Evangelical Church Union of Liberia (ECUL) Conference 2008

November was the National ECUL Church Convention. Matt was one of 3 guest speakers.

What a blessing it was to take communion with over 300 Church leaders and Pastors from around Liberia.

Praise and worship was in many languages. What a testimony of God's faithfulness to his people here in Liberia.

During preaching, teaching times, meals together, and just visiting between sessions was a positive time of building the leaders of the church in Liberia.

Thank you for allowing us to be here. There is a new spirit among the ECUL leaders, and they are moving forward to reaching Liberia for Christ. Will you continue to pray that God would bless His church here, and keep her from false teachings, and dependant on Him alone for their every need. We count it a privilege to serve here!

Matt & Brenda Carr

Lessons in Construction...Liberian Style

Plumbers, masons, carpenters and everyone in between have a hand at making our place a home. It has been a long road to get to this point in the house renovations. It's not to be taken lightly by any means. Without Home Depot every project gets to looking a little more scary. However, the experts are the men themselves who have learned their trades well. They know how to do plumbing...

They know how to adapt and adjust where some of us would just give up. It has been fun to have these men work on our house, and see how they "get 'er done".

The windows frames were cemented into place...

then the security bars were cut from 3/4" galvanized steel pipe. They were then put between "iron wood" as they call it here, and cemented into place. A task that takes lots of braun... and a good eye to be sure every bar is level.

Oh did I forget to mention, that first you need to chip out the space to put the bars in first? Look closer at the man working here. That's where the braun comes in. These old houses at ELWA were built to last an eternity...not really, but the origional bricks that were used were almost solid cement. And it takes a long time to chisel a hole to put the new security bars in. My hats off to the origional builders of these homes.

5 of the 9 windows were completed today as the sun was setting. I am thankful for workers who go the extra mile to help us get moved in soon.

The view from our front porch is a blessing from the Lord. We look forward to spending many more evenings watching the sun go down out here. This is one of our favorite pass times; watching people, enjoying the culture and greeting folks as they pass by. Drinking in the sights, sounds and flavors of our new home at ELWA. Thank you for sending us here, keeping us here, and praying for us here.

The Roof Goes Up!!!

Dear family & friends;





We are so happy to see the new roof go up this Saturday. It makes the house renovating project look like it's on a roll. We are excited.





The aluminum roof was ordered from the factory in town, and delivered on Friday late afternoon. The beams and all supporting wood were all in place. Counting the pieces of aluminum as it came off the truck, and measuring to be sure they were cut to correct size was important. This is probably the most expensive part of the renovation.

















Brenda got to cut the tar tape that covers the nails used in the roof. Everyone got to have a hand in putting the roof up.







Matt was one of the taller men to help keep the aluminum going up to the workmen atop the rafters.










We were all happy and very tired when the roof was finished at the end of the day. It has rained heavy 3 times, and there were no leaks!!! We rejoice at the new roof. Next will be the windows, security bars and doors, and then we'll start on the inside of the house.



PRAISE THE LORD!

Slow internet is chronic

Dear family and friends;
We have been trying every day to upload pictures of the updates on our house. It is running so slow, we get knocked off before we can even download anything. Matt's facebook has been the only place we've had success adding pictures. So until we can get faster internet, you'll might have to look on his facebook for updates.

Todate, the beams that hold the house together have been cast, and are curing. They are building a small wall, and repairing where there were cracks. We have seen alot of rain. So every room is full of 3-4 inches of water. We removed loose tiles in the bedrooms, and kitchen while they were wet, and curling up.

Tomorrow we are told that they will start putting on the main beams of the roof. The wood arrived two days ago and it has been painted with tar of some kind. It helps keep the termites and "buggabug" from eating the wood.

Thank you for your prayers and encouragment. We know that this too shall pass. It has been a learning process. We have been able to see "small, small" progress on the house.

ELWA G3 House Construction

The journey begins...

It took a week to get a key to open the door, when we tried the key, it didn't open. So Matt got permission to break the lock and replace it with a new lock.
Matt has no tools, they are all packed in the Land Cruiser which had just left the States Sept 3rd. So his leatherman was very handy.



After looking for bids from contractors, ELWA Services decided on who would be the contractor. We officially started work on the house the 12th of September. First came off the roof. That was fast! And with only a crow bar and hammer. These guys are amazing to watch.





Since then it has been slowly progressing through the demolition. Now today they are adding bricks back to prepare for new windows, electrical conduits, window into kitchen etc.

September arrival to Liberia 20 years later!

