A lasting impact requires a strong foundation, and when that foundation is tested, its true strength is revealed. For Abundant Grace School in Liberia, enduring the storms of life has shaped its journey, leading it to the place of resilience and growth it stands today. It all began with a rainstorm.
Season of Challenge
The rainy season in Liberia, which typically lasts from May to October, is characterized by heavy, frequent rainfall and high humidity, significantly impacting daily life and infrastructure. These are the conditions Abundant Grace School faced as it began its journey in 2009.
The school, led by Rev. Dr. Barromi Davis, Sr., aimed to do more than educate; it sought to instill Christ-centered values in its 150 bright-eyed students up to 4th grade. Yet without the proper drainage and the resources to improve, every rainy season brought floods that threatened to wash away all progress made. Each year, Rev. Barromi and his team would rebuild. Their resolve was tested but unbroken. Dreams of an auditorium, a library, a cafeteria, and a computer lab remained just that: dreams.
A Rock-Solid Hope
Yet Rev. Barromi’s hope rose above the broken walls that crumbled each year. Like the wise man in Matthew 7, “The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” He remained steadfast in God’s plans to lay the foundation for the next generation despite the storms.
In 2013, Rev. Barromi attended an Edify training session, “Conditions for Learning,” where he met other school leaders who had faced similar challenges and found the courage to persevere. For the first time, he felt empowered and saw a future where the rains would no longer dictate Abundant Grace’s impact and growth.
Partnership & Progress
Shortly after, Abundant Grace became one of the first five schools to partner with Edify, as operations had just begun a few months prior. This partnership was more than a collaboration; it was the fulfillment of a promise that God’s plans would never be washed away. Through three critical loans, the school underwent profound changes.
With new resources, the school implemented improved drainage systems to protect against the rainy seasons. They also expanded from eight to 15 classrooms, enabling them to serve students up to the 8th grade, far exceeding their previous capacity. Additionally, the second loan facilitated the purchase of a minibus, which soon grew into a fleet of four, solving the transportation challenges that had previously hindered many students from attending school regularly. These operational improvements allowed the long-held dreams of an auditorium, library, and computer lab to be realized, transforming the school into a beacon of learning and faith.
Beyond the physical improvements, Abundant Grace underwent a profound internal shift in operations and culture as Rev. Barromi and his team committed themselves to learning with Edify. Practical tools, such as mastering QuickBooks, enabled the school to manage its finances more effectively, ensuring sustainable growth. Other tools, such as incorporating biblical integration into their curriculum, equipped the team with wisdom that transcended academics. The team found inspiration to create Christ-centered learning environments, and before long, these values sprouted among students and staff, sparking transformation within the school and the surrounding community.
Legacy of Resilience
Today, Rev. Barromi no longer dreads the rainy season; he embraces it, knowing the foundation of Abundant Grace School is secure. With over 560 students, they continue to grow, standing as a testament to the power of a faith-filled legacy built on the foundation of Jesus Christ.
