Recently The Spirit of Truth Pastoral Network had the honor of hosting their first guests to Liberia:
Rev. Sonya Lydford, and her daughter Denise.
We invited Rev. Sonya to write something for the Spirit of Truth blog, she very graciously agreed to do so.
My 19 year old daughter Denise and I have had the extraordinary opportunity, and privilege to be a part of WACSN for the past week and a half, changing minds and attitudes about adoption. The public view of adoption is very grim. Denise, and I have spoken in a Palava hut at the University of Liberia, Veritas radio show, Star radio, ELWA radio, and the UN radio. As well as 6 different church settings. We were also able to visit with the families of my adopted children, as well as the pending adoptions. Spanning from Monteserrado County all the way to Bong County. Most recently we have spent time with Senators, introducing ourselves, telling them why we are here, and inviting them to discuss the pros and cons of the Childrens Rights Bill now sitting before them in the senate.
We have experienced the good and the bad of Liberia. This was our first trip, but I pray it won’t be our last. We are looking forward to the adoption of our 3 children still pending the lifting of the adoption ban. Prayer is what Liberia truly needs as many intelligent senators and their constituents have succumbed to such horrific rumors of adoption. To our advantage, America is viewed as a place as good as “heaven” itself.
If you or someone you know from Liberia through any organization, I urge you to send updates. This shows the Liberian parents, their village, and or neighbors, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, as well as the lawmakers themselves….that indeed the Liberian children are alive and well! Even if your children are struggling with issues, and you hesitate to send bad news. It is important to let them know that they are alive, and eating well. Growing, and learning in school. Send photos to show how the children are doing. The Ministry of Health needs these, as do the families of the children. So please send at least two pictures. I believe this will help quite a bit. Also, please do NOT send the parents/families money as it only hurts the purpose by sending everyone the wrong message of adoption. I understand the aching heart that wants to provide for the family left behind, but it is best done by giving to an organization such as WACSN. They can best address much larger, and more critical issues to their survival and well being…… for example water purification, waste management, and adoption.
I’d like to thank all of you for your continued support of WACSN, for Liberia, and the people of Liberia. Pray. Pray. Pray.
In conclusion I’d like to strongly encourage adoptive parents who have had an adoption in process at the time of the ban, to fight for their children! We can contact the American Embassy in Liberia as well as our own states senators. Americans need to make some noise, and make our voices be heard! We have much power, and we need to use it!
With much love,
Rev. Sonya Lydford
If you have any questions please e-mail me at smilenny@aol.com