And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. Mark 13:10



Welcome Back!!!

September 2008

I thank God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy
because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.

Philippians 1:3-5

Dear Family & Friends;
We arrived in Liberia on the 22nd of August. We hit the ground running as we got right into our ministries. We are still staying at the guest house as the home we will live in is rebuilt. Not only does it need a new roof, but windows, doors, wiring, plumbing, etc, etc, etc. So we enjoy being available when the contractors have questions. One day we came by the house, and the workers were about to knock the wrong wall down! See our blog for updates: carrparts.blogspot.com
Matt has been busy preaching, meetings pastors, working with ECUL leadership, visiting churches, and building relationships. He has a heart for these shepherds of Liberian churches. Praise God for a series of great meeting with ECUL. We are making great progress and on the right track.
We were welcomed back with joy by not only missionaries but Liberians too. We are thankful to be here.

Fellowship is sweet! Our first SIM Day of Prayer since we arrived back in Liberia. How sweet to sit among brothers and sisters in Christ and pray together for the ministries around the Nation and here at ELWA.

Personal Thanks! Once again we come to a new month, overwhelmed by His faithfulness. Thank you each for your faithful prayers, consistent support, and personal encouragement. We deeply appreciate you! What a journey!

SIM - ECUL Partnership
· Over 144 church in Liberia make up the Evangelical Church Union of Liberia (ECUL)
· SIM no longer seeks to lead ECUL, but rather partner with them to help them fulfill their vision of reaching Liberia for Christ.
· Please pray for Matt as he works with ECUL Church leaders to draft a written agreement that will describe SIM’s relationship and our partnership as separate organizations.
· ECUL churches want to start Christian Schools. Pray for this goal that it be a blessing to the families in the churches, as well as an outreach to the many communities throughout Liberia. Brenda will be helping train teachers wherever there are schools.
SIM - Liberia
· Brenda is now the SIM Personnel Coordinator for the Liberia Office part time.
· She still gets to spend time each week at ELWA Academy.
SIM Day of Prayer at ELWA Hospital Chapel





Pray for us:

Sun
Pray for a deep refreshing of our hearts as we visit different ECUL churches each Sunday.
Mon
Pray for SIM Liberia. The team here is growing, pray we seek to glorify God in Liberia in our various ministries.
Tues
Pray for ECUL churches of Liberia that they would continue to grow and be protected from false teaching.
Wed
ELWA Hospital is down to 2 Doctors. Urgent need! Pray especially for 2 more Drs. If you know of anyone, please let us know.
Thur
ELWA Academy is growing! I visited the Kindergarten class last week, and one teacher by herself had 53 students!!! Pray for additional classrooms to be finished soon.
Fri
Pray for wisdom and clarity for sensitive leadership decisions for SIM and our partners in Ministry ELWA and ECUL.
Sat
Please pray for the rest of the funds we need to finish our house.


Love and prayers always,
Matt & Brenda Carr

Saying Good-Bye!!!

Dear Family & Friends: August 2008

“Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.” Acts 8:4

My heart aches as I sit down to write this letter. In the exact same instant, my soul sings with praise to God! Let me try to explain. On August 8th Ben graduated from Marine Boot Camp in San Diego. On August 11th we all said good-bye for three years, and then scattered. It hurts. (Brenda says it feels like her lungs have been ripped out.) On the other hand, this separation is the result of each one of us following the Good Shepherd for the next stage of life.
Ben graduated with a meritorious promotion to Private First Class and will return to San Diego for more training and further orders after a short leave. Pray for protection, direction, success, and the words to speak when fellow Marines seek his counsel on spiritual matters.
Becky returns to Seattle where she is working as a receptionist/customer service representative for a company that provides mobility solutions for disabled adults. Pray for protection, direction, success, and that she will continue to live in the joy of the Lord as she shines for Him.
Brenda and I are off!!! (I know that doesn’t come as a surprise to some of you!) Seriously, we have received our visas for Liberia and are booked to fly out Thursday, August 21, arriving in Monrovia, Liberia the evening of the 22nd.
Please pray:
1) that we would know God’s presence with us moment by moment
2) for our arrival in Liberia – that we would be a blessing to all we meet
3) for Liberia’s churches and schools to know God’s sufficiency
4) for wisdom concerning the repairs on our house at ELWA
5) for protection for us and God’s resources

We are anticipating finally getting to Liberia, and seeing what God has for us. We are looking to Him to be our strength and our rock. Apart from Him we can do nothing. Thank you always for your support and prayers. We know we do not go alone. It is a joy and yet a challenge to return once again to the shores of West Africa. We know much has changed in Liberia, and we seek to serve wherever He plants us. With that in mind we will highlight the various ministries in Liberia in our future prayer letters.

