Become an Asbury Sponsor of a Student in Africa
Did you know that Asbury provides scholarships to 27 students in Africa, specifically in Liberia, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, through Asbury in Mission (AIM) and individual Asbury members? Among these, nearly half (13) are students at the Lutheran Training Institute (LTI) in the Salayea District of Lofa County, Liberia.
The civil war in Liberia from 1989 to 2003 devastated the country, resulting in at least 150,000 deaths of men, women, and children. By the end of the war, Liberia was one of the poorest countries globally, with a per capita GDP approximately 50% of that of Haiti. In 2010, at the invitation of Pastor Jerome Kennedy, Asbury sent a team to LTI in rural Lofa County to hold a children and youth camp. The war-torn infrastructure (no water, no electricity, buildings destroyed), pervasive poverty, and sense of hopelessness among the children profoundly impacted the Asbury team.
After much prayer and reflection, we acknowledged that we could not “fix” the post-war situation, but felt guided by God to provide assistance where possible. This led to the immediate establishment of the LTI Scholarship Program, the provision of essential items through Barrels of Love, and the sponsorship of Lofa County United Methodist Clergy.
Today, 15 years after the inception of the LTI scholarships, we are offering Asbury members the opportunity to personally sponsor and connect with a student at LTI. What is required of you? 1) Write a brief introduction of yourself and your family to share with the student. 2) Pray for your student. 3) Correspond with them at least quarterly. 4) Provide scholarship funding of $400 per year (a little over $1 per day). In return, the student commits to writing to you at least once a quarter.
ALL 15 STUDENTS HAVE NOW BEEN SPONSORED! THANK YOU!
Konah Bartuah
Konah, an eighth grader, was born on January 19, 2011, in Salayea City, Lofa County. Konah is a single parent child living with mother in Salayea. Konah is a brilliant student.
This student has been sponsored – thank you!
Augustine C. Bobo
Augustine, a second grader, was born on June 6, 2017, in Salayea City, Lofa County. Augustine was initially selected from grade 1 but he was given double promotion and now in grade 2. Augustine is living with his mother in Salayea. His father has been ill and hospitalized for almost a year now. According to the Doctor, he needs to seek an improved treatment in India.
This student has been sponsored – thank you!
James T. Gweekolee
James was born on May 12, 2011, in Salayea City, Lofa County, Liberia. Both of his parents are living but his mother is blind and his father is illiterate. They can’t afford paying his school fees.
This student has been sponsored – thank you!
Korto B. Jackson
Korto, an eighth grader, was born on September 7, 2010, in Yarpuah Town, Salayea District. Korto lost her mother when she was nine months old. She lives with her aunt. Korto was selected based on her condition.
This student has been sponsored – thank you!
S. Juta Juasemei
Juta, a tenth grader, was born on January 11, 2006, in Salayea City, Lofa County. Juta is a very smart student coming from a very poor background. Juta’s father is very ill and can’t walk. His family survives on a small table at the market operated by his mother.
This student has been sponsored – thank you!
Massayan Momolu
Massayan, an eighth grader, was born on December 21, 2009, in Gbalatuah Clinic, Zota District, Bong County. He is living with his mother in Beyan’s Town, Lofa County. His mother is not working and is a widow. Massayan is a smart student and was selected based on his intelligence.
This student has been sponsored – thank you!
Belleca S. Poultolnor
Belleca, a tenth grader, was born on March 17, 2005, in Salayea City, Lofa County. Belleca is currently living with both of her parents in Salayea. They both are local farmers struggling to survive on proceeds from the farming.
This student has been sponsored – thank you!
Alice G. Sumo
Alice, a ninth grader, was born on January 8, 2008, in Salayea City. Alice’s parents are both living but can’t afford sending her to school due to their economic status.
This student has been sponsored – thank you!
Prince N. Sumo
Prince, a seventh grader, was born on December 20, 2014, in Ganigbolozu village within Salayea District, Lofa County. Prince is living with his father in Ganigbolozu that is 150 km away from Salayea. He walked every morning to come to school. His mother is a Guinean who is struggling to survive on only farming.
This student has been sponsored – thank you!
Faith Targbe Toe
Faith, an eighth grader, was born on June 29, 2010, in Salayea City, Lofa County. Faith’s father is a volunteer teacher and her mother is a farmer struggling to earn living. Faith does well in school.
This student has been sponsored – thank you!
Matthew H. Tokpa
Matthew, a tenth grader, was born on August 15, 2005, in Yarpuah Town, Salayea District, Lofa County. Matthew’s parent are very poor, struggling farmers living in the village. Matthew is a very smart student.
This student has been sponsored – thank you!
John D. Tokpah
John, an eighth grader, was born on December 24, 2007, in Salayea City, Lofa County. John is living with his mother in Salayea. John is a very smart student. He was selected based on his commitment.
This student has been sponsored – thank you!
Kollie P. Tokpah
Kollie is in grade 10. He was born on September 5, 2003, in Maimu Internally Displaced Person’s Camp (refugee camp during war), Bong County. Kollie is a self-supportive student. He lost his father and lives with old mother who is not able to send him to school. He is a very smart student. Kollie is the student Council President.
This student has been sponsored – thank you!
Moses Vesselee
Moses, a ninth grader, was born on April 4, 2004, in Salala Internally Displaced Person’s Camp. Moses is an orphan living with his aunt in Salayea City, Salayea District, Lofa County.
This student has been sponsored – thank you!
Flomo Yarkpawolo
Flomo, a tenth grader, was born on September 6, 2003, in Larmah’s farm, Salayea District. Flomo lost his father and lives with his poor and struggling mother in Telemai Town, Salayea District. Flomo walks about 10 miles every morning to get to school.
