STORY OF THE WOOD CUTTER
ONCE UPON A TIME , THERE LIVED A MAN WHO SURVIVED BY CUTTING WOOD FOR PEOPLE. THIS MAN WENT FROM PLACE TO PLACE TO CUT WOOD FOR PEOPLE. WHILE CUTTING THE WOOD, WHENEVER HE LIFTED THE AXE TO CUT THE WOOD, HE CALLED THE NAME OF ADAM. SO ONE DAY, A RICH MAN WATCHED HIM AS HE CUT THE WOOD AND HE (WOOD CUTTER ) KEPT CALLING THE NAME OF ADAM. AND SO THE RICH MAN DECIDED TO ASK THE WOOD CUTTER WHY HE CALLED THE NAME OF ADAM WHENEVER HE LIFTED THE AXE TO CUT THE WOOD? THE WOOD CUTTER RESPONDED BY SAYING, “ HAD IT NOT BEEN FOR THE SINS OF ADAM, I WOULD NOT BE CUTTING WOOD, I WOULD NOT BE SUFFERING, I WOULD NOT BE GOING THROUGH ALL THIS HARD TIMES". SO THE RICH MAN DECIDED THAT THE WOOD CUTTER SHOULD MOVE INTO HIS HOUSE. THE WOOD CUTTER MOVE IN AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE WITH HIM. THE WOOD CUTTER HAD ACCESS TO EVERYTHING THE RICH MAN HAD, EXCEPT FOR A LITTLE BOX WHICH WAS ON THE DINING ROOM'S TABLE WHICH HE WAS TOLD NOT TO OPEN. ONE DAY THE RICH MAN TOOK A VACATION. EVERY EVENING WHEN THE POOR MAN SAT DOWN TO EAT HE WAS TEMPTED TO OPEN THE BOX. FINALLY THE TEMPTATION OVERTOOK HIM AND HE OPENED THE BOX. WHEN HE OPENED THE BOX A LITTLE MOUSE JUMPED OUT AND RAN AWAY. WHEN THE RICH MAN RETURNED HE FOUND OUT THAT THE WOOD CUTTER DISOBEYED HIS SIMPLE ORDER,"DO NOT OPEN THE BOX". THE WOOD CUTTER WAS ASKED TO LEAVE THE RICH MANS HOUSE AND NO LONGER HAD ACCESS TO ALL THE RICH MAN OWNED. THE WOOD CUTTER LEFT AND WENT BACK TO CUT WOOD IN ORDER TO SURVIVE. THIS TIME WHENEVER HE LIFTED THE AXE, HE CALLED HIS OWN NAME AND SAID "I AM THE CAUSE OF MY SUFFERINGS AND NOT ADAM". "I DID THIS TO MYSELF AND NOT ANYONE ELSE". AND SO THE NAME OF ADAM WAS NOT CALLED BY THE WOOD CUTTER AGAIN.
This story was told by Shad Flumo in one of our weekly meetings. It is a funny Liberian tale that has a great message! Shad is known for these stories and they are always very entertaining! I hope you enjoyed it :-)
7.24.2009
7.20.2009
Salvation Testimony from Shad Flumo
This is Shad Flumo. He is a Field Coordinator for Spirit Liberia. He is pictured here handing out John and Romans booklets in the Bonewen prison.
