Provision of Hope

May 23, 2020 / Mercy Ministry

Relief for the Blind and Handicapped

This week Provision of Hope’s Mercy Outreach Team took food packages to the blind and the handicapped, on the streets of Monrovia. These are the desperate ones. Typically you see their children lead them up to cars on the street to beg for their daily food. Now with all the restrictions there are fewer cars resulting in less help for these families. Their children have no hope of ever going to school. My heart breaks for them.

A young girl leads her blind mother to get her food portion.

Even a small amount of food brings HOPE to these ones.

We purchased 23 bags of rice, tins of chicken, vegetable oil, biscuits for the children and vita cubes. For the smaller families the rice could last up to 7 days.

Thank you to our Team of 8 Volunteers, who worked very hard on all the packaging. Not everyone is on this photo.

Another child leads his blind father for their package.

Jeremiah, one of our volunteers, giving a food package to a blind man.

Each bag contained 14-15 cups of rice, a bottle of vegetable oil, a can of chicken, 3 vita cubes and a package of biscuits.

We pre-registered 65 persons to receive packages. We had some food items left over so those were given out to others who did not have tickets.

Daniel Coleman ( Mercy Ministry Director) is with Pastor Malcolm Harris ( Country Director) Thank you both for your supervision today!

It is your donations that make all this possible!! Thank you so much!!

Thank you to Love Justice International for your help during our pandemic! Your work worldwide is amazing.

Click here to donate

April 23, 2020 / Mercy Ministry

Thanking God for His Peace in Troubled Times

Karen Barkman / 2 Comments

Today I am thanking God for His Peace and meditating on the words of Jesus in John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” For so many in Liberia right now, I am asking God for His Peace.

Peace for those who are facing a lack of food. Peace for those who need medical drugs. Peace for those who fear covid-19 or those who need medical care but are too afraid to go near a hospital. Jesus speaks to the storm in your life ” Peace be still”

Thank you to our donors who are helping us with extra food and medicines. Thank you for your prayers as we all pray for one another going through this hard time.

Our Mercy Ministry Director Daniel Coleman and his volunteers have been busy purchasing food supplies and hand sanitizing materials for those in need. We are trying to help as many people as we can. So many are out of food because they are not able to work their small businesses. The Liberian Government has extended the State of Emergency to 60 days in order to prevent the spread of the virus. It’s a very trying time for everyone. It’s surprising how much food we can purchase for $ 50. That’s enough to keep a small family going for a month.

Daniel Coleman delivers food and sanitizing materials to Bendu Kollinson and her uncle.

Maybe Mulbah is desperate for food right now. We were able to help her with supplies. These will last for a few weeks.

Kadiatu and her mother called. They were desperate for food. They have several children to feed.

Paula Smith is someone we empowered with a small business. She is struggling to sell now because of the lock down.

As we have funds we continue to purchase supplies for those in our family who are most desperate. Tenneh is a young widow of 3 children. We empowered her too for business, but right now she is not selling.

Mamie Roberts is a single mother with 4 children to feed.

Otis Jallah and his family were desperate for food.

Patrick Williams was sponsored through Gr. 12 on our program. He has a job in a school as a maintenance worker but now the schools are closed. There is no means to make money for food.

Naomi and her 4 children were happy to get food supplies. They were out too.

Our volunteers are working hard at putting food supplies together. We all hope this pandemic will soon end!

It is your donations that make all this possible!! Thank you so much!!

Click here to donate

April 9, 2020 / Mercy Ministry

STATE OF EMERGENCY

Karen Barkman / 0 Comments

President George Weah has just declared Liberia a STATE OF EMERGENCY.

“Therefore, by the authority granted to me under Articles 85, 86, 87 and 88 of the Liberian Constitution and after due consultation with the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro-Tempore of the Liberian Senate as required by law, I, George Manneh Weah, President of the Republic of Liberia, hereby, declare a State of Emergency to exist in and throughout the Republic of Liberia for a period of three weeks renewable until the threat to Liberia from the COVID-19 Virus no longer exists.”

– George Weah, President of Liberia

Please join us in prayer for Liberia. They are also praying for you and your families. We are all in this together to encourage each other through this time of crisis. God is with us! Psalms 91 or “911” is a good prayer to pray.

