In Memory of Rev. Elijah N. Wreh Sr.

We are deeply saddened by the loss of one our dedicated STAR volunteers in Liberia. Reverend Elijah Wreh Sr. died on Wednesday, July 16, 2014 at age 69. He leaves behind his wife and life partner Esther since they were young; six children and their spouses, who his son Elijah and daughter-in-law Gradieh are both active board members, donors and volunteers of Uniting Distant Stars; and 12 beautiful grandchildren. Plus many other friends and family members.

Rev. Wreh from September 2013

Rev. Wreh was a geography teacher at J.J. Roberts in Sinkor, Liberia. He was also the Founder and Senior Pastor of Praise Power Church International since 2005, and worked tirelessly to serve his community especially youth before, during and after Liberia's civil war.

Rev. Wreh in front of Praise Power Church International that he founded in 2005.

In 2013, he carved out time from his very busy schedule to work with our co-founder and country director Kelvin Fomba to recruit young people for our pilot youth leadership workshop. His efforts helped ensure that this two-day workshop was a great success.

He graciously offered his home as our base operations during our two-week trip that included the cooking and final preparation meetings for the workshop along with accommodations for myself. Without his generosity this inaugural trip for Uniting Distant Stars would have been very expensive and may not have happened at all. So we are forever grateful for what he gave us in time, space, kindness and prayers.

His loss has created a great hardship for his wife Esther and the family, because in Liberia there is no social security or pensions to support the surviving spouse, let alone life insurance to pay for the cost of the funeral.

We hope you will join us in extending prayers to Rev. Wreh's family as they mourn the loss of this great man and figure out how best to support their Mom Esther. Also, if you find it in your heart to contribute towards the funeral costs of $4,000, they would welcome any help that you can give. Elijah and Gradieh are in New Jersey and will be accepting any contributions by PayPal through hairbygradieh@gmail.com. They will be traveling to Liberia to attend their father's funeral and burial scheduled on August 9.

The Wreh family extend their heartfelt thanks for your prayers and support during this difficult time. They send God's blessings for your sympathies and generosity.