Spared by God’s grace
Although I was once upon the time a despairing refugee, but through UNHCR’s support I am now an asset to my country’s post-conflict recovery.
It was in 1994 in the provincial town of Yomou, Guinea. After few months of seeking refuge in one of the largest Liberian Refugee Camps, my father was picked up by security forces and incarcerated for one month on accusation of being supporter of the main rebel leader, Mr Charles Taylor. Immediately, there was a search launched for me and my two brothers on the same allegation. We were desperately wanted and only God knew what would have resulted in the aftermath of our apprehension. The fact was that I was just a school boy at the time in 9th grade and my father a medical practitioner with more than 30 years of practice. Absolutely, the allegation was false and misleading. So, after one month in a maximum prison, my father was released and we had the opportunity to come out of our hideout. Thank God for His abundant grace which spared our lives. Although I was once upon the time a despairing refugee, but through UNHCR’s support I am now an asset to my country’s post-conflict recovery.
Check my book online www.amazon.com “FROM REFUGEE TO PROMINENCE: A MEMOIRE”.
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by Josiah F. Joekai, Jr., Liberia
posted: Wednesday, 18th June, 2014
