Nearly two years ago, we began discussions about taking an Ambassador Trip to Africa — a short-term mission designed to encourage and equip our global church family while building up the local churches of each team member as they share their experiences upon their return. When I asked our Africa Area Director, Bryce Whiting, which country he’d recommend for a first-time team, he didn’t hesitate: “Liberia.” So, to Liberia we went.
Over the next year and a half, plans slowly came together. Our Advent Christian conference in Liberia includes about 16 churches, and when we asked the pastors what would serve them best, their answer was simple: “Teaching! We want sound biblical and theological teaching.” We began to pray that God would raise up the right people — and he did.
God brought together seven men and women from across the U.S., including three pastors from New England who would lead the pastor’s conference, and a team with people from Missouri to Massachusetts to lead a children’s ministry. We met monthly on Zoom for devotion, planning and prayer.
On Friday, September 26, our team of nine gathered at Washington Dulles Airport, ready to go — though the day began with an unexpected change. International Missions Director Jeff Walsh had to withdraw at the last minute due to a medical emergency. Bryce and I suddenly found ourselves leading the trip together, trusting that God’s plan was still good.
After nearly 24 hours of travel through Ethiopia to Monrovia, Liberia, we arrived — exhausted but grateful — all our luggage intact. Sunday morning found us worshiping at Bethel Advent Christian Church, where we’d serve throughout the week. “Prayers,” as they call the service, was a joyful mix of singing, dancing and praise. Bryce preached that morning, and the joy of the congregation set the tone for the week ahead.
From Monday onward, our days filled quickly. Each morning began with breakfast and prayer in Bryce’s apartment, then a lively taxi ride with our driver, Mr. Bishop, who became a dear friend. At the church, we joined in songs and dancing before starting the day’s teaching.
The pastors’ conference focused on equipping leaders to handle Scripture faithfully. Rev. Nathaniel Bickford taught biblical interpretation; Rev. Jacob Hansen followed with lessons on preaching the Old Testament; and Rev. Tom Loghry closed each day with sessions on living out our created purpose and God’s redemptive plan in Christ. The pastors eagerly engaged with each teaching, asking thoughtful questions and discussing how to apply the lessons in their own ministries.
In the afternoons, our Children’s Program Team gathered the local kids for songs, games and Bible stories. Stacie Howk led the teaching, Shiloh and Daniel Roberts led singing and games and Rev. Nathan Rogers used balloon animals to illustrate gospel truths. The sounds of laughter and singing filled the church courtyard each day.
Evenings brought time for rest, dinner, and reflection together. The hotel staff, especially our friend Christiana, cared for us each night as we had dinner in the hotel restaurant. Each night we gathered for a time of prayer and sharing, recounting how God had worked through the day’s moments — big and small.
Throughout the week, I was struck by the theme of sacrifice. Our team had given much — time, money, required vaccinations, visas — but the sacrifices of our Liberian brothers and sisters moved me just as deeply. Pastors traveled long distances at their own expense to attend. The women of the church prepared meals for us daily, and the women of the conference gifted us with handmade African clothing. The pastors received Bibles in their own Bassa language, a gift from Rev. Tom Loghry with the help of other team members. Mr. Bishop faithfully transported us each day, always with a smile.
Every act of generosity reflected the heart of Christ — a sacrificial love that gives without counting the cost.
As our week ended, I realized that this is the core of missions: sharing in the love of Christ that crosses oceans and cultures, a love that serves, gives, and lays itself down.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son.”
That is the love that sent us to Liberia — and the love that calls us all to go and make disciples.
To find out more about Ambassador Trips, contact our missions office at [email protected].