Your Ambassadors in Liberia,

Matt & Brenda Carr
SIM Liberia
PO Box 6958
Monrovia, Liberia

matt.carr@sim.org brenda.carr@sim.org

God Answers Prayer!

Let everything that has breath Praise the Lord!!!

Dear family & friends; Summer 2008

Praise the Lord! 100% of our support has been pledged! We have the green light to start to apply for our visas to Liberia. We want to say again, a huge thank you for your encouragement, prayers and support! We still get excited when we see Him answer prayer. We serve a mighty God!
Praise Him: our monthly support need is pledged!
Praise Him: our first time passage tickets to Liberia and set up funds are paid for thanks to those who started sending their support already!
Praise Him: We have a used Land Cruiser that is being shipped to Liberia in July!
Praise Him: Becky has Christian room mates in a nice home in West Seattle!
Praise Him: Ben’s letters say he is doing well and is the prayer group leader for his platoon in
Marine boot camp! He graduates Aug 8th in San Diego.
Praise Him: for house sitting a beach-front home in West Seattle for 3 Weeks! What a treat! We rented next door from them our first year of marriage 24 years ago.

Prayer Request:
Our ministry in Liberia to be one of relationship building with everyone we serve.
Pray for safe arrive of the container carrying our Land Cruiser.
A place for our daughter to grow & minister as she works in Seattle for at least a year.
Ben asks for prayer for his platoon that their hearts would continue to soften and open up to the word of God.
Lots of travels this summer means living out of a suitcase…pray for endurance and patience as we are in a holding pattern until we arrive in Liberia around August 15th.
Pray for the Funds to replace the roof and some inside work for our house in Liberia at ELWA.
(Ministry Acct. # 09654) Check out our Blog at http://carrparts.blogspot.com/ for updates.
Continue to pray for post-war Liberia and the ministries at work rebuilding the country.
Creative ways how God answers prayer using his people:
Bethel Bible Fellowship:
The Leupold family started a Jar for us. In it went money found in laundry, money found on the street, tithing from kids’ jobs, pocket change, grandmother and grandfather silver dollars, tithing from winter jacket sold on e-bay, discipline for “negative words” paid into the Carr jar etc. What an excellent way to teach about giving. Thank you Leupolds for your gifts!
Thank you West Side Presbyterian VBS: Elementary in the mornings and Mid-High in the Evenings. The kids and their families along with teachers and helpers brought in $2000 towards the purchase of our Land Cruiser. The missions committee then added an additional $3000!!!This part of our ministry is vital as we travel throughout the country on a regular basis, rainy season or dry season.

Serving together with you,
Matt & Brenda Carr
SIM USA – PO Box 7900 – Charlotte, NC – 28241
matt.carr@sim.org brenda.carr@sim.org

Housing and Transportation Needs

A Land Cruiser is vital in rainy Liberia. This is typical of the roads upcountry during rainy season.








Even dry season has its obsticles!!!



This the kitchen of one home.

One of the houses at ELWA that we might move into. It needs a new roof and some work inside.

Matthew 6:26 reminds us to look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet our heavenly father feeds them... God will supply all our needs.

If you would like to give to these physical needs of our ministry please note that any donations to SIM USA are tax deductable. Be sure to put Ministry Account #09654 in the memo of your check. Send any gifts to SIM USA PO Box 7900 Charlotte, NC 28241

August 2007 Update

“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit.” John 15:8
August 2007
Greetings from Las Cruces, New Mexico;

Do you recognize these folks? Well, that was then, look at the picture below to see them now!


Time has passed and God has been very good to our family. Becky is a sophomore playing volleyball at Grace College in Indiana. Ben is a freshman this year at New Mexico State University.

We have loved our time here in the states as we’ve watched our children grow, and grow and grow!!! Becky is 6’2” and Ben is 6’7”! Dad has enjoyed coaching and Ben’s team won State this past year!


Monrovia, Liberia 1989





“In his heart a man plans his course but the LORD determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9

After 10 years here in the USA teaching at Mesilla Valley Christian Schools, and pastoring at Bethel Bible Fellowship, we are facing an empty nest.

Last winter some friends from SIM visited us and asked us to pray about returning to Liberia to help the recovering churches now that the civil war is over.

