Jesus Evangelism Ministries of Liberia

PUPPET SHOW AT OCC DISTRIBUTION

2011-04-25T10:13:00.003-04:00

Operation Christmas Child (OCC) is a ministry arm of Samaritan’s Purse which gives out shoe boxes to kids around the world; showing and sharing God’s love with children.

Operation Christmas Child also does distribution of shoe boxes to children in Liberia. On March 25, 2011, our puppet team was fortunate to perform at two of the OCC distributions. The first OCC distribution was done at one school. Here the puppet did two songs. Before the puppet songs, Rev. Benjamin gave a very short Bible message. The Children were very excited at the puppet show. There were about 72 kids present who received boxes.

This day was so special. It was special in that the President for Samaritan’s Purse, Rev. Franklin Graham was present to do the distribution.

The second OCC distribution was done in the afternoon at an orphanage home. The puppets did two songs. Before the two songs, Rev. Benjamin T. Munford did a very short gospel story. There were about sixty children. The kids were so happy. After the distribution, few kids who were asked confessed that they really enjoyed puppet show and hope they could come back again.

Kids love puppet shows and it is very effective in evangelism to kids as well as adults. With your support, many kids in Liberia will be able to hear the gospel and be saved. With you support, many kids in Liberia will be able to smile and laugh as well as have fun. With your support, we could reach lots with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

We are self-supported and will be able to do more with your support.

Many thanks and God bless you.

Yours,

Benjamin T. Munford

AGAPE PUPPETS LIBERIA

WEBSITE: benworkliberia.blogspot.com

EMAIL: bentmunford@yahoo.com

TEL: 231-612-3814 or 231-76—451-042

PUPPET SHOW AT THE ALPHA ACADEMY, MONROVIA, LIBERIA

2011-01-21T12:43:00.008-05:00

The ALPHA ACADEMY is an elementary and Junior High School. It has the enrollment of about one hundred fifty students. This school is located right behind where we live, in the ELWA ROCK HILL, DIAMOND CREEK COMMUNITY, Monrovia, Liberia, West Africa.

The Principal and Administration of the school accepted our request to do puppet show at their school on January 21, 2011.

The day was very bright and the sun was hot. The cool breeze from coast kept blowing. This cool breeze makes one feel a bit comfortable in the hall where we were having the show as it was hot inside.

The kids were out for their break when we got there and we used this time to set up our equipment. After the setup, the kids were ushered in the hall peacefully. The kids were very excited. For some, this was their first time. For others, this was their second time as they were able to see it when we have the DIAMOND CREEK COMMUNITY show.

We started the show and the puppet did one song after which Rev. Benjamin T. Munford gave the gospel message on the story of Joseph.

At the end of the message, kids prayed asking God to forgive them and asking God to help them to forgive others. They also asked Jesus to be their Savior and God to be their Father.

It was a great time! An exciting moment with the kids as one could see joy on their faces.

After the message, the puppets did one more song.

After the show, we were filled with joy when kids started to tell us how they have been blessed by the puppet show. Moreover, we were also encouraged when other kids were telling their friends who were not at the show concerning the puppet show and the Bible story.

There are thousands of kids here who need to be reached. And this can be done with your prayers and support. Please pray along with us and if you feel led to be a part of what God is doing through us, please feel free to get to us.

Pray with us that the seed planted in these kids will grow.

Benjamin T. Munford

Tel: 231-6-123-814

Training Pastors in the Bush

2010-09-01T13:48:00.003-04:00

JEM PASTOR TRAINING
MAY 1, 2010

As we kicked off Friday, April 30, 2010, at about 7:00PM, our vehicle started well but in the middle of our journey, it started to give some problems. It was not pulling well. However, with God’s help, we made it to Buchanan safely at 11:00PM.

The next day which was the first of May, we took off to the town where we usually have our training. We started our trip at 8:30AM and reached at 10:00AM. We were met upon arrival eleven of our students. This is the first day of training for the second phase after the first phase ended on April 10, 2010.

We started our classes at about 10:15AM and ended at 2:45PM. When we started, we took some time to review the lessons on PREACHING BIBLICAL MESSAGES which were taught during the first phase of the training. We also took time to look at the assignments which were given to the students to work on during the break.

After the review and looking at the assignments, we then went ahead to the lesson of the day. We dealt with FINDING THE MAIN IDEA OF A TEXT. We taught what the Main Idea of the text is and how to find it. In finding the MAIN IDEA of a text, one must consider two things:

1. FINDING THE SUBJECT
2. FINDING THE COMPLETER

The students were given some passages to find the Main Idea of those texts. The high light of the day was the graduation of the Pora-society which took place the very day we were having our training. The Pora-society is the Bush School for the men. This society is very strong in this region. Lots of our student could not come for the training because no one was allowed to leave the town in which the graduation was taken place. Hence, those of our students from that town could not come. Some of our students, however, could not come because they were going to be part of the ceremony. There are still some pastors and church leaders who are members of the Poro-Society and part of the church. Their eyes are still blind. That is why this training is so important for them. We pray that God will use this training to open their eyes.

