By Mark Holder

As my retina captures the glittering lights and architectural grandeur of Miami Beach, I can’t resist giving thanks to the Almighty for his many blessings He has granted us, and the hopefulness of Liberia as we follow his command to ‘do all things decently and in order’ and display love for one another.   This was my last attempt to treat myself for Liberian withdrawal by driving the beautiful coast of South Florida.  During this 12am drive, enriched thoughts of praise embraced the hopes of my ancestors to promote a republic granting fundamental liberties to men and women once bound in chains; physically and psychologically. 

Returning home from the initial phase of the Liberian Initiative For Empowerment (LIFE) Project has offered hopefulness in the potential of abundance of present day Liberia.  LIFE propels hope in the future of Liberia as we strive toward ideas of self reliance, national unity, righteousness, and personal investment in the development of Liberia.  The four major initiatives of this project include Health, Education, Social Justice and Investment. 

The Chairpersons of the Research and Planning Committee of the Liberian Initiative For Empowerment project have successfully completed the research acquisition phase of the LIFE project. During this phase, Yende Anderson, Kwame Frempong, Acacia Strachan, and Mark Holder traveled to Monrovia, Liberia during August 14th- 27th,  to gather necessary video footage and written documentation for both the LIFE Mission Report and documentary.

While in Liberia, the Research Committee was welcomed by the National Investment Commissioner, Richard Tolbert and accompanied by a Liberian photographer/videographer.  The delegation engaged in both formal and informal meetings with Liberians dedicated to the societal development.  The formal meetings included, the Vice President, National Investment Commissioner, Minister of Education, Minister of Health, Minister of Youth and Sports, Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner and a representative of the Ministry of Commerce.   During the Mission the delegation also spent time at health and educational institutions, at local social gatherings and interviewed hundreds of Liberians. 

The delegation was further encouraged by the resilience of the Liberian people, many of which have continued to strive in Liberia through the ‘agony and the glory’, and the multitude of young Liberians migrating back to their home, Liberia.  The realization of the immense human resource Liberian possess, accentuates the need for Liberians abroad to exhibit continual involvement with the formation of our destiny. 

The delegation sends the most endearing appreciation to all of those that made this mission a success.  Furthermore, we send a special thanks to Wilhelmina Holder (director of AAFACD) and Christine Norman.

As we move forward with the LIFE project we pray for continual support from all of those interested in the projection of that glorious lone star that brightened that radiated in the African skies as the Land of Liberty.  We manifest hope through the grace of the Almighty, that this project will be a venue to propel improved health services, guaranteed educational opportunities, enhanced stability and create ample opportunities for investment. 

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Mark Holder, MD is executive director of a U.S. Based Liberian Initiative For Empowerment (LIFE).