In February of 2002, Stan Weaver agreed unexpectedly to participate in a mission trip to the war-torn country of Liberia in West Africa. Little did Stan know that God was preparing to place within his heart the vision that is today known as the Christian Humanitarian Assistance Program (CHAP International).

There were many touching experiences for Stan during his first trip to Liberia, but none as significant as meeting Liberian citizen, William Wratto. Stan and Will quickly became friends. They often remark today about the strong, almost instant connection they felt toward one another. After returning to the United States, Stan could not stop reflecting upon his time in Liberia and, in particular, his new close friend. Stan knew then that his life was about to change forever.

Stan began sending funds to Will in Liberia, not only to help Will's family but also for distribution to other Liberian people. Through Stan's funds and communication with Will, a team of people was slowly formed for the purpose of providing humanitarian aid. This team was the beginning of CHAP.

Meanwhile, Stan and Will were engaged in the lengthy process of bringing Will to the United States to work for Stan's home-building company. The process was completed in 2004. Will now resides in the United States, working hard to support his wife and three children who remain in Liberia.

Stan and Will are working very hard to grow and expand CHAP International as the Lord leads. In September of 2004, they took a group from the United States to Liberia to distribute food and clothing while further assessing the needs of the Liberian population. This was also a pivotal trip for CHAP as an organization because Stan was able to complete all the necessary paperwork to become an NGO in Liberia. In addition, Stan's crew acquired duty-free status, established financial accounts and even found an office building from which to base their future operations in Liberia. ...View photos from September 2004

In 2005, Brendon and Christina Shank committed their family to a 2-5 year term of service in Liberia overseeing the daily operations of CHAP. This represented a milestone for CHAP as the full-time presence of missionaries in Liberia better enabled CHAP to more effectively minister in that nation. As country director, Brendon Shank has established important contacts with various governmental organizations, conducted thorough needs assessments throughout the country and has overseen projects and financial responsibility at the CHAP-sponsored orphanage.

In 2006, Jennifer Munday, an RN, and Stan’s wife, Tina, a CPA, committed themselves to a six-month and three-month service, respectively, to assess health care needs throughout Liberia and to assist in the establishment of CHAP’s medical program. During this time, several medical clinics were performed in Liberia’s bush areas. The people who live in these villages normally have to walk for days in order to receive any type of medical treatment. CHAP was blessed with the opportunity to minister the Lord’s Word to these Liberians, many of whom have only been exposed to tribal religions. CHAP International has also been greatly blessed with the opportunity to receive air transportation to and from the villages by the United Nations. ...View photos from River Gee County and Buchanan medical clinics

CHAP looks forward to welcoming other missionary teams in late summer and fall 2006.

CHAP International is fully committed to serving God by helping the people of Liberia. CHAP's initial, current objectives include provisions of food, clothing, health care and other life necessities to needy Liberians. In time, CHAP hopes to establish some businesses within Liberia to provide employment opportunities. These businesses will likely be vocational training centers to better equip local citizens with employment skills and, foremost, to teach biblical business practices. Agricultural projects might also be a part of CHAP's future work in Liberia. Furthermore, drawing on Stan's expertise in the windmill industry, CHAP hopes to someday build windmills to provide clean drinking water. Ultimately, Stan Weaver and everyone in the CHAP organization hopes that their ministry and humanitarian aid initiatives can expand beyond the borders of Liberia to reach needy populations around the world.