.

Our CEO, Stan Olsen, went to Liberia in late March and visited with the Gbarpolu County Health Department (CHT) while en-route to Kondesu.  It had been essentially agreed that the Health Department would accept the clinic but he needed to meet with them to finalize details.  At the conclusion of the meeting it was agreed that the Health Department would accept the clinic as of May 1, 2014 and that a Memorandum of Understanding would be signed.  The verbiage for the MoU has been agreed upon and should be signed before the end of May 2014; in the meantime the CHT is making plans to staff and supply the clinic.

On Palm Sunday,  April 13 the Kuwaa Mission dedicated the new clinic in Kondesu, Liberia.  We started this project last January during the dry season, as that is the only time the roads are passable and then we stopped work during the rains and in December of last year we restarted the project.  The clinic contains a reception area, storage area with the solar system controls and medicine refrigerator, pharmacy, OB ward, general ward and d two exam rooms.  Next door is a smaller building that will be used to house a nurse.  The senator for this area is building a house next door that may be used to house two more nurses as requested by the CHT.

Attending the dedication ceremony was Senator Momo, Representative Malai, the County Superintendent, the CHT and several chiefs of the Kuwaa area, various local dignitaries and about 200 interested local people.  The day was warm, sunny and the air was filled with excitement.  Many songs and some dancing occurred and of course there were many speeches.  The Senator, Representative and Superintendent all thanked the KM for their work and emphasized to the local people their responsibility to take care of the health providers who would be stationed here, to maintain the roads so that medicines can be delivered and development take place.  The Senator also noted that the clinic was for everyone, not just the people of Kondesu, not just Lutherans but everyone who lives in the area or is traveling through.

Our third milestone was the first meeting between the Lutheran Church in Liberia (LCL) which is associated with the ELCA in America, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Liberia (ELCL) which is associated with the LCMS in America and the KM.  Stan arranged a meeting between Rev. Amos Bolay, the Bishop of the ELCL and Rev. Isaac Dowah, the Special Assistant to the Bishop of the LCL, (Bishop Seyenkulo of the LCL was out of Liberia on church business and unable to attend) and Stan presented to Rev. Bolay his request that the KM and the ELCL work together to enable the KM to obtain funding through the LCMS to help the people in Liberia associated with the ELCL and the LCL.  Despite the theological differences between the two church bodies we all agreed that these need to be put aside to so that together we can holistically help the people.

The two church bodies have been operating in Liberia for many years but have not set down and discussed how they can work together.  Within two weeks of Stan’s departure the two bishops did meet and a draft of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two is in the final stages.  It is very rewarding to see such positive steps being taken after such a prolonged drought of communication.  Truly all the people will benefit.

Dave Hagstrom of Billings, MT accompanied Stan on his trip in April and completed the installation of the solar system on the clinic in only 4 days.  A special ceremony was held upon reaching this milestone with all the villagers of Kondesu taking part.

One other special note is that when Cindy Bye was in the Kuwaa area she and Korpu Barsay conducted our first sanitation workshop, in Kenata, to help the local people understand why they needed to keep the town clean of feces.  When Stan visited in April he was pleasantly surprised at how much cleaner the town was than during his visit in 2013.  We are making a difference!!

Thanks to the wonderful support we have received from all of you we have been able to make remarkable progress in serving the Kuwaa People of Liberia.  When we first started working in Liberia2009 we had no idea of where our mission would take us, we only that we knew we needed to try and help.  Now, with your prayers and generous financial contributions, we have truly helped made a difference in the lives of the people.  As we finalize plans to involve all our supporters for our 5th year anniversary celebration please continue to keep the Kuwaa Mission in your prayers and financial support.  Please check our website soon for we will posting many photos of the clinic and the dedication ceremony.

Our contact information for donations is given below.  Please contact myself or Rev. Carol George, the Congregational Coordinator, if you want a spokesperson to visit your congregation.  Her email address is: pastorcarol@kuwaamission.org   Thank you for your continued prayers and financial support.

 Donations can be given in two ways:

1.   Make out check to: The Kuwaa Mission  (send to Bethany Lutheran Church (see below))

2.   Go to the Kuwaa Mission Website at www.kuwaamission.org:  use PayPal to make a one time or automatic monthly donation

PDF and MS Word versions of this letter will be available on the website

Unsubscribe – Edit your subscription

The Kuwaa Mission:  c/o Bethany Lutheran Church,  1340 8th Street,  Slidell, LA 70458