Curl up with a life-changing story

You and your church have learned much about Operation Classroom's mission in Sierra Leone and Liberia, the world's second black republic. You have read about OC schools, their students and teachers. You know how OC's medical facilities have saved lives and promoted nutrition and hygiene. You have heard how counseling teams and work teams called there for God's purpose have experienced life changes. But how much do you know about the history of these countries and their relationship to the United States?

OC wants those Hoosier United Methodists who have given so much of their time, prayers and their resources to develop an even better understanding. Joe and Carolyn Wagner have recommended the following four books to help.

Liberia Will Rise Again, written by Bishop Arthur Kulah, reveals the factionalism, violence, greed and anarchy experienced during the recent civil war. The Wagners say it is "must" reading for those wishing to understand contemporary Liberia and the impact of the Church upon it.

A reviewer, Bishop Dan Solomon, of the Louisiana Area, writes, "â€¦ he has told the story of humanity under siege - a story of war with no plans for improvement, power with no purpose but survival, and rulers who ignore their own people in behalf of self-interest."

The historical novel, Freedom Shines, by Robert Carey, aided by John Furbay, skillfully connects events of the abolitionist movement in the early 1880s and the return of slaves to West Africa. The book portrays their struggles and the unexpected conflict between African-Americans from the New World and indigenous Africans.

Reviewer Dr. Robert Lawson, of Washburn University Press, says that it gives the reader a "you are there" sense of what the experiences must have been like to find freedom and a homeland.

Bridging the gap between Liberia and Sierra Leone, Lois Olsen, a retired missionary to both countries, wrote Contentment is Great Gain. She writes not only of her own personal experiences but also gives an historical perspective of Sierra Leone from 1952 to 1963.

Soon to be released, Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory is written by Dr. Lowell Gess. After completing seminary training, he attended medical school. Gess later developed one of the finest eye clinics in Africa. The book records the drama and conflict of Gess' medical and evangelistic work.

Operation Classroom encourages you to look beyond your world, the common experiences of your life, and to see the hand of God at work in West Africa.

Books are available from the Operation Classroom office. Contact the Wagners at P.O. Box 277, Colfax, Ind. 46032, or at ocmission@compuserve.com or ccwagner@hotmail.com .

Last updated on 01/14/2004

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