We recently returned from Liberia, Africa, where our team had the joy of celebrating the grand opening of the new school in Gbonota Village, while also hosting a 4-day medical clinic and a 4-day VBS for the children. It was a powerful week of serving, worshiping, and connecting with the community.

On January 31, 2026, we celebrated the official opening of the Alice Memorial School in Gbonota. It was a beautiful day as the school was formally turned over to the community—the school they built with their own hands. The church was filled with parents, children, construction workers, and local officials. The children sang and danced in joyful celebration and appreciation of all that had been accomplished.

This school was built “brick by brick” by the people of Gbonota. From the very beginning, residents worked —digging and hauling sand, forming and stacking more than 12,000 bricks, painting, and serving alongside the construction team. Their dedication and unity made this dream a reality.

Students will now attend classes in their new school building during the day. In the evenings, parents will have opportunities to participate in vocational training, strengthening families and helping build a more sustainable local economy.

Because of your generosity, children now have a safe place to learn and grow, and families have new opportunities for the future. Thank you for investing in the children and families of Gbonota Village.

This trip was especially meaningful because, unlike many of our previous international visits, we were joined by volunteers who sacrificially gave their own time and resources to serve. The volunteers were friends of BCH and some of my own family. We all worked side by side with our Liberian medical team and helped lead a joyful VBS for the children. They visited with families, prayed with parents, and lovingly held babies while mothers and fathers received medical care. One of the greatest gifts of missions is witnessing each person use their unique talents and abilities to serve others with compassion and purpose. This trip gave me a personal blessing and gift of serving and praying alongside my husband and sister-in law.

During our 4-day clinic, our team of medical professionals and volunteers treated 813 patients. The local pastors counseled families and shared Christ’s love.

Each day we traveled the long, rugged road to Gbonota—an hour and a half each way—along a narrow jungle path marked by deep ruts, mud, and uneven terrain. That journey gave us a clearer understanding of the challenges families face in their daily lives. Imagine traveling that road regularly just to get to work, bring crops to market, or gather basic supplies for your household. What was a challenging daily trip for us is simply part of everyday life for the residents. We were encouraged to learn that the local government has announced plans to improve this jungle road—a long-awaited and much-needed blessing that will bring greater access, opportunity, and hope to the community of Gbonota.

As we reflect on the school opening, the medical clinic, the VBS, the long road into the village, and the volunteers who gave so generously of themselves, our hearts remain with the people of Gbonota. We invite you to continue praying for the residents—for the children who will fill the classrooms, for the parents working to strengthen their families, and for the leaders guiding their community forward. There are still a few final touches needed at the school, including equipment and small details that will help make it a fully welcoming and well-equipped space for learning. Thank you for standing with Gbonota through your faithful support and prayers. Your partnership is making a lasting difference in the lives of children and families.

The jungle road to Gbonota
In Christ,

Debby Stowers

Director of Marketing

Bringing Children Hope