Shad is a real blessing to us as a family and also as an employee of Spirit Liberia. We have all of our staff write out their salvation testimony for us to give us a better understanding of where they came from and where they are today. When I asked Shad for his permission to share his testimony publicly here, he answered with an enthusiastic "YES!" Shad was eager to see God use his testimony to minister to anyone who would listen. Here is the testimony of Shad T. Flumo, Field Coordinator, Spirit Liberia
My name is Shad T. Flomo. I was born into a family that pretended to know God, but realistically they did not believe in the words of God. That is, they went to church on Sundays but failed to do what the Bible says. Although they listened to the Word of God, they allowed their children including me to become part of a brutal and satanic society called PORO AND SANDE SOCIETY. Brutal in a sense that it involves the spilling of blood. I in particular was at the age of 5 years when they made me join such society which by all indication meant that I have been sold to the DEVIL. I spend most of my time growing up with my grandmother. Even though, she was part of such society and encourages it, she also was and still is a devoted church goer. So through her commitment of going to church, I was also encouraged by her to start going to church. While staying with her, I started attending sunday school up to the eruption of our civil crisis in 1989. When the war reached Monrovia in 1990, we started a long journey through the masses of Charles Taylor rebels. During this period, I saw people being beheaded and shot dead for the first time in my life. I was only 11 years then. Having seen most of my friends become child soldiers, I was tempted to also become part of such - but a special grace of God was upon me which kept me away from them. By the year 1994, I started to live with my mom actively. By this time, my relationship with God grew from bad to worse. Though my mother knew the truth about God, she did not go to church at all. She was compelled to sell at the market on both Saturdays and Sundays. During this period, we lived in one of the most notorious communities in the Redlight area known as SUGAR HILL. Survival in such community meant that one had to also become a beast (ONE OF THEM). Between 1994-1998 I had a tough time as a child growing up with my mother. At times she treated me as if she wasn't the woman that bore me. She did not take me out neither did she shower me with gifts or show me motherly love even though I was hard working and did excellent in my studies. By 1998, I have grown into a bad boy in the eyes of my mother. I had a girl friend (FORNICATING) and I also took provision at times from our home to her because her family was poorer than ours. When my mother found out that I had a girl friend, she threw me out of the house. By this time, I was in the 11th Grade at the "Rock International Christian Academy". Because I knew how to sell, I sold bread on the streets of Monrovia to survive and completed my final high school lessons. When I left my mother's house, I sought refuge at my uncle's house and it was like running from the hot water and jumping into a burned oil. At my uncle's house I shared a room with my other smaller uncles who had the habit of gambling every night and I soon became a part of such habit. This habit plagued me for about 3 years ( 2000-2003). I became what is known as a PROBLEM GAMBLER ( That is, when ever I had money my first thought would be to gamble). I thought high school education at this point was sufficient. In fact, relation between me and my mom grew worse then before. One good thing about this period is that I was always bothered by the HOLY SPIRIT which continually reminded me about my wrong doings. In July of 2003, I left gambling through the help and advice of some elders and friends of mine that I decided to share my gambling life and experience with and by the grace of God, I was able to quit gambling. I have not only left gambling for the past 5 and the half years but also I have developed a hatred for it. However, when I left gambling I was not saved yet. I hardly went to church. It was in early 2007 that I felt the burden of serving Jesus Christ and then started attending church services regularly. This time I knew why I had to go to church and that is to become a new man in Christ. 3 months later, I accepted the Lord Jesus as my personal Savior and became baptized. Brethren, the Christian journey has not been an easy one. After I got saved, I became a prime target for the devil. I lost every thing that I had. I have had 2 accidents in a one year period, one of them resulting into the death of an elderly man. But all these things did not stop me from serving God. In fact, they strengthened me. I want to bless and thank God so much for being on my side while I went through the wilderness and I also thank God for SPIRIT LIBERIA which has been a great blessing from God to the Liberian people. I also want to thank God for all of my Brethren in Christ who stood by me during the times of difficulties. Today I am a new man and an overcomer of trials and temptations. I am married to a beautiful wife (Gayduo) and 2 kids ( Youngor and Samuel). May God continue to grant us His special grace we need in our christian endeavors because, it is only by His grace that we are saved.