Kindly pray for this training that God will move hearts to be part of this program by supporting it. As of now, this program is self supported. One trip cost $40.00US for fuel. We make about five trips for each phase of the training. Vehicle maintenance for a month is around $200.00US. Our program will end in October this year. We have completed the first phase and have three more phases to complete. This means we have about 20 trips to make. This will cost around $800.00US for fuel consumption and the maintenance for the balance four months will cost around $600.00US. All these have been shouldered by Mr. Munford from his personal funds since the program started in February.

Many thanks for your prayers.

"I Now Understand How to Plan a Sermon!"

2010-09-01T13:32:00.002-04:00

JEM PASTORS TRAINING
APRIL 10, 2010

The alarm went off at 4:30AM on Saturday, April 10, 2010. It was set to that time to get me ready to travel from Monrovia to Jauh Town for the pastors training. I usually leave the City of Monrovia every Friday, after work hour, to go to Buchanan. Then on Saturday, early in the morning, I leave Buchanan for Juah Town where the training takes place, about 36KM from Buchanan.

But this week, it was not so. I could not go on Friday. The vehicle was in the garage on Friday, April 9, 2010 and did not come out until late in the evening, around 9:00PM. Since it was late, I decided to travel on Saturday, April 10, 2010 by 5:00AM.

At 5:00AM on April 10, 2010, I took off from Monrovia and reached safely at about 9:00AM. The Lord graciously took me safely through. I rode with no spare tire as the night before, one of the tires had problem and we changed it. Being that it was late, I was not able to repair the tire. About 30 minutes drive to Juah Town, where we have the training; I left the tire at a tire repair shop for repair.

Our training started at 9:30AM and ended at 2:30PM with 20 pastors and church leaders present.
April 10, 2010 marks the end of the first phase of the pastors training which started in February. During this day, we taught on the course, PREACHING BIBLICAL MESSAGES and dealt with the third step to preaching biblical messages. Step three deals with finding the CENTRAL PROPOSITION OF THE TEXT (CPT). This has to do with discovering the main idea of the text. In doing so, one has to find the THEME (What is the author talking about?) and THRUST (What is the author saying about what he is talking about?).

Praise God for the level of understanding which some of the students are getting from the training.

Thanks for your prayers for these students. At the end of the class, students were asked to write down how the training has helped them. Below are some of their comments:

1. “From the training, I able to plan a short sermon”
2. “From this training, I now understand how to plan sermon”
3. “From this study, we have understood how to study the text and structure the text”

Our second phase will start May 1, 2010. Kindly pray for our training program:

1. That God will continue to provide us traveling grace
2. That God will open the eyes of the students to see the truths of God’s word
3. That God will empower them to apply what they will learn
4. That God will open the minds of the student to understand the lessons taught
5. That our vehicle will be in good running condition during our time of travel
6. That God will open doors for partnership which will enhance our work

Pastoral Training Continues

2010-09-01T13:23:00.003-04:00

JEM PASTORS TRAINING
April 3, 2010

Saturday, April 3, 2010 marks the fourth week of our pastors training in the District #2 area. Praise God that these students are trying to understand the lessons taught. Remember that these are pastors and church leaders who have little or no theological training.

We have been dealing with the course PREACHING BIBLICAL MESSAGES. There are seven steps to preaching biblical messages. Last week we completed the first step (STUDY THE TEXT). After our review, we started with the second step which is STRUCTURE THE TEXT.

In studying the text, the students were taught to observe the followings: 1. WORDS (Long words, Repeated words, and Unusual words) 2. RELATIONSHIPS (Grammatical relationship, Logical relationship, Psychological relationship, and contextual relationship) 3. LITERARY FORM (Is the passage a narrative, discourse, poetry, parable, miracle, or prophetic?)

The class was asked to study the text Matthew 28:1-10, taking into consideration all they have learned so far.

After a short break, we went into the second step to preparing biblical messages. In knowing how to structure the text, they were taught the two kinds of structure indicators: GRAMMATICAL KEY INDICATORS and CONTENT/SUBJECT INDICATORS.

After the lecture, the class was divided into five groups and given the text PS.1:1-2 to structure the passage. After 20 minutes, the groups made their presentations. The groups did well in structuring the passage of Ps. 1:1-2).

The class ended at 2:30PM with 23 persons from about ten local churches. Among them were 9 pastors, 4 evangelists and 10 other church leaders.

Kindly pray for the following:
1. Pray that God will give these students understanding
2. Pray that our vehicle will be in good running condition
3. Pray for traveling mercy
4. Pray for support to buy fuel for our vehicle

New Bibles Aid Pastoral Training

2010-09-01T13:13:00.003-04:00

JEM PASTORAL TRAINING
March 29, 2010

Saturday, March 27, 2010, marks the third day of the First Phase of our Rural Bible School for Pastors and Church Leaders. This is an eight month Bible School which started in March 13, 2010, at Juah Town, District #2, Grand Bassa County, Liberia. This Bible School will continue up to October 2010.

