Faith Through the Journey: Safe Arrival to Monrovia, Liberia
- Ashley
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Sometimes mission work begins long before ministry ever starts — and this journey into Liberia was a reminder of exactly that.
What was expected to be a long travel day quickly turned into a test of patience, endurance, flexibility, and faith.
Not long after crossing the border, the first vehicle experienced engine trouble related to a fuel issue. After troubleshooting and tracing the problem back to the igniters, the team ultimately had to continue the journey in another vehicle while the original vehicle was later towed into Monrovia.
But the adventure wasn’t over yet.
While traveling through the busy streets of Monrovia — surrounded by fast-moving cars and motorcycles — the second vehicle suddenly suffered a major mechanical failure when the front driver-side lower control arm castle nut separated, causing the wheel to collapse.
In what could have easily become a dangerous situation, God’s protection was evident once again.
Almost immediately, a mechanic nearby came to help with a couple of bottle jacks and began working to lift the front end and repair the damage. After some effort, the control arm was put back into place. The only major casualty was the tire, which had been sliced when the wheel collapsed.
The team once again transferred into another vehicle while the baggage remained behind with the original vehicle. Thankfully, everything safely arrived later that night at the Chicken Soup Factory around 3:00 AM.
Through every delay, breakdown, and unexpected challenge, one thing remained constant: God’s faithfulness.
Moments like these serve as powerful reminders that even temporary struggles and inconveniences pale in comparison to the hardships endured by the Apostle Paul and so many believers who faithfully carried the Gospel through unimaginable circumstances.
“Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” — 2 Corinthians 4:17
Despite the obstacles, the mission continues — and hearts remain encouraged knowing that God has already gone before us every mile of the journey.
Safe Travels and Unexpected Challenges Returning Home
While ministry continued at Chicken Soup Factory in Monrovia, two members of the team began their journey back to the United States — and the adventure wasn’t quite over yet.
After arriving back stateside, a series of unexpected travel delays quickly turned into another long night of perseverance and patience.
The team missed their flight to Pittsburgh after the baggage carousel repeatedly shut down, preventing them from receiving their luggage in time to make the connection. As if that wasn’t enough, the next two scheduled flights were later canceled due to severe storms.
With options running out and exhaustion setting in, they ultimately rented a car and drove through the night, finally arriving home around 3:00 AM.
Through every delay, canceled flight, breakdown, and unexpected obstacle throughout this mission trip, God’s protection and faithfulness continued to shine through.
Mission work often comes with challenges people never see behind the scenes — long travel days, changing plans, little sleep, and moments that test patience and endurance. Yet even in those moments, there is gratitude knowing God continues to guide every step of the journey.
Despite the setbacks, hearts remain full from all that God is doing both in Liberia and along the way.
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