This blog post is a plea for help. My emails are going crazy with requests for food and medicines. MANY people who were doing small business to survive are not able to do this now. One example is Eric Gbour who runs a taxi to help bring in funds to run their Children’s Home. He has parked his car. One, they are not allowed to take more than 3 passengers, and two there is a limited amount of gas at high prices. This means there are less funds for food.

We are trying our best to help our 4 Children’s homes with extra food and home medicines so they can treat their children if they get any flu like symptoms like malaria or the common cold.

We also have single mothers and widows who will find this time very stressful. For $ 50 we can buy several items which we did for Frances Chea’s family. Frances has been empowered but because of the strict lockdown commencing Friday April 10th, she will not be allowed to sell her goods.

“Throughout this period, residents may leave home only for essential journeys like reasons of health and food which should be restricted to your local communities only and be limited to a single person per household for a maximum of one hour,” President Weah taken from FRONT PAGE AFRICA

Daniel Coleman and Jeremiah Gaye take a $ 50 package of food supplies to Francess and her girls.

Ruth and Favor are delighted to see food in the house.

$ 50 Buys a Bag of Rice, Cream of Wheat, Cans of Fish, Hand washing soaps, Laundry soap, Vegetable Oil, Vita Cubes and Seasonings.

Favor holds up the sign Provision of Hope has been posting all over different communities.

Provision of Hope’s Relief Team is posting Preventative Measures Signs in various locations.

We are also trying to help nurses at the Phebe Hospital who are needing gloves, hand sanitizers and masks. $ 150 was able to buy all these supplies. 100 masks, 4 boxes of gloves, 10 bottles of hand sanitizers. We will soon need more.

We want everyone to take precautions and especially to obey these simple rules.

Faith is a nurse at the Phebe Hospital. Provision of Hope sent her to purchase gloves, masks, and hand sanitizers. This is a desperate need right now.

It is your donations that make all this possible!! Thank you so much!!

Click here to donate

March 24, 2020 / Mercy Ministry

COVID-19 confirmed in Liberia

Karen Barkman / 0 Comments

Liberia announced it’s first coronavirus case on March 16. Unfortunately it came via Nathaniel Blama, the head of Liberia’s Environmental Protection Agency, coming back after a conference in Europe. This was the fearsome news EVERYONE dreaded!! They all remember the devastation of the deadly Ebola Virus, just 4 years ago. Liberia was hit the hardest of all the West African Nations that had a combined death toll of 11,315. Liberia, we are praying for you, asking God to protect you!

On March 20th they confirmed their third case of Covid-19. The Ministry of Health has declared a National Health Emergency. Both Montserrado and Margibi Counties are designated as infected areas. Schools, churches, entertainment facilities, hair salons etc. are all ordered to shut down. They are advised to practice social distancing. ” We are told to stay home” Read more here Covid-19 in Liberia

Provision of Hope is doing what we can to make sure our children and our widows stay safe and have what they need in this crisis. Pray for peace and not panic. More and more people are coming to us, asking for help! They need food. Mostly they are afraid. Afraid of a food shortage. Afraid of no money for medicine if they get sick. It’s a time for all of us to encourage each other and pray for this global epidemic to end!

The verse I am claiming these days for our family at home and in Liberia is ” I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until this disaster has passed” Ps. 57:1 Know this: It will pass! Until then we will strengthen each other and do what we can to help each other through this time.

Our widows received their bags of rice and oil on Saturday. Each was instructed to do the proper hand washing, just like in the days of Ebola. They did not have the benches out, nor did they gather in a large group. One by one they received their supplies and went home. They usually gather to sing and praise the Lord together. They pray and someone shares and encourages them. We hope they will soon be back to their regular meetings.

Each widow carefully washes her hands under the sanitized water.

One of our dear widows ready to go back home. The photos below are ones we took in February.

Precautions are taken serious.

We are all praying God’s protection over our widows. These are the most vulnerable. We meet two times a month with over 100 each time. We have another large group in Maryland that Dapae facilitates.

Daniel Coleman is our Director of Mercy Ministry and has an incredible heart for our widows.

One of my highlights every year is meeting with our widows. They are precious!!

We are always so warmly welcomed!!

We have a team of six volunteers who help Daniel Coleman distribute rice to over 100 widows.

Having a great time with Mae Clowe!!

When the widows start to worship heaven comes down!!!