The highlight of the day was the distribution of Study Bibles called “THE REFORMATION STUDY BIBLE, ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION”. These Bibles were bought and sent for Pastors in Liberia through the help of the Rev. Travis D. Hutchinson of the Presbyterian Church of America. Twelve Study Bibles were distributed.

One of the pastors was very happy and thankful for the Study Bibles. He testified that he used to walk about two hours to a pastor friend to help prepare his sermons. Now with the help of this study Bible, he need not walk such distance again to prepare his message.

After the distribution, we started our class for the day. We started at about 10:15AM and ended at 2:50PM with 18 persons in attendance. The course taught for the day was PREACHING BIBLICAL MESSAGES. We were able to complete the first of the seven steps to preaching biblical messages.

Puppet Evangelism in Monrovia

2010-09-01T13:05:00.002-04:00

JEM AGAPE PUPPETs
NOVEMBER 25, 2009

Praise God for the opportunity we have to transport some of the puppet equipment to Monrovia. On Tuesday, November 24, we brought the puppet equipment to Monrovia with some of our puppeteers. Some of our team members were already in Monrovia.

On Wednesday, November 25, 2009, we have our first show on a football field. Kids as well as adults came rushing to see what was going on as we set up the stage. It was the first show of its kind in the city of Monrovia.

After three songs, Rev. Munford gave the message. At the end of the message, an altar call was made and we praise God that some adults and kids raised their hands to make a decision for Christ. They prayed, confessing their sins and asked Jesus into their hearts. Thereafter, our team members gave their testimonies.

On Friday, November 27, 2009, we were invited to do a puppet show at an elementary school. This was our second show in the city of Monrovia. There were about 125 kids at the school. They were very excited about the puppets. They have never seen such things before.

Pastor Munford gave the message on the Prodigal Son. At the end of the message, lots of kids said the sinner’s prayer, asking Jesus into their lives.

On Friday afternoon,we were blessed to do another show. It was held near a football field. There was a football match going on but we had our stage posted not very far from where the match was going on.

By the time we got through putting up our stage, the place was already crowded. People were coming to see what was going on. It became more crowded when the puppets started to sing. There were about 150 persons.

Pastor Munford gave the message under the title, “YOUR LIFE BEFORE DEATH DETERMINES YOUR LIFE AFTER DEATH” from the Book of Luke 16:19-31. Praise God that after the message, lots of people prayed to ask Jesus to be their Lord and Savior.

Praise God that the puppet show drew people who came to watch football game to watch puppet show and to give their lives to Christ.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2009

On Saturday, November 28, 2009, we were invited to do a puppet show at an AWANA Camp. This camp is for kids who meet every Saturday for some activities and Bible Study from 3:00PM to 5:00PM.

There were about 35 kids at the camp. The kids were very excited and really admired the show. After few songs, Pastor Munford shared God’s word with them. Pray for these kids to grow up knowing more of God and loving Him.

Please keep us in prayer as we want to do some puppet shows during the Christmas and New Year seasons. Pray that God will bring people to Himself and that people will grow in the Lord.

Puppet Evangelism in Monrovia

2010-02-15T09:58:00.002-05:00

JEM PUPPET TEAM
NOVEMBER 25, 2009

Praise God for the opportunity we have to transport some of the puppet equipment to Monrovia. On Tuesday, November 24, we brought the puppet equipment to Monrovia with some of our puppeteers. Some of our team members were already in Monrovia.

On Wednesday, November 25, 2009, we had our first show on a football field. Kids, as well as adults, came rushing to see what was going on as we set up the stage. It was the first of it kind in the city of Monrovia.

After three songs, Rev. Munford gave the message. At the end of the message, an altar call was given and we praise God that some adults and kids raised their hands to make a decision. They prayed, confessing their sins, and asked Jesus into their hearts. Afterwards, our team members gave their testimonies.

On Friday, November 27, 2009, we were invited to do a puppet show at an elementary school. This was our second show in the city of Monrovia. There were 125 kids at the school. They were very excited to the puppets. They have never seen such a thing before.

Pastor Munford gave the message on the Prodigal Son. At the end of the message, lots of kids said the sinner’s prayer, asking Jesus into their lives.

On Friday afternoon,we were blessed to do another show. It was held near a football field. There was a football match going on but we had our stage posted not very far from where the match was going on.

By the time we got through putting up our stage, the place was already crowded. People were coming to see what was going on. It became more crowded when the puppets started to sing. There were about 150 people.

Pastor Munford gave the message “YOUR LIFE BEFORE DEATH DETERMINES YOUR LIFE AFTER DEATH” from Luke 16:19-31. Praise God that after the message, lots of people prayed to ask Jesus to be their Lord and Savior.

Praise God that the puppet show drew people who came to watch football game to watch puppet show and to give their lives to Christ.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2009

On Saturday, November 28, 2009, we were invited to do a puppet show at an AWANA Camp. This camp is for kids who meet every Saturday for some activities and Bible Study from 3:00PM to 5:00PM.

There were about 35 kids at the camp. The kids were very excited and really admired the show.

