WPCNR SOUTHEND TIMES. From Memorial United Methodist Church.  September 28, 2005: The African Extravaganza to Benefit Liberia, held at Memorial United Methodist Church in White Plains on Sept. 17, 2005, raised $4,130 for orphaned children living in a mission in Congo
Town, Liberia, said Memorial Evangelist Wokie Tubman.

Wokie Tubman Speaking at the African Extravaganza. Photo, Courtesy Memorial United Methodist Church.

Mrs. Tubman, the daughter of assassinated Liberian President William R.
Tolbert, Jr., who received political asylum in the United States in 1989,
will make her first trip back to her native country in 16 years Wednesday to
deliver the money personally to the mission.

The mission in Congo Town, near Monrovia, the Liberian capital, is run by
the Harlem-based Invisible Ark of the Resurrection Ministries under the
oversight of Shad Tubman, Mrs. Tubman’s husband, and Liberian Pastor
Melchizedek Holmes. Mr. Tubman, the son of former Liberian President William
V.S. Tubman, Tolbert’s predecessor, who narrowly escaped assassination
during his presidency, returned to Africa several years ago.

“While I have been here, my mind has been in Liberia,” says Mrs. Tubman, 66,
who lives in Pomona, NY. “I still have so much love for the country and hope
that one day peace will be restored. And I want to be a part of that
revolution, part of that change. So I began my ministry of resurrection and
life here in New York.” The Tubman’s founded the mission outside Monrovia
and in Harlem through their Invisible Ark of the Resurrection Ministries.
Mrs. Tubman, a graduate of the London School of Design, designed all the
fashions displayed at the annual Fashion Show.

The mission provides food, housing, clothing and, most importantly,
education to more than 50 children aged 2 to 14. About 20 are on scholarship
paid for with fashion show proceeds. Older youth on scholarship also attend
Bible School, computer school, college and seminary.

“Some of their parents were executed during the war,” said Mrs. Tubman.
“Some were even forced to kill their own parents. The things they went
through! Most of them are orphans. Their parents died during the war. …

“We so appreciate people who donate to these young kids and give them the
opportunity to improve their lives. Education is one of the most important
tools in a nation that’s trying for independence and peace and prosperity.
Children must be educated so they can take care of themselves and their
families.”

Liberia has been wracked by civil war and political stability, but in August
2003 a comprehensive peace agreement was reached. A National Transitional
Government of Liberia (NTGL) assumed control in October 2003, and
presidential elections are upcoming. Mr. Tubman, 71, is one of the
candidates.

“Things are improving,” says Mrs. Tubman with a sigh of relief. “That’s why
I have asked to go back.”