Lifesong Liberia + COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has created new challenges in Liberia. But amid every trial and struggle, God remains steadfast and faithful. Here’s the most recent update from the Lifesong team in Liberia.
History of Hardship
As the COVID-19 pandemic escalates in Liberia, the whole nation—including our in-country staff—is reminded of the country’s difficult past.
The Liberian Civil War in the 1990s was devastating. Around 250,000 people were killed, and thousands more fled the fighting. As war ceased and the country worked toward recovery, in 2014, Ebola brought a new wave of difficulty. In two years’ time, nearly 5,000 Liberians died.
So it comes as no surprise that one of the greatest challenges in Liberia during COVID-19 is fear.
Schools are closed, a mandatory lockdown is in place, and—for the first time in Liberia’s history—churches have been closed. According to Lifesong Liberia Program Director, Emmanuel—
If nothing changes in the next two weeks, hunger will kill more people than coronavirus.
Life on Campus
Praise God, our kids are among some of the safest in Liberia right now.
Our campus has enough food to last through next month. And thanks to the agriculture program our students are involved in, we grow corn, greens, and other veggies to help supplement the food.
A silver lining to this pandemic? Information. When Ebola became a crisis, most Liberians didn’t have any knowledge of how to protect themselves or their families. But with COVID-19, there are proven methods to keep yourself safe: hand washing, social distancing, wearing a face mask.
Our campus has installed more hand washing stations, increased their supply of needed medications, and created an isolation room if one of the kids becomes infected.
Faith > Fear
Our team is determined to fight against the fear that surrounds them. God’s track record is good. He faithfully brought them through the Liberian Civil War and the Ebola crisis. Why doubt that He will do it again?
Our team is eager to share this hope with their neighbors and community. Their message—
“If God did it before, He can do it again. The same God who walked Israel out of Egypt is able to cover you under the shadow of His wings.
God didn’t give us the spirit of fear, and we must reject everything that doesn’t come from God. Fear that is based on God’s word is a good and healthy fear. But fear that is against God’s word is not good for us.
So how do we choose courage over fear? Meditate on God’s word. Let it sink to our hearts and speak to us. As we have more of God’s word, fear will leave.”
Would you pray for Liberia?
Specifically, lift up the following requests.
- Pray for God’s protection over the nation.
- As many people battle fear, pray that they would rely on God.
- Pray that God would speak through this difficult time and draw more people to Himself.
- Pray for the safety of the kids and caregivers.
SEND HOPE TO CHILDREN IN LIBERIA.
$25 provides 3 days of food and hygiene products for a household of 5.
$50 provides 1 month of food and hygiene products for 1 person.
Each package will be distributed safely with love & hope of the Gospel message. Care packages contain items like rice, beans, oil, spaghetti, and butter, along with soap, Clorox, and a bucket with a spout for handwashing.