After few songs, Pastor Munford shared God’s word with them.

Pray for these kids to grow up knowing more of God and loving Him.

Please keep us in prayer as we want to do some puppet shows during the Christmas and New Year seasons. Pray that God will bring people to Himself and that people will grow in the Lord.

Ben

9 May 2009 - Pastoral Training

2009-06-13T16:01:00.006-04:00

JEM PASTORAL TRAINING
SECOND PHASE
MAY 9, 2009

On May 8, 2009, Friday, at about 3:00PM, we took off from Monrovia in a four-door Hilux pickup for the city of Buchanan, Grand Bassa County. The 88-mile road, before the civil war was a one hour thirty minutes drive. Now the road is very bad and takes about three to four hours. By 6:30PM, we safely arrived in Buchanan.

Saturday, May 9, 2009, the day of our training, was cloudy. Before we took off, we discovered that the vehicle had a flat tire. After fixing it, we took off and arrived at Wayzon city where the training was to be held.

Our guest speaker was Pastor Tom T. Logan. He is a 1988 graduate of the African Bible College now called African Bible College University. Pastor Tom Logan is presently the Head Pastor of the Open Bible Standard Church in Buchanan.

Pastor Logan taught the course PASTORAL MINISTRY. His topic was, QUALIFICATIONS OF PASTORS. His texts came from ITim. 3:1-7’ Titus 1:6-9; IPet. 5:1-4.

One of the pastors testified that he has started to teach his leaders what he is learning from the seminar. We were greatly encouraged at his testimony and pray that others follow his footsteps.

One other pastor brought out a concern. “We the pastors do counsel and visit our members as well as encourage them. But we do not have anyone to counsel and encourage us. Our members look up to us that we have all,” the pastor stated. Being a pastor to the pastors is one of those things JEM wishes to see done.

The training ended at 2:30PM with about 25 students attending.

On our way back, the rain was very heavy. We could hardly see the road. Our vehicle has to drive slowly. Praise God we made it safely to Buchanan.

Pray with us that this training will greatly change the lives of these church leaders when it comes to leadership and ministry. Pray with us that God will continue to grant us traveling mercy as we travel on these bad roads.

Reported by Pas. Benjamin T. Munford

May 02 Pastoral Training

2009-06-12T13:26:00.002-04:00

We started our second phase of pastoral training this gone Saturday, May 2, 2009. We had 21 church leaders in attendance (the same people who started in the first phase).

The Rev. Tom T. Logan to taught on "PASTORAL MINISTRY". He dealt with the life of the pastor as well as the responsibilities of the pastor. No photos are available for this training.

We will continue our training Saturday, May 9, 2009.

BENJAMIN T. MUNFORD, Director - Jesus Evangelism Ministries

Puppet Show & Pastoral Training

2009-06-10T15:08:00.004-04:00

PASTORAL TRAINING AND PUPPET SHOW REPORT
APRIL 4, 2009

Saturday, April 4, 2009 was a very good sunny day. Buchanan is the second largest city in Liberia. This township is called Wayzon. It is not far from the LIBERIA AGRICULTURE COMPANY (LAC). This company is the second largest rubber company in Liberia. Most of the people in this township work with the rubber company.

This Saturday marked the last day of the first phase of our pastoral training. There were about 22 church leaders from 13 local churches. I taught the course “PREACHING BIBLICAL MESSAGES”. I have been teaching them the seven steps to preaching biblical messages.

At the close of our class, students were allowed to share their testimonies how the course has helped them. One pastor said the he was very grateful to be part of the training. For the course had helped him to be able to prepare sound and better messages. We were very encouraged from their testimonies and from the improvement seen from class discussion and work.

PUPPET SHOW

At about 4:15PM, we started our puppet show in a near by community, not very far from where we usually conduct our training. As we were setting up our stage, few kids started to come. But lot of kids and adults pulled in when the puppets were doing their first song. Quickly the news spread around in the community and the place was crowded. There were about 100 persons. There were more kids than adults.

After two songs by the puppets, one of our team, Pastor Malachi, preached the word of God. After his message, he gave the altar call and lots of kids as well as adults said aloud the sinner’s prayer. After the gospel message, the puppets did two more songs and we ended the show with a prayer.

We praise God for the opportunity we have to share the gospel with people through the use of puppet show.

Kindly remember us in your prayers.

Rev. Benjamin T. Munford

March 21 Ministry Training and Puppet Show

2009-06-05T12:21:00.005-04:00

Dear Friends,

We have been carrying out training for pastors and church leaders in the morning and conducting puppet shows in the afternoon in the rural part of Grand Bassa County (about 45 miles to Buchanan). March 21 was our third day of training and puppet show. Our team consisted of seven persons on the team: David, Doris, Eugine, Thomas, Mongar, Matthew and Ben.

After the devotion by Pastor Matthew Malachi (Matthew 5:13-16), I distributed 23 Reformation Study Bibles among the pastors and church leaders. These study Bibles were donated by students at Covenant College and the members of Highlands Presbyterian Church (where Rev. Travis D. Hutchinson is the pastor). Ligonier Ministries allowed Travis Hutchinson to purchase these Bibles at cost.

