Liberia Trip Report

It was unusual to have made two overseas trips to the same location within the same year. But Liberia is a very unique country with severe problems and overwhelming needs. One would not expect a country that has the distinction of being Black Africa’s first independent state, founded as a Christian state, and with historic ties to the U.S., to be in such dire straits economically, spiritually,and socially.

My first trip to Liberia in May of 2011 was a look-and-see trip. Quickly I learned why Samaritan’s Purse, the organization that I was privileged to work with, was so needed there and how they had become an effective agent of social and spiritual renewal.

Shortly after the Liberian civil war, which ended in 2003, SP began operations in Liberia providing emergency relief to a country that had been ravaged by years of civil war. But soon they discovered that this was not enough and the organization began providing more long-term development projects. The SP field staff increased from less than ten to over three hundred in a few years. Their ability to demonstrate and share the gospel in relevant ways has gained them the respect of the Liberian people and support from local and national civil authorities.

But this success has come at a price. Routinely these missionaries face field hardships and extreme stresses related to the impoverished conditions and the spiritual oppression that is commonplace within the rural and isolated communities where they primarily serve. In 2011, some tragic occurrences at one of their bases in the North, the Foya base, indicated that the hardships and stresses of missionary service in Liberia had reached an insufferable level. The Country Director for SP rightly assessed the need for intervention and scheduled two different missionary retreats for SP missionaries and staff.

It was to these retreats that I was asked to come and minister to battle-weary missionaries. There was no question in our minds that I was to go and serve, in whatever capacity the Lord was to orchestrate and direct. This is what EHCI is all about…serving those who are on the front-lines of ministry where the obstacles and challenges to the advancement of the gospel are the greatest.

I was able to minister continuously to missionaries and staff at these retreats in one-on-one sessions and small gatherings. The SP missionaries were encouraged to meet with me in private to discuss personal needs and challenges. Because of confidentiality, the specifics about these discussions will not be divulged. However, each session that I was involved in was directly related to missionary care support.

Additionally, I served as the evening speaker at both retreats, which provided opportunity to extend more encouragement and support to the SP missionaries and staff members.

The missionaries who serve with SP LIBERIA , both North American and Liberian, are dedicated people, willing to serve in very difficult and challenging settings throughout the country. Much of the work served by SP missionaries is located in rural isolated areas of the country, where economic, health and spiritual conditions are extremely deficient. Routinely these missionaries face unbelievable field hardships and extreme stresses that are physical and spiritual in nature.

For this reason, we made two trips to Liberia, to serve and support missionaries who have responded to the call of God to stand in the gap on behalf of a nation in crisis. Your prayers made it possible for EHCI to serve effectively. The missionaries expressed deep gratitude and appreciation for our coming; yes “our” coming because your prayers and support were there to undergird the ministry that went forth. One day you will have the opportunity to meet these soldiers for Christ that your prayers ministered to, encouraged, and strengthened.

Needless to say, we are going back in 2012. This time EHCI is planning to take a team of pastors who will have their own look-and-see experience. Hopefully, the Lord will move upon the hearts of these leaders and will commit them to become partners with SP in the social and spiritual reconstruction of Liberia. EHCI will provide appropriate pre-field training, preparation, and orientation. Jesus’ words to His disciples in John 15:16 speak to EHCI’s commitment to the work in Liberia, “You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.” (NLT)

Thank you for your prayers and support. Please don’t stop—you are part of the team that has been called to stand in the gap on behalf of the country of Liberia.

In His Service,

Gary E. Ham