Liberia Widows Praising God

March 8, 2020 / Hope Homes

International Women’s Day

Karen Barkman / 0 Comments

Today on International Women’s Day we honor the mothers in our Children’s Homes!!

Mothers of our Children in Liberia, we stand up to applaud you today! You deserve recognition and praise for how you LOVE and NURTURE your precious children! You will always be remembered and loved by the children you are giving your life to today! You keep going even when you are very tired. You smile when you don’t feel like smiling! You go the extra mile! Today we honor you and pray for you. May the JOY of the Lord continue to be your strength!!

Kamah Gbour takes care of 20 children.

Rita Dapae is a mother to 11 children.

Benetta is a mother of 15 children.

Ma Esther has 11 children in her home.

Bernice takes care of 8 children.

Rose takes care of 5 children

Kamah with her precious children.

Rita and Dapae with their children in their school uniforms. A couple are missing from this photo. They were off to school early.

Benetta with their children in Buchanan. We also honor Ma Nyondaynieh, Otis’ sister who is also a mother in this home and a very big help!

Ma Esther with her children in February 2020.

Bernice with 4 of her children.

Rose and Andrew with 4 of their children. Congratulations!!! Rose just delivered a baby girl today!! this is their first baby!!!!

Mothers are a vital part of every home! Like William Ross Wallace wrote, ” The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world” Mothers influence their children and prepare them for their future. Mothers are the heart of the home. Mothers today we honor you!! God bless you!!

February 26, 2020 / Trip Reports

Honorary Awards Night in Liberia

Karen Barkman / 11 Comments

What a Spectacular Event hosted by African Women for Jesus 2020!!

Thank you so much Dr. Matilda Tarr and your outstanding committee for the great job you did in hosting this conference and awards dinner! You know how to walk in a culture of honor and you demonstrate it well!

How can I possibly put into words the transformation, this whole trip has had on me individually and on those who traveled with me. It’s like Mae Clowe voiced enthusiastically, stepping into the first day at the conference, ” Wow! I met my tribe!!” I agreed, these are mighty women of God! A force to reckon with!

Dr. Matilda Tarr in orange and green. Your Excellency Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor next to Dr. Tarr. We had a great visit!

Thank you so much for awarding me with the Service to Humanity 2020 Impact Award and for asking me to be the speaker at this Red Carpet Dinner Event with so many international dignitaries in the room. I am both humbled and grateful. I was honored to invite 21 guests who have all been a part of making Provision of Hope Liberia Inc. what it is today! Like I said in my speech, “ We are taking this award together, because with out you, and your dedication to Provision of Hope and the poor of Liberia, there would be no award for me” I say the same to our donors in Canada and the US, without you there would not be an award” Sometimes you just know, ” God sees what you do in secret, behind the scenes and He lets you know in some unusual way, that He is with you!” This felt like that! It felt so good to share in this celebration with the people who really deserve the credit…. those who wear the boots on the ground, and those in North America who so faithfully keep on giving!

Impact Award for Service to Humanity marking 16 plus years.

I was gifted this beautiful dress!

Pastor Malcolm and Kula Harris at the Award Dinner.

It was wonderful chatting with Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor. She is one powerful woman of God!!

I said yes to serving on the Board of African Women for Jesus!

Pastor Aaron Paul who is an Incorporator of Provision of Hope and Pastor Wah Dapae who is the father of our Children’s Home in Maryland.

The Chaplain for the entire Military of Sierra Leone was at this conference,

Taking the award for The Team who are all part of this achievement!

Serving Liberia’s poor for over 16 yrs. as a volunteer.

Eric and Kamah came to celebrate with everyone.

We met so many outstanding men and women who are making a difference!

I felt a strong connection to walk with Bishop Matilda Tarr.

Karen with Bishop Matilda Tarr and Mae Clowe

African Women for Jesus 2021 will be held in Sierra Leone! This is a move that will be unstoppable. These women will take Africa for Jesus!!

This was an excellent place to connect with other NGO’s like Clemintina the Founder of Straight From My Heart

January 21, 2020 / Trip Reports

Off to Liberia Tomorrow!!

Karen Barkman / 5 Comments

We are off to Liberia tomorrow with a Team of Five!

I am so excited! Look who is coming with me!! Scroll down and see what’s all happening on this trip!!

Yes, please pray for us!