These church leaders did not have study Bibles or other study materials. They were very excited and thankful to God for such a gift. These study Bibles will greatly help them to do well in the course which I am teaching (PREACHING BIBLICAL MESSAGES).

In the afternoon we took our puppet equipment on the football field where we usually have our show. Before we got on the field, some of the kids were already there waiting. Some of the kids knew we were around because they saw us coming and they were all around where we were having our training.

Again, our puppet show went very successfully. About 200 kids and adults were at the show. After two songs by the puppets, the gospel was given and again we saw kids and adults raising their hands to make a decision for Christ. I preached about the story of Zacchaeus. Many prayed out loud to receive Jesus.

After the message, the Puppets did two more songs. While they were doing their last song, some government officials and community leaders came to have a brief meeting. While they were waiting for the others, we were able to watch our show.

Many thanks to all for your prayers.

Ben Munford (Director)

March 14 Ministry Training and Puppets

2009-06-05T10:52:00.004-04:00

On Saturday, March 14, 2009, we left with the puppet team for Wayzon, District #3 where we are carrying on the training and the puppet show. The training started in the morning at about 10:00AM and ended 2:00PM. For the two days, I have been teaching on the topic: "PREACHING BIBLICAL MESSAGES". We have 20 pastors/church leaders in attendance.

There was a very heavy rain that fell that Afternoon. But by the time we ended our training, the rain has stopped.

Before we went out for the puppet show, we have a time of prayer and practice for an hour. By about 3:00PM, we went on the football field which is not far from the training site. When the kids saw the vehicle, they knew we were there again for puppet show. They started to come. By the time we were finished with setting up our stage, the place was crowded. The kids were so many that were pressing in on us. We have rope to keep the kids at a distance, but they kept pressing in. It reminds me of the time when people crowded around Jesus by the Lake of Gennesaret (Luke 5:1). He has to get in a boat. We have to adjust our stage three times. These people and kids were hungry and thirsty for the things of God. There were about 400 person (kids and adults).

After some songs by the puppets, I shared the word of God. Lots of kids as well as adults said the prayer aloud confessing their sins and and asking Jesus into their hearts.

THE REV. BENJAMIN T. MUNFORD
Director - JEM
Director - Agape Puppets, Liberia

March 09 Pastoral Training

2009-06-03T11:54:00.004-04:00

(more webmaster tardiness!)

JEM PASTORAL TRAINING
WAYZON #3 COMPOUND, GRAND BASSA COUNTY
MARCH 8, 2009
REPORTED BY REV. BENJAMIN T. MUNFORD

On March 8, 2009, we started our first phase of our Pastoral Training. This training has four phases: The First Phase (March 7, 14, 21, and 28); Second Phase (May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30); Third Phase (July 4, 11, 18, 25) and the Fourth Phase (September 5, 12, 19, 26).

The key courses to be taught during this training are:

CHURCH MINISTRY, ADMINISTRATION AND EDUCATION
PREACHING BIBLICAL MESSAGES AND PASTORAL MINISTRY
BIBLE STUDY METHODS/INTERPRETATION
PREACHING PRINCIPLES AND METHODS
PERSONAL SPIRITUAL LIFE

Those who attended the first day training were about 13 persons from seven local churches. Of the 13, eight do not have any biblical knowledge. The seven local churches were given Sunday School materials. These Sunday School Materials were given to Pastor Munford by Linda Summer (Executive Director of Agape Puppets - International) when she came to Liberia. We also distributed about 60 cassettes of various sermons preached by Rev. Travis D. Hutchinson of Highlands Presbyterian Church (Georgia, USA).

After the distribution of the Sunday school materials and the cassettes, Rev. Benjamin T. Munford taught the course “PREACHING BIBLICAL MESSAGES” to the pastors and church leaders. This course is designed to help the pastors or church leaders prepare sound messages and how to interpret the scripture.

THE REV. BENJAMIN T. MUNFORD
Director - Jesus Evangelism Ministries

Sharing the Gospel with Puppets

2009-06-03T11:38:00.005-04:00

(note: as before, Pastor Ben sent me a timely report, but I'm posting it tardy!)

We left the city of Buchanan that Saturday morning for the Wayzon, District #3 Compound, Brand Bassa County, Liberia. It is about 45 miles from Buchanan, the second largest city of Liberia. I have six persons on the puppet team: David James, Thomas Johnson, Eugene, Doris Nagbe, Pas. Malachi and Mongar.

It was at about 3:00PM and the sun was very hot on March 7, 2009. We headed for the football field where we were to carry out our puppet show for the day. As our vehicle passed through the community, we had two of our puppets singing out the windows as the music played in the car. I looked through the view mirrors and one could see crowd of kids and adults following the vehicle.

We reached the site, the community football field, where we were to do our puppet show. By the time we got through setting up our equipment and stage, the place was crowded with kids and adults. More people came as the puppets did their first three songs. About 300 persons were in attendance, both adults and kids.

