Mission Trip Recap - Stephen Haggerty

Since coming back to America after my trip in Liberia I have realized that I miss a lot about being over there. First and foremost I miss those kids. I miss all the love they showed us with constant hugs and endless amounts of letters and drawings. Those kids were so respectful and polite to us and to each other. Don't get me wrong kids are kids and they still acted up at times, but compared to kids in America who carry the stereotype of talking back, being disobedient, and are spoiled with electronics, these kids were very well behaved. I miss the simplicity of life in the Rafiki village in Liberia. People were not consumed with reality TV, or any of the distractions that television carries for that matter. The people were more concerned about living a Christian life, being happy, and loving one another. They were not worried about what clothes were in style, but instead thankful for everything they had. The maturity some of these kids had really struck me when one would pray over the dinner for the night and thank God for providing food and acknowledging that others outside of the village need food as well. 


All of these circumstances made the impression on me about how much these material items serve very little purpose to me, but more importantly are a distraction to what God wants from us. Mark 10:25"It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God" really hits home after visiting Liberia. It is so easy for us in America who are consumed by advertisements and worried about who wears what, or what car someone drives, or how expensive their TV is, to get distracted by life and not focus on what is important. Another aspect of the trip that has really moved me since coming home is how much separation there is among people, and lack of unity. Even for those who are believers in God, sometimes we find ourselves not understanding that we are united, brothers and sisters of God, and that the only citizenship that matters is ours in heaven. Jason kept us updated on the constant acts of terror and murders going on across the world while we were in Liberia. It is sad to see the amount of hate in the world today, and how much people want to prove they are superior to others. Not to sound too much like a hippie, but the mission trip made me realize how much people need love. Matthew 9:37 "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few" really sends the message that people need to be spreading the love Jesus did more often.


I cannot be thankful enough for the opportunity to go on this trip. Managers on a Mission as well as the Rafiki Foundation are really doing a great thing. This trip has influenced me tremendously to keep volunteering to help others and continue to travel. There is so much to see in this world, and many people who could use an extra hand in their life. Thank you to everyone who made this opportunity possible and for all the love I received while I was gone. God is good.

​-Stephen Haggerty, Indiana University Football

To God Be The Glory!

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