From storms to smiles: A community unites for Calvary Love Ministries

Despite storms that ripped through the region in the overnight hours Saturday, more than 150 people crowded into the spacious First Baptist Church Family Life Center Saturday afternoon to attend a very special event.

A Taste of Africa, a fundraiser for Calvary Love Ministries, featured Liberian foods, live and silent auctions, music, and fellowship, said missionary and organizer Chancellor Wayne.

"I think we sold everything but 10 tickets," Wayne said Monday. "We knew we could count on folks from 11 to 15 churches from all across the area.

"We were ecstatic about the attendance," he added. "We were very grateful for everyone who came out and showed their support."

The event raised more than $31,000 for the project, Wayne said.

"We were happy with whatever the Lord sent our way," the missionary said. "Our ultimate goal is $100,000 to Calvary Love Ministries from all the fundraising events we have, so Joel and Jemima can feel comfortable moving back to Liberia and living there full time."

Joel and Jemima Caulcrick, the parents of Kennett's AC Caulcrick, were at the event, serving food and goodwill to all who attended. The couple live in Alabama, and once finances are in place, plan to move to Buchanan, Liberia, to live and work full-time at the Calvary Love Ministries campus, Wayne noted.

The Caulcrick's started a children's home and education facility there nearly a decade ago, Wayne explained.

“Nine years ago,” he said. “There are 35 children that live on campus.

“They run the only free school in Grand Bassa County,” he added. “Pretty sure it's the only free school in Liberia itself. There are several schools inside of Buchanan, Liberia, but they are private schools.”

The event's final tally represented nearly one-third of the total amount of money organizers expect it will take to fund the project for two years, Wayne explained.

"Having two years' worth of living expenses paid for provides some security for Joel and Jemima," Wayne said. "That includes feeding the children of the school one meal a day.

"Right now, they run the school in the upper $30,000s," Wayne continued. "$36,000 to $39,000 is what it costs to run the campus with the school and the children that live on site. That's paying the teachers, the staff, and everything else. And so, we project it will cost about $50,000 a year to run the school and feed 200-plus kids one meal a day every week. That's why we set a goal of $100,000. That way, Joel and Jemima have two years' worth of operating expenses paid for. And, we are replacing funds rather than waiting on funds."

Wayne said those who wish to contribute to the project can do so nearly painlessly.

"Our next goal is to have 100 people sign up to contribute $20 monthly," Wayne explained. "When the kids are home, we save $20 a meal just by ordering water instead of soft drinks or tea when we eat out.

"So, if people just switch from sodas and tea to water, there's $20 a month saved easily, that can be contributed toward the project," he continued. "Folks can go online to calvaryloveministries.com and donate $20 a month on a recurring balance. They don't even have to think about it. They can go in, set up their account, then type in their information, and it's done. That's $2,000 a month that can go right into operating expenses. Joel and Jemima take nothing for their own. It all goes to Calvary Love Ministries."

Calvary Love Ministries is a 501c3 outfit, so all contributions are tax-deductible, Wayne noted.

"Just like the checks people wrote for the auction items," he said. "Those checks were to Calvary Love Ministries.

"Our biggest auction item was a $5,700 duck hunt," he continued. "It went for $3,000. Little River Outfitters of Gobler were awesome to have donated that six-person, two-day duck hunt. All inclusive. Including food and every expense. We had everything from yard signs and purses, even a visit from Santa later this year, at the auction. A gas dryer, all kinds of things."

For more information and to donate, please log on to the group's Facebook page or see the website at https://www.calvaryloveministries.com/connect.