The evidence of war is everywhere, even though the ceasefire was declared in 2003.  Much of the task of YFC in this country revolves around helping a country heal. Fully one half of the country was killed or displaced by the war, initiated or inspired, who knows really, by Charles Taylor.

We met a group of former child soldiers (they refer to them as "child fighters") in the place where they live (50+ in a three bedroom abandoned, un-finished house) with a man who was one of the legendary child General's of the time.  His name is Joshua, his war name was "General Butt Naked".  Everyone in Liberia knows his story, for during a major battle, to inspire his men and intimidate the enemy, he stripped off all his clothes and charged over a bridge throwing stones at the enemy.  His challenge to his men was, "I cannot be killed, follow me!"  And they did.......  Now, by the grace of God, he dedicates his life to saving the men he used to command from the damage caused by himself and others....and the story is much too long for here.  But here are some pictures to get you started.

Former general "Butt Naked"
- still animated, but for different reasons.

Interviewing a former Child Fighter.

Others watch, anxious for someone to listen to their story and care for them.

Where they sleep...many to a room.

Razor wire blockades still stand, and are still used....

Bullet holes in the concrete walkway of the bridge in the centre of Monrovia (See below) and in the streetlight stand were everywhere.  Virtually every light stand looked like this.  Control of the bridge was crucial, and it changed often.
                                             

And yet there is hope......walking beside me in the guest house compound was this young man.  In the midst of this torn country, he dared to proclaim that there was hope.  The quote on his shirt, spotless and clean was from Jeremiah 29:11-13, which reads, "I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord.  Plans for a hope and a future....." Look it up, and remember that these young people are the vehicle through which God brings hope to Liberia.


YFC is part of that hope.  One leader said, Youth For Christ has picked up where the UN and the rest of the world quit.  They are the only people, aggressively going out and finding these young men, and bringing them home."




Link here to the next page of photos and stories.....