Sincere tears communicate the same sentiments and fill the eyes of others especially the one for whom the tears were. It expresses love as well as gratitude. I had experienced farewell at different times. Nevertheless, sob of those Liberian children who looked at bleak and insecure days to come, filled my eyes too. Besides at the public thanking and farewell, a group came forward for a personal meeting. They repeated, “Father Lawrence, it’s just because of you, we all are alive today. We don’t want to miss you.” I told them that the civil war was over and they had already started to build up their life. Our church and Parish Hall were renovated. In a way, the life was taking on a positive swing.I told them, “I want to assure you, if civil war breaks out again now, I am ready to stay back and protect your life. I have completed my mission; please allow me to go back joyfully. You will be always in my prayers.” On 9th January 2005, one of them told me at farewell, “Father you have been sowing seeds. We will add manure to it, water it and bring fruit.” This was an encouraging note for me. All like their children benefit from their sacrifice.
I volunteered to go to Liberian Mission. Ongoing civil war, insecure life, lack of communication facilities, no electricity, etc., etc. were not unknown to me. Knowingly I accepted the challenge. I knew I was risking my life. Actually, I said goodbye to all – I thought I might not be able to see India again.
In fact, we were displaced (IDP – internally displaced people) from River Cess due to Civil War. We were asked to take care of the people at bad time.
Queen of Peace church, is situated in River Cess County, Liberia. It was at this church I began my Missionary life. It is 90 kms away from near by city. It took many days for me to clean the bush near the presbytery, being the first residential priest. Some insects were so poisonous that it’s bite made me fell sick many times. Though it was tough to manage without electricity and telecommunication, the Queen of Peace was declared Parish; and in January 2002, Archbishop Michael K. Francis celebrated Holy Mass on its feast day.
On 23 June 2002, Archbishop laid foundation stone for a new Church in Doe-moe Town. The name of the church is St. Francis of Assisi Church. One more church St. Antony’s Church was established in Yas Town 5 km away. Besides these two, there were already two churches 25 and 60 kilometres respectively away from the parish.
By the end of March 2003, the rebels reached near on the other side of River Cess. We started to shift our belongings to Buchanan. In April, we were taking care of the parish from Buchanan about 90 km away. By the beginning of May, the place was captured by the rebels and they looted the presbytery and the church. By June 2003, the pastors left the country on account of the civil war. It was in such a situation that we volunteered to be pastors of St. Peter Claver’s Church, Buchanan. We could not go back to the old place any more. We waited for about a month in Buchanan sustaining hope. Then we were appointed pastors of this church.
By the end of March 2003, the rebels reached near on the other side of River Cess. We started to shift our belongings to Buchanan. In April, we were taking care of the parish from Buchanan about 90 km away. By the beginning of May, the place was captured by the rebels and they looted the presbytery and the church. By June 2003, the pastors left the country on account of the civil war. It was in such a situation that we volunteered to be pastors of St. Peter Claver’s Church, Buchanan. We could not go back to the old place any more. We waited for about a month in Buchanan sustaining hope. Then we were appointed pastors of this church.