Does this sound like John Wesley?

No! It's more like Thomas Paine. "These are the times that . don't try men's souls â€¦ but spur them to greater visions of service." Such is the dream of the Rev. Joe and Carolyn Wagner, who are now bringing to both Liberia and Sierra Leone expanded plans for Operation Classroom, working in tandem with the United Methodist Church.

For some 15 years, the Wagners' journals and photos have recorded a living history of OC. Now, on a 23-day journey to West Africa, they carry with them plans. With a "can do" attitude, they are confident that programs result from vision, backed by hard work, and bolstered by faith, that new relationships will flourish, and expand, all under the Lord's leadership.

To help set up the dental unit at Freetown's Kissy Clinic, Dr. Doyle and Carolyn Ellis from Vincennes accompanied the Wagners. They are working with Dr. Dennis Marke, lead physician, and Sally Morris, a missionary in dental education and dental procedures. To transform Kissy into a hospital was the Wagners major focus with the General Board of Global Ministries. Now dreams are being channeled into realities.

Upcountry, OC schools were reviewed and received plans for major renovations. With Walt Ebert, another missionary, the Wagners discussed the details of shipping a long-awaited sawmill to this war-torn country, a project planned and financed by United Methodist Men.

New construction, combined with Hoosier work teams, is needed for Baoma Fakunya and Makenji. An expanded approach to each of the school's top educational priorities (science programs) is underway, with the reorganization of the United Methodist Association of Science Teachers. Dr. Paul Kissinger, retired DePauw professor, will consult with the Wagners about the most appropriate and feasible ways to focus on science education.

Also, the schools need a new emphasis on vocational education. The harnessing of solar power for the classrooms offers possibilities to add more classes and hands-on experience in the trades, resulting in trained, skilled workers to boost the country's economy and family stability.

Then renovate the solar power system? A boon to Albert Academy? Yes! Batteries and wiring were victims of the war. Then add more vocational training, a top priority for the top OC school in Freetown. Then select five worthy teachers to receive college scholarships, with money invested for such advance education from the $8,000 OC has so earmarked.

But Liberia has both similar and different needs. Bishop Kulah has outlined the need to repair and upgrade the library at Theological Hall, the seminary of the United Methodist Church. The Wagners can guide those who wish to help with this unique opportunity.

The counseling program, welcomed because of its wide-spread help to people recovering from trauma, OC plans to replicate in Sierra Leone.

While the Wagners met and planned in Monrovia, with church leaders and school officials, the Ellis family was already at Ganta, working to set up a dental clinic. Then it was off to Ganta with the Wagners, meeting with the staff to discuss their needs and hopes for the long-standing UM hospital, now administered by the Rev. Anne Girton.

OC schools received the same attention, visits and evaluation, plus discussions with the Department of Education for improvements.

The Wagners demonstrate OC's determination to reach as many as possible, in as many ways as possible, for as long as possible, in as many places as possible. Sounds like John Wesley, doesn't it?

News and Notes:

First UMC in Hammond, Indiana is preparing to ship a 40 foot container to the Ganta Hospital on April 20. The cargo will consist of hospital equipment and hospital supplies contributed by the University of Chicago Hospital and two local Hammond area hospitals. All items to be shipped have been or will be cleared by Anne Girton with respect to their applicability. There may be some nominal space available if you should have something going directly to Ganta. Please contact Champ Merrick at 219/513-0137, or railmateasl@msn.com.
Operation Classroom still has room for work team participants to Tubman-Gray from July 22 - Aug. 5. Dee Stringham is an experienced team leader and has been to Liberia and Sierra Leone. Write the Wagners for an application or more information.
Operation Classroom still has room for work team participants to Sierra Leone, July 12-30. Kay Hess is an experienced team leader and has been to Sierra Leone. Write the Wagners for an application or more information.

To help with OC's outreach, contact the Wagners at home, P.O. Box 277, Colfax, Ind. 46035, or by e-mail: ocmission@compuserve.com or ccwagner@hotmail.com .

Last updated on 01/14/2004

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