Shad is a real blessing to us as a family and also as an employee of Spirit Liberia. We have all of our staff write out their salvation testimony for us to give us a better understanding of where they came from and where they are today. When I asked Shad for his permission to share his testimony publicly here, he answered with an enthusiastic "YES!" Shad was eager to see God use his testimony to minister to anyone who would listen. Here is the testimony of Shad T. Flumo, Field Coordinator, Spirit LiberiaMy name is Shad T. Flomo. I was born into a family that pretended to know God, but realistically they did not believe in the words of God. That is, they went to church on Sundays but failed to do what the Bible says. Although they listened to the Word of God, they allowed their children including me to become part of a brutal and satanic society called PORO AND SANDE SOCIETY. Brutal in a sense that it involves the spilling of blood. I in particular was at the age of 5 years when they made me join such society which by all indication meant that I have been sold to the DEVIL. I spend most of my time growing up with my grandmother. Even though, she was part of such society and encourages it, she also was and still is a devoted church goer. So through her commitment of going to church, I was also encouraged by her to start going to church. While staying with her, I started attending sunday school up to the eruption of our civil crisis in 1989. When the war reached Monrovia in 1990, we started a long journey through the masses of Charles Taylor rebels. During this period, I saw people being beheaded and shot dead for the first time in my life. I was only 11 years then. Having seen most of my friends become child soldiers, I was tempted to also become part of such - but a special grace of God was upon me which kept me away from them. By the year 1994, I started to live with my mom actively. By this time, my relationship with God grew from bad to worse. Though my mother knew the truth about God, she did not go to church at all. She was compelled to sell at the market on both Saturdays and Sundays. During this period, we lived in one of the most notorious communities in the Redlight area known as SUGAR HILL. Survival in such community meant that one had to also become a beast (ONE OF THEM). Between 1994-1998 I had a tough time as a child growing up with my mother. At times she treated me as if she wasn't the woman that bore me. She did not take me out neither did she shower me with gifts or show me motherly love even though I was hard working and did excellent in my studies. By 1998, I have grown into a bad boy in the eyes of my mother. I had a girl friend (FORNICATING) and I also took provision at times from our home to her because her family was poorer than ours. When my mother found out that I had a girl friend, she threw me out of the house. By this time, I was in the 11th Grade at the "Rock International Christian Academy". Because I knew how to sell, I sold bread on the streets of Monrovia to survive and completed my final high school lessons. When I left my mother's house, I sought refuge at my uncle's house and it was like running from the hot water and jumping into a burned oil. At my uncle's house I shared a room with my other smaller uncles who had the habit of gambling every night and I soon became a part of such habit. This habit plagued me for about 3 years ( 2000-2003). I became what is known as a PROBLEM GAMBLER ( That is, when ever I had money my first thought would be to gamble). I thought high school education at this point was sufficient. In fact, relation between me and my mom grew worse then before. One good thing about this period is that I was always bothered by the HOLY SPIRIT which continually reminded me about my wrong doings. In July of 2003, I left gambling through the help and advice of some elders and friends of mine that I decided to share my gambling life and experience with and by the grace of God, I was able to quit gambling. I have not only left gambling for the past 5 and the half years but also I have developed a hatred for it. However, when I left gambling I was not saved yet. I hardly went to church. It was in early 2007 that I felt the burden of serving Jesus Christ and then started attending church services regularly. This time I knew why I had to go to church and that is to become a new man in Christ. 3 months later, I accepted the Lord Jesus as my personal Savior and became baptized. Brethren, the Christian journey has not been an easy one. After I got saved, I became a prime target for the devil. I lost every thing that I had. I have had 2 accidents in a one year period, one of them resulting into the death of an elderly man. But all these things did not stop me from serving God. In fact, they strengthened me. I want to bless and thank God so much for being on my side while I went through the wilderness and I also thank God for SPIRIT LIBERIA which has been a great blessing from God to the Liberian people. I also want to thank God for all of my Brethren in Christ who stood by me during the times of difficulties. Today I am a new man and an overcomer of trials and temptations. I am married to a beautiful wife (Gayduo) and 2 kids ( Youngor and Samuel). May God continue to grant us His special grace we need in our christian endeavors because, it is only by His grace that we are saved.
7.11.2009
Blessings from the container!
While the guys were in Ganta installing the well for Full Gospel Church, they also took the opportunity to give the church some bibles, John and Romans booklets and tracts for helping them in their evangelism. This is just the beginning of the blessings that will come to the people of Liberia from the container that you all helped us ship!
See Below: Weekly Evangelism report from Bestman
Evangelism
While we were in Ganta, Nimba County for the installation of the hand pump, the full gospel church received 31 copies of New Testament and 68 copies of John and Romans to enhance their Evangelism. One to one evangelism was done by the team at check points back to Monrovia.
Have a good and godly day Sir,
Bye for now,
Bestman Todawiah
Ministry Coordinator
Bestman giving the tracts to Pastor Valentine. These gospel tracts were designed and printed by Spirit Liberia. They were created in Liberian english so that they are easier for the typical Liberian to relate to! They have a blank space on the back where the churches can fill in their church contact information for follow up on their evangelism.
Bestman giving the New Testaments and John and Romans booklets.
One of the boxes of New Testaments that came over in the container!
See Below: Weekly Evangelism report from Bestman
Evangelism
While we were in Ganta, Nimba County for the installation of the hand pump, the full gospel church received 31 copies of New Testament and 68 copies of John and Romans to enhance their Evangelism. One to one evangelism was done by the team at check points back to Monrovia.
