Trinity has recently decided to form a partnership with Community Christian Ministries (CCM), the growing church movement which David Kiamu oversees/coordinates in Liberia. This is unique – the first time Trinity Church has targeted one part of the world for a deep strategic impact for the gospel.
Liberia, which means Land of Liberty, was founded in 1822 when freed slaves left the United Stated to settle on the west coast of Africa. In 1989, the country was torn apart by a brutal Civil War. Pastor Gary recalls after visiting that year, “I had a heavy heart for Liberia. The country was heading down a dangerous path and you could tell that things were going to get worse.” In fact, it did. In the 14 years that followed, 75% of the population was displaced and approximately 200,000 adults and children were killed, maimed or raped.
The difficulties of the war had a pruning effect on the Liberian Christians. Some became more dedicated to the Lord and established vibrant churches in refugee camps, while others who became discouraged, left what faith they seemed to have. The CCM, with which Trinity will be in partnering, is an offshoot of a mother church planted in neighboring Ivory Coast refugee camps.
Since the civil war ended in 2003, some people from Trinity have gone on short term mission trips to help the Liberian church rebuild. From this initial interest, a task force for Liberia has been formed to launch this new partnership.
SO WHAT’S IN OUR HAND TO GIVE?
With every sector of the Liberian community impacted by war, there remains dire needs in the church for forgiveness and reconciliation, rehabilitation of ex-combatants, addressing residual trauma in children and adults, and much needed training for church leaders. We’ve been asked to help equip pastors with job skills so that they can financially support their families while they minister to their congregation. CCM pastors also want to develop lay counselors to help families put their lives back together. Since English is the primary language, we have a natural bridge from which to build our relationship.
SO WHAT’S IN THEIR HAND TO GIVE?
It’s easy to think of giving as solely material. When you work alongside these Liberian Christians who depend on God for their next meal and are sold out to carry Chirst’s message of hope to their people, you’ll see what’s in their hand, and that can become contagious!
Hear Gary share about Trinity’s involvement with Liberia:
For more information:
Contact our Liberia Task Force Leader
Ken DeWitt
(951) 314-0706
oakken@aol.com
