Interview with Former Beneficiary Flomo Kerkula
Please join Franciscan Works in celebrating 20 years of ministry in Liberia! While our official anniversary is this November, we’re celebrating all year long by sharing something informative about Franciscan Works + Liberia Mission on the 20th of every month.
Today, we're sharing an interview conducted by Liberia Mission's Communications and Operations Officer, Joey Neuhauser, with a former beneficiary of the mission, Flomo Kerkula. Flomo has been with Liberia Mission since 2008 and is now the Mission's Chief Financial Officer.
Flomo Kerkula was born in Ganglota, Salayea District, Lofa County. Ganglota is one of the towns in Lofa County where mass killings took place during the Liberian Civil War. One day when Flomo’s mother and father came home from fishing, they were captured by fifteen armed men who belonged to the United Liberation Movement of Liberia for Democracy - Kromah faction (ULIMO-K). They were badly treated by these men for two weeks; they did not care that Garmai Kerkula was pregnant. Instead, they treated her like a slave as they did with the other women that were held hostage.
After four days, Mrs. Kerkula and six other women escaped to the border of Guinea. From there, she was taken to the hospital in Guinea, where she gave birth to Flomo. Flomo was born 2 months early because of the bad treatment that his mother received while she was pregnant.
Flomo came to Liberia Mission in 2008, where he attended St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School before graduating from St. Kizito High School. Flomo continued his education at the University of Liberia, where he studied Public Administration. He graduated in March of 2022. He is a baptized Catholic and married to his lovely wife Catherine with whom he is raising three daughters. He is now the Chief Financial Officer of Liberia Mission.
Joey: What differentiates Liberia Mission from other missions you’ve seen in Liberia?
Flomo: As far as I know, Liberia Mission is the only institution in the country that carries students from the grade level they enter all the way to a college degree. I entered Liberia Mission in 6th grade, went to high school through the Mission, and now I am a graduate of the University of Liberia and an accountant here at Liberia Mission. None of that would happen at other missions. Also, here we are given basic amenities that we might not have at other missions. We give the kids three meals a day, electricity, and running water. Few missions can say the same.
Joey: How has Liberia Mission impacted your life?
Flomo: Liberia Mission made me who I am. It has taken me from a government school in Lofa to a comprehensive Catholic education. Then, it paid for my college. And then, it gave me a job and the stability to care for my family. Liberia Mission has made my life the joy that it is.
Joey: How has Liberia Mission impacted the surrounding community?
Flomo: Liberia Mission has made a very positive impact upon the community. The school is open to the community, and many people have been given scholarships to receive the best education that can be found in the area. We have also allow everyone to join us in worship and open the chapel to all people. Our faith community has grown, our school has grown, and it is all from the love and acceptance offered us by Blacktom Town.
Joey: How has your perspective on Liberia Mission changed since becoming an employee here?
Flomo: I’ve learned a great deal. The challenges for the Mission are great, and I never knew about them when I was a child. I’ve learned about the responsibility of taking care of the children and have learned how to take responsibility in my own life. Truly, being employed here has not only gotten me to appreciate my predecessors, but also it has greatly helped my life.
Joey: Is there anything you’d like to say to our supporters?
Flomo: Thank you so much for all you do for us! You have made me who I am, and God bless you!
Please consider supporting Liberia Mission!