After the first three songs, Rev. Benjamin Munford gave a message from God’s word on the theme: GOD’S JUDGMENT. His text was Hebrews 9:27. When the altar call was made, about 100 persons made decisions, saying the sinners’ prayer aloud.

After the message, the puppets sang two more songs and we brought the show to an end. The kids and adults were very excited about the puppet show. They have never seen such thing before. We bless God that we can use such mean to reach people with the gospel.

We bought some packs of candy for the kids. We decided to distribute them among the kids. It was pretty difficult organizing these kids to divide the packs of candy.

I saw kids with no footwear and no good wearing (poor clothes). But this did not stop them from coming out to watch the show and listen to God’s word. I talked with some kids after the show and one could see the love for God in their eyes. Lots of these kids are not in school.

We will be having puppet shows during these times: The First Phase (March 7, 14, 21, and 28); Second Phase (May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30); Third Phase (July 4, 11, 18, 25) and the Fourth Phase (September 5, 12, 19, 26).

Kindly keep us in your prayers that God will open the eyes of these people to fully follow Him. Pray that God will grant us traveling mercy and make transportation available during these dates.

THE REV. BENJAMIN MUNFORD
Director - Jesus Evangelism Ministries
Director - Agape Puppets - Liberia

A Belated Christmas Report

2009-03-10T14:11:00.006-04:00

(note: This report is late making it to the website because of my tardiness in posting it, not of Pastor Ben's tardiness in making it!)

On Saturday morning, December 20, I traveled to Buchanan to spend the Christmas holiday there. In the afternoon, I put together a short Christmas drama to be performed by the puppets.

On Sunday, I met and practiced with three of my four faithful puppeteers: Pastor Malachi, Eugene, and Mongar. We also have our second practice on Monday. Our practice went very well. Kids and adults came around to watch our practice show. We also fixed few balloons to give to the kids on Christmas Day.

On Wednesday, December 24, the sun was bright and the weather was great and promising. This was the day we planned to do our Christmas Drama. We brought our equipment outside from the house and decided to carry the most needed ones.

We placed two boxes of puppets in a wheelbarrow. I asked some of my kids to go with us to carry some of the equipment on their heads. One took the puppet stage and the other took the speaker. I took one bag on my back and Pastor Malachi took one bag on his back.

After 20- 25 minutes of walking, we reached the site. It was on the street, near business centers. We set up the stage and everything. It was about 5:00PM. We were four persons on the team.

As we were setting up the stage, crowd of people started to come around. More started to come around as the puppet did their first Christmas song. Even two UN vehicles stopped to watch the show. Praise God those Muslim Peace Keepers and heard the gospel through our Christmas drama.

At the end of the drama, I gave a short message about the purpose of Christmas (Matt. 1:21-25). At the end of the message, altar call was made and lots of kids as well as adults prayed out loud asking Jesus to forgive them and be their Lord and Savior. About 200 persons attended this show. However, across the street, were lots of people at the business centers who also heard the gospel.

A little girl after the show shared with me how she was greatly blessed by the drama. It is my heart burden to see these kids and adults been follow-up and discipled.

On December 25, we were not able to have our Christmas party for kids. Therefore, we gave out those balloons we fixed to the kids who came around.

New Pastoral Program Training

2009-02-23T13:22:00.002-05:00

We will be having a pastoral training program starting on March 7, continuing weekly in March and going through Mary, July, and September.

After the morning sessions, we will be having evangelistic puppets shows on a football field.

The courses are:
Church Ministry and Administration
Preaching Biblical Messages and Pastoral Ministry
Bible Study Methods and Interpretation
Principles and Methods of Preaching
Personal Spiritual Life

Please be in prayer for this training, that many pastors would attend and be built up in their ministries.

Youth Leadership Seminar

2008-07-10T17:27:00.002-04:00

June 24 was a sunny day. It was the third day of JEM youth leadership training seminar which started June 7, 2008.

The topic for the day was: YOUTH IN MARRIAGE/YOUTH PREPARING FOR MARRIAGE. Our keynote speaker was Bro. Eddie Tokpa. Bro. Tokpa works with Samaritan’s Purse International Relief Liberia. He is the Assistant Program Manager for Ministry.

The seminar was attended by 78 persons from 16 local churches. These were pastors, churches leaders and youth leaders.

Bible Distribution

2008-07-10T17:17:00.002-04:00

There are about 2 million pastors in the world’s underdeveloped countries. Out of this, 1.9 million have no theological or pastoral training.

The US Center for World Mission estimates that about 86% of pastors and church leaders in rural Africa have no formal theological or pastoral training.

JEM has the burden of helping pastors and church leaders get biblical training and have them equipped for effective ministry. One way of doing this is giving out Study Bibles. These Study Bibles will help the pastors and church leaders in their study of God’s word.

June 21, 2008, JEM again distributed about 40 Reformation Study Bibles to pastors and church leaders in the city of Buchanan, Liberia.

