JUNE MISSION OF THE MONTH
Sister Church Bethlehem Temple and Gretta Moffat Student Support
Our relationship with Liberia began in 2005, and we have had a strong connection with them supporting access to clean water, food, and education for children. Progress has been made in all these areas, but significant needs remain, especially with access to education for rural children.
Bethlehem Temple-Our sister church is in a very remote bush area, often completely flooded and unreachable during the rainy season. They struggle to have adequate food supplies, to battle numerous health conditions, and to provide education opportunities for the children. Yet they remain faithful, hopeful, and appreciative of our relationship with them.
Gretta Moffat Student Support-In 2017, we began an effort to help the children of the rural John Dean Town area go to school. We worked with Jerry Giah, the principal of Gretta Moffat School, to pair up students with sponsor families from our church. Although the pairing system is now not practical, our donations of $50.00 per student covers uniforms, school supplies, and some of the tuition.
In August 2021, Principal Jerry Giah reported that there were 143 students attending Gretta Moffat school, with four students graduating from the eighth grade. The number of children starting school continues to increase due to our scholarships, as does the number of students graduating from the eighth grade. Graduating from eighth grade in rural Liberia is a huge accomplishment. Although we are no longer able to receive individual pictures with updates for each child, Principal Giah sends regular emails, student lists, group pictures and an annual school report.
In October 2021, we sent $3000 to help support Gretta Moffat students with tuition, uniforms, and supplies for the '21-'22 school year, which started in November. We were also able to provide continued support for the two high school students (Peter Tedoe and Decontee Gray) who are now in 10th grade and to add support for another student in the 9th grade. The recommended donation for the high school students is now $300.00 per school year. We also recently heard that twenty young children from our sister church, Bethlehem Temple, benefited from the scholarship funds that were sent in 2019, and they are hoping for continued support.
To provide updates regarding the Liberia students and educational programs that we support, we have added a Liberia update section on the Kiosk. You can also check my Facebook page which sometimes has pictures and videos sent from Principal Giah.
South Lyon FUMC is doing amazing work around the world by helping these children get an education and your support is greatly appreciated! Please keep our Liberian brothers and sisters in your prayers and prayerfully consider giving to the Liberia Mission of the Month which will support Bethlehem Temple, students at Gretta Moffat school, and three Gretta Moffat graduates in high school. All donations will go into the same fund, and there is no specific amount requested. Please email Patti Yerke at
[email protected] if you have any questions.
Please give as God calls you to give. Blessings, The Mission Team.