We left Liberia in July 1990. Lord willing, we, Matt and Brenda, plan to return next July (2008). Becky and Ben will remain in the states in college. We will be living in Monrovia. Matt will be working to encourage and train pastors throughout the country. Brenda will help the local Christian School rebuild (ELWA Academy). ELWA= Eternal Love Winning Africa






Las Cruces, New Mexico 2007



Building the Liberian Church together:

The Liberian churches have suffered through 14 years of civil war. At one point in the war, over 75% of the Liberian populace was displaced; many as refugees outside the country. People have returned. Churches are restarting. Pastors are willing to lead but many lack training. The ELWA radio station, hospital and school are rebuilding to serve the Liberian public in the name of Jesus.

Would you join us in the vision of building up the Liberian churches? SIM requires us to be 100% supported before we can return to the field. Our monthly support is $3318 a month. We also require $425 a month in ministry funds which will enable us to do the ministry in Liberia. Above all, we need many prayer warriors to pray.

Below is a form that you can print off and return to us or contact us by email. Or if you prefer to give on-line go to: sim.usa.org and click on give on-line. We are selling the pecan farm so please note our new mailing address & email addresses:
Matt & Brenda Carr, PO Box 1055, Mesilla Park, NM 88047
matt.carr@sim.org brenda.carr@sim.org
Matt cell :(505) 635-6910 Brenda cell: (505) 635-6909




If you would like to support this ministry, and can begin now, that monthly support will go towards our one-time needs that covers our transportation to the field, and set up once we arrive in Liberia. Thank you again, for your prayers and support. We joyfully look forward to serving together with you.


By prayer,

Matt & Brenda Carr



Matt & Brenda Carr, PO Box 1055, Mesilla Park, NM 88047
matt.carr@sim.org brenda.carr@sim.org
Matt cell :(505) 635-6910 Brenda cell: (505) 635-6909

Serving with SIM USA, PO Box 7900, Charlotte, NC 28241-7900

January Update 2008

“We have confidence in this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

Dear Family & Friends; January 2008

Greetings and blessing in the New Year. Thank you so much for your cards and letters this past Christmas. We enjoyed each one, and love hearing how each of you are doing. Thank you for taking note of our new address and sending our mail there.

As we write this letter, we are in the midst of 2nd semester at our schools. Our teaching contracts will be completed this May. This sets into motion our countdown of returning to Liberia this summer. There is not a day or a week goes by that we don’t see God’s working and leading in training us for the ministry and work that lies ahead. We’ll give you more about that news in our next prayer letter.

This Christmas was precious for us to have Becky home from Indiana, and Ben home from the dorms at NMSU. This would be a very laid back and slow paced Christmas break, as we got ready for Matt to head into surgery for total knee replacement for both knees. December 17th, we walked into Mountain View Medical Center here in Las Cruces as a family. Matt would spend the next 5 days in the hospital in recovery. Matt’s Christmas gifts…two brand new knees.

We sent out no Christmas cards, nor did we make
the mad dash around to Christmas events or shopping.
We stayed home in our little apartment on campus and
took care of Matt. We enjoyed short walks around the
house that eventually turned into walks around the block, and then walks around the campus. We talked, walked, and just spent time together. Becky and I sewed a lot and just had a great time of togetherness.

It was not quite that easy for Matt. The surgery went well, as has the recovery. But if you’ve had knee replacement, you know the amount of work it takes to rehabilitate them. He is faithful to exercise, stretch, visit the Physical Therapist, and do all he needs to regain full use of his legs. He can do leg lunges now that he hasn’t been able to do in years!

Becky and Ben are back at college. Basketball season has started district play; Matt is still assistant coach for the varsity boys basketball team. Brenda is taking her last class at NMSU completing her Licensure Program. Matt is back in the preaching schedule at church now since his knee surgery. Today he had no problem going up to the pulpit, but needed a few helping hands getting back down after the sermon.

We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has joined in the work with us. It is our joy to see our support needs being met…we are presently at 75% of our monthly need! We feel confident God will supply all our needs by the time of our departure. If you are praying about it and want to support this ministry, please let us know the details, so we can indicate that to the mission and get to the field as soon as possible.

If you mail any checks please make them out to SIM USA and put in the memo: Support Account Matt & Brenda Carr #09654. You can mail them directly to the address below.
Joyfully Serving together with you,
Matt & Brenda Carr

SIM USA PO Box 7900 Charlotte, NC 28241

John 15:8

"This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit." Seeking to grow and mature in our faith, Matt and I are returning to Liberia. SIM USA has accepted us back and we are leaving this summer to assist the Liberian Church as they minister healing to a post-war Liberia