Have a good and godly day Sir,
Bye for now,
Bestman Todawiah
Ministry Coordinator
Bestman giving the tracts to Pastor Valentine. These gospel tracts were designed and printed by Spirit Liberia. They were created in Liberian english so that they are easier for the typical Liberian to relate to! They have a blank space on the back where the churches can fill in their church contact information for follow up on their evangelism.
Bestman giving the New Testaments and John and Romans booklets.
One of the boxes of New Testaments that came over in the container!
7.03.2009
Water for life!
We are pleased to announce the installation of a new well! Do you remember Full Gospel Church in Ganta, Nimba County? I have posted about this church and orphanage many times before. They are the proud new owners of a fresh water well provided to them by Spirit Liberia. This was only possible through the generous support of all of you ( and a great job by our staff!).
This was their attempt at digging a well. I saw this hole when I visited them in March. They had begun trying to dig a well, which was done by hand. After going about 30 feet down, they had not hit water and the man who was digging was too afraid to go back in the hole. Wells like this can collapse on the person digging. They took a step of faith and although their water did not come from this particular source, God brought the water in His own time and through His own means. We believe He is not only blessing them for their faithfulness to caring for His children, but for their effort in working to bring the water they so desperately need.
So, they covered the hole with this board and these sticks and kept the faith that God would bring them water. I was very concerned about all of the kids around and having this type of situation!
Pastor Valentine and his wife pastor Full Gospel church and also run an orphanage out of their home which houses just under 30 kids. They range in age from 4 years old to 17 years old. They are doing a wonderful job raising these kids and we are so happy that we were able to help them out with this well project. They have been carrying their water quite a distance everyday. Imagine how much water would be carried on a daily basis for so many people. This would be water for laundry, bathing, cooking, cleaning, drinking etc.
While the guys were working on getting the container released from port, they were simultaneously managing the digging of this well. We are so proud of them! This last week they made the trip out to Ganta to take the final step, which was installing the hand pump. This well was placed in a different location than the original hole that had been dug. It is in a much better location for easy access and in a lower elevation for reaching water easier.
Here are some of the children that will be enjoying fresh water from this well! Mark, Pastor Valentine and Bestman are in the back.
Installation of the pump and piping begins!
Water!!!!
Shad and Bestman enjoying the moment :-)
Pastor and Mrs. Valentine thanking the contractor who installed the well.
Happy happy people ready to enjoy easy access to fresh water for life!
We want to send a big "Thank You" to all of you who have made this special project possible through prayer and financial support. These sweet people are a beacon of hope in their community shining the light and love of Christ all around.
This was their attempt at digging a well. I saw this hole when I visited them in March. They had begun trying to dig a well, which was done by hand. After going about 30 feet down, they had not hit water and the man who was digging was too afraid to go back in the hole. Wells like this can collapse on the person digging. They took a step of faith and although their water did not come from this particular source, God brought the water in His own time and through His own means. We believe He is not only blessing them for their faithfulness to caring for His children, but for their effort in working to bring the water they so desperately need.
So, they covered the hole with this board and these sticks and kept the faith that God would bring them water. I was very concerned about all of the kids around and having this type of situation!
Pastor Valentine and his wife pastor Full Gospel church and also run an orphanage out of their home which houses just under 30 kids. They range in age from 4 years old to 17 years old. They are doing a wonderful job raising these kids and we are so happy that we were able to help them out with this well project. They have been carrying their water quite a distance everyday. Imagine how much water would be carried on a daily basis for so many people. This would be water for laundry, bathing, cooking, cleaning, drinking etc.
While the guys were working on getting the container released from port, they were simultaneously managing the digging of this well. We are so proud of them! This last week they made the trip out to Ganta to take the final step, which was installing the hand pump. This well was placed in a different location than the original hole that had been dug. It is in a much better location for easy access and in a lower elevation for reaching water easier.
Here are some of the children that will be enjoying fresh water from this well! Mark, Pastor Valentine and Bestman are in the back.
Installation of the pump and piping begins!
Water!!!!
Shad and Bestman enjoying the moment :-)
Pastor and Mrs. Valentine thanking the contractor who installed the well.
Happy happy people ready to enjoy easy access to fresh water for life!
We want to send a big "Thank You" to all of you who have made this special project possible through prayer and financial support. These sweet people are a beacon of hope in their community shining the light and love of Christ all around.
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