Children's Ministry Around the World - Liberia, Africa

As we continue to look at Children's Ministry and the lives of children from around the world, today we "journey" to Liberia, Africa.

Liberia is a unique country in Africa as it is the only country founded by American colonization. In 1820 freed slaves were sent from the United States to Liberia where they established their own country. In 1847 this country became the Republic of Liberia and they modeled their government after the government of the United States of America. These first colonists and their descendants ruled for more than 130 years. In 1980 a military coup overthrew the government, throwing the country into two civil wars where between a quarter and half a million people died. Liberia is still recovering from these wars and 85% of their 4.4 million people live below the poverty level (World Population Review/Wiki).

Life in Liberia today is very difficult. The Liberian government is extremely corrupt and drugs from Asia and South America are brought to Liberia to send on to other countries (US Department of State). HIV/AIDS, malaria, typhoid, diarrhea, Hepatitis A and Yellow Fever are all illnesses people run a very high risk of contracting. More than 3000 people have died from Ebola (CIA World Fact Book). In addition, only one in four children have access to clean water, and children are used as soldiers, prostitutes, servants, pan handlers, street vendors and as workers on rubber tree plantations, in stone quarries and on diamond excavation sites (humanium).

In some areas of Liberia school is free and compulsory for children between the ages of six and sixteen, but in other areas children have to pay to go to school (United Nations). Of the children who go to high school, most are boys; only 14% of girls proceed on to high school and even fewer handicapped children attend school - 16% of the Liberian people are handicapped as a result of the war leaving many children disabled (humanium).

Liberia has freedom of religion and according to the CIA; the people are 85.6% Christian, 12.2% Muslim, 0.6% Traditional religions, 0.2% other, 1.4% none. Churches in Liberia do have ministry to children and offer ministry opportunities such as Sunday school, Christian day-schools, literacy classes, caring for those in need and choirs; much as we do here in the USA.

As you think about Liberia, where 10% of the people are unreached (OperationWorld), please pray for –.

• God to draw believers to Him.
• People to help children who are in dangerous places and point them to Jesus.
• Laborers to go and serve children who are in need.
• Children to see God is real, He loves them and they can know Him!
• Wisdom to know where to plant churches.
• Healing for those who are ill.
• Protection from Ebola.
• The church in Liberia to grow and be able to be a light to their communities!

Liberia is a beautiful country with children and families who need to know God loves them! While you may not be able to travel to Liberia to serve the church, you can pray and, “When a believing person prays, great things happen.” (James 5:16 NCV) Let’s pray and trust God for great things in Liberia!