JEM Vocational Institute

2008-06-25T16:45:00.002-04:00

JEM is not only concerned with meeting spiritual needs of people, we also strive to meet the physical and educational needs. It is our hope to evangelize and build the Kingdom of God through vocational training. As students come to gain skills, the JEM staff give them the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

On June 14 JEM had an orientation for our Vocational Institute. About 25 prospective students attended the orientation. Classes will start on Monday, June 23, 2008. The school is free of charge and will run for eight months. Our first course is Clerical Typing.

We are praying to add computer courses in the near future.

Youth Leadership Seminar Brings Growth

2008-06-25T16:23:00.006-04:00

June 14, 2008 was a wet and rainy day. Despite the rain, the youth came. 32 young people came from seven local churches to our seminar at the Buchanan Open Bible Standard Church, Buchanan City, Liberia.

The Rev. Benjamin T. Munford taught on the subject “The Laws of Leadership”.

Pastor Munford used PowerPoint for his presentation, but participants still had to go back and forth from their seats to catch a better look at what were on the screen. Technology is always a hurdle in Liberia.

The young people also watched an Alpha Course DVD, "How Do I Resist Evil?"

After the message, 15 young people rededicated their lives to the Lord.

Phase II of Youth Leadership Seminar Begins

2008-06-11T18:21:00.003-04:00

Please be in prayer for the JEM Youth Leadership Seminar. Over 30 young people from 30 churches are attending. The Rev. Matthew Malachi of the United Liberian Inland Church spoke during phase II on June 7 and the young people also received Alpha Course video training.

Please pray for the young people of Liberia that they would seek after Jesus and forsake the world. Pray that they would be built up in true knowledge, righteousness and holiness as well as godly wisdom. Pray that the church in Liberia would have a vision for reaching the lost and transforming Liberia. Pray for the leadership of JEM, that they would steward limited resources for God's glory.

Bibles given to Liberian Pastors

2008-06-11T17:16:00.002-04:00

"I am very grateful for the coming of the Bibles. It
really signal a message to the people. Someone
testified that he was thankful that we made a promise
and it was fulfilled. But others made promises and
never abide by them." (Ben Munford)

These are pictures of one of the Bible distribution times for the 170 Reformation Study Bibles which we sent to Liberia. One brother walked for four hours to receive his Bible. Another brother had been borrowing someone else's Bible every time he preached.

A huge thanks from our brothers and sisters in Liberia to all of you who were used by the Lord to make this happen!

Reformation Study Bibles for Liberian Pastors!

2008-06-11T13:33:00.003-04:00

After several years, we were finally able to see study Bibles arrive in Liberia for the pastors who attended our preaching training under Pastor Travis Hutchinson. By the grace of our Almighty God, we saw a cooperative effort of Ligonier Ministries, Covenant College students, Highlands Presbyterian Church, Pastor James Yarsiah, and JEM bear fruit with the arrival of 170 Reformation Study Bibles in Liberia, West Africa.

Above is the picture of JEM director, Benjamin Munford (left) and David Yarsiah (right) with the Bibles. David's brother, James Yarsiah, is an Episcopalian rector in South Carolina, and he allowed us to ship Bibles with his container to Liberia.

In a nation without theological education during 15 years of war, these Bibles meet a desperate need. While the situation is quickly improving, many pastors still have very little training and no study materials.

Praise God for his faithfulness to his people.

Youth Leaders Training Seminar IV

2008-03-17T22:24:00.006-04:00

March 8, 2008 was our third day of the Youth Leadership Training Seminar, which the JESUS EVANGELISM MINISTRIES INC (JEM) started on February 16, 2008.

There is a need to guard our young people in deciding what to do in life. Hence, we chose as one of our topics, “YOUTH CAREER DEVELOPMENT”.

The first section of the seminar was taught by Rev. Abraham Kollie on YOUTH CAREER DEVELOPMENT. Rev. Abraham Kollie is the General Secretary of the United Liberia Inland Church Liberia. He is also the head pastor of United Liberia Inland Church in Buchanan.

During our second section, we were blessed to watch a DVD on one of the speakers at the LEADERSHIP SUMMIT 2005 in WILLOW. The speaker was Pas. Kenneth Ulmer. He is the Senior Pastor of the Faithful Central Bible Church, USA. He spoke on the theme: “A LEADER’S UNSHAKEABLE RESOLVE” from the text, I Cor. 4:9 and I Cor. 2:2.

His message was a great blessing for the youth leaders who attended the seminar.

The seminar was attended by 33 youth leaders from 11 local churches.

One of the participants wrote a letter to Rev. Munford and below is his comment:

“I want to extend thanks and appreciation to your ministries. This has been a great assistance to us. This youth leadership training has helped me a lot. It makes me to know my role in leadership and hopes to develop the church. There are many things I learned on Leadership, Church Planting, Goal Setting, etc.”

“Many thanks and God bless you as you continue this training in Buchanan. “

The Rev. Benjamin T. Munford
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - JEM

Youth Leaders Training Seminar III

2008-03-17T22:21:00.004-04:00

March 1, 2008 was our third day of the Youth Leadership Training Seminar, which the JESUS EVANGELISM MINISTRIES INC (JEM) started on February 16, 2008.

