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