Mae Clowe lives in Kelowna, BC. She is one who is passionate to see people set free from anything that keeps them from encountering, experiencing and walking in, the destiny that God has designed for them. Mae attended the School of Supernatural Ministry through Wesley & Stacey Campbell, in Kelowna for 3 yrs. She felt called to leave her secular job to do this. This was a life changing experience for Mae. Let me just say, she is contagious! Mae also serves on the YWAM Kelowna team! I am so blessed to have her come to Liberia with me!! Mae is born for missions and has already traveled to many places. Liberia will love you!!

I am so privileged to have Patty Hylton and Shachia Roberts joining us.! They are going back to Liberia to meet their bio families after having been adopted to homes in the US. Provision of Hope has looked after Mamie Roberts, Patty’s mom for many years. She is crippled. I know seeing this reunion will be one of my highlights for sure!!! The girls are surprising their families. I can’t wait to hear their screams of joy!!

Patience Hylton lives in Tennessee. She was adopted by Mike and Amy Hylton from Liberia in 2007 . She attended trade school to become a pipe welder. She enjoys welding. Patty is looking forward to visiting her birth home and family after 13 years of not seeing them. Not only is she excited to be going to be visiting with family, but also looking forward to being part of the Provision of Hope’s ministry.

Shachia Roberts lives in Clinton, TN and was adopted when she was 9 years old. She is currently working at Panera Bread in Oak Ridge as a Team Trainer. After 15 years of praying and saving money she is finally able to go visit her family back in Libera, Africa.

Jeff Nolta lives in Tacoma, WA with his wife, Kristie and has three adult children. Jeff first went to Liberia in 2009 when he and Kristie were trying to adopt three siblings from an orphanage. Jeff helped construct a new orphanage on two trips there, and continues to return to work on projects. The adoption could not be completed, but at God’s direction Jeff and Kristie remained committed to their children, who now number four and consider them as family members. Jeff is retired from a career in Law Enforcement but loves building and enjoys any kind of construction or repair project. He and numerous family members hope to travel back to Liberia in July as well to see their oldest son graduate from high school.

I am looking forward to seeing all our children and our Hope Home Parents! We packed our usual games, soccer balls, crafts and various activities for the kids. I hope to bring back letters for those who sponsor a child.

Feb. 1st we will gather with our widows and have a wonderful time with them! After that we will go downtown to distribute rice to the blind.

We will be connecting with YWAM! On Sunday we will visit Ma Esther and her children then in the evening we are looking forward to joining Emmanuel and Angela at their house church! I can’t wait!!

Time to Revive is a new connection. We will meet up with the leaders of Time to Revive in Liberia. This is a Discipleship Training ministry, that is networked with pastors in various Counties. They go to hospitals, streets, communities, prisons and train children how to obey the Word of God.

We will go visit our Organic Farm and see the progress there. No doubt, our days will be FULL!!

We will be attending the African Women for Jesus Conference 2020. This is an international conference where people are coming from 20 different countries. It will be held in the SKD stadium. They are expecting close to 15,000 people. I am honored to be invited as a special guest to represent Canada. I’ve been asked to speak at the Honorary Awards Night Dinner at the close of the conference, where they will give out awards to various guests. Apparently I will be given an award! I have invited 20 guests to this Red Carpet Dinner. These guests are Provision of Hope’s leaders and staff who have all helped in the success of this ministry. I said to Pastor Malcolm our Country Director, there would not even be an award, it it wasn’t for our leaders. Nor would there be a Provision of Hope if it wasn’t for you, the donors. So there you have it… WE ARE ALL SHARING IN THIS AWARD.

January 14, 2020 / Announcements

Exciting News!!

Karen Barkman / 0 Comments

Kelvin and Sarah are engaged to be married on February 8th!!!

Would anyone like to contribute to help them meet their costs? I know they still have a lot to take care of.

Kelvin found his jewel!

Kristine and Karen met Sarah on their last trip to Liberia in 2019. What a sweetheart!

Kelvin is our Farm Manager and has worked long hard hours on this project digging garden beds for organic vegetables. We really appreciate his efforts. We call it “Growing Health” and training others to do the same on their small garden plots.

Sarah is the perfect woman for Kelvin. She is beautiful inside and out. Sarah has a strong faith in God and is a great encouragement to Kelvin. He found a gem!

I’m so excited that I will be there for their wedding. I know they have a lot to do yet to get ready for their big day.