Living right had been a problem not only among adults but also among the youth. To help in this area, we chose as one of our subjects, “CHRISTIAN LIVING”.

Rev. Tom T. Logan, Pastor of the Buchanan Open Bible Standard Church, was our first speaker. He spoke on “Christian Living”.

The second section was taught by Rev. Benjamin T. Munford. He taught on “Leadership”. He talked about TRUST, the solid foundation for leadership. He brought out how CHARACTER makes TRUST possible and how TRUST makes LEADERSHIP possible.

The seminar was attended by 36 youth leaders from 10 different local churches in the city of Buchanan.

Many thanks.

The Rev. Benjamin T. Munford
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - JEM

Youth Leaders Training Seminar II

2008-03-15T21:55:00.005-04:00

February 23, 2008 was the second day of the Youth Leadership Training Seminar, which the JESUS EVANGELISM MINISTRIES INC (JEM) started on February 16, 2008.

There seem to be no vibrant youth ministry in the city of Buchanan and its environs now. Youth ministry in the local churches is very weak. If this problem is not dealt with in the shortest possible time, we can surely predict what will become of the local churches in the years to come. For the youth are the future leaders of the church. If we neglect training and equipping them, we are surely neglecting the dream of having a strong Bible believing church. With this mind, JEM had decided to use this year as a year of training and equipping youth leaders of the churches in Buchanan and other places in Liberia.

At about 9:00AM, on February 23, Youth Leaders started to flock in for the seminar at the Buchanan Open Bible Standard Church, located at Central Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, Liberia.

After the registration, Pastor Matthew Malachi of the United Liberia Church led the devotion from the text 1 Peter 5:7. The devotion was a time of discussion. The group discussed on “WHAT IS WORRY?”, “WHAT CAUSES WORRY” and “HOW CAN WE CAST OUR WORRY ON HIM?”

The rate of teenage pregnancy and unwanted pregnancy is getting high among the youth causing school age girls to drop from school. To help solve this problem, we decided to have as one of our topics, “CHRISTIAN DATING”.

The first speaker, Rev. Tom Teyon Logan, pastor of the Buchanan Open Bible Standard Church, and graduate of the African Bible College, in Yekepa, Liberia, spoke on the topic “CHRISTIAN DATING”.

The second speaker was Rev. Benjamin T. Munford. He spoke on the topic: “LEADERSHIP” from the book called “THE 21 IRREFUTABLE LAWS OF LEADERSHIP”. He dealt with Law four through Law five.

Our last session was held after lunch. During this last session, we were blessed to watch a film on leadership. It is a video on the 2005 leadership summit at Willow Creek Fellowship. The speaker was Rick Warren. He spoke on “LEADERSHIP IN STEWARDSHIP”.

The seminar ended at 2:15PM with about 33 youth leaders from 10 local churches in attendance.

Kindly keep us in prayer for the third week of the first phase training which will be on March 1, 2008 at the Buchanan Open Bible Standard Church.

Many thanks.

The Rev. Benjamin T. Munford
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Tel: 2317-701-1472

Youth Leaders Training Seminar

2008-03-14T08:10:00.004-04:00

PHASE ONE WEEK ONE
February 16, 2008

During the past three years, JESUS EVANGELISM MINISTRIES (JEM) has been conducting series of seminars for pastors, church leaders and lay leaders.

This year 2008, however, JEM had decided to concentrate on training and equipping youth leaders from various churches. This, we hope will enable our young people to become better future leaders of our churches and nation tomorrow. If we are able to establish a vibrant youth ministry through our training program, we can ensure having an efficient and effective youth ministry in our churches.

Our first phase of Youth Leaders’ Training for this year started February 16, 2008, at the Open Bible Standard Church, in the city of Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, Liberia.

The first speaker, Pastor Love W. Gibson, spoke on the topic “HIV/AIDS”.

Our first speaker works with Samaritan's Purse Liberia as County Coordinator for the OVC (ORPHANS and VULNERABLE CHILDREN) Program which is a section of the HIV/AIDS Department.

The second speaker was Rev. Benjamin T. Munford. He spoke on the topic: “THE 21 IRREFUTABLE LAWS OF LEADERSHIP”.

After lunch, we had our last session. During this last session, we witness a film called “The Ancient Path”. It is a video on Church Planting Training for Oral Cultures. The speaker spoke on: The process of Church Planting, and Story Telling in Church Planting.

We trained about 35 youth leaders from 10 local churches!

Kindly keep us in prayer for the second week training of phase one which will be on February 23, 2008 at the Open Bible Standard Church.

Many thanks,

The Rev. Benjamin T. Munford
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
JEM

Greetings from West Africa

2008-03-12T14:43:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the website of Jesus Evangelism Ministries of Liberia West Africa. JEM is a ministry of evangelism, pastoral training, and church equipping in Buchanan, Liberia. The Rev. Benjamin Munford is the director of JEM.

This website is new, so please check back to find out some of the wonderful things Christ is doing in West Africa!