Liberia (MNN) — On Africa’s West Coast, another Ebola flare-up proves the problem isn’t over.
(Image courtesy Wikipedia)
The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed Friday the death of a 30-year-old woman in Liberia’s capital city. It’s the third Ebola flare-up in the country since spring 2015.
While it’s no longer an international threat, the three nations most affected by 2013’s Ebola outbreak — Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone — are still struggling to contain it.
Global Aid Network (GAiN) is helping churches throughout Liberia respond in the name of Christ. They’re committed to stay as long as it takes, but they’ll need your help, too
GAiN describes their long-term response to the Ebola crisis on their website:
When Ebola struck Liberia, imports of staple foods, like rice and vegetables, stopped altogether. As increasing numbers of people succumbed to the disease, the diminished workforce struggled to plant and harvest food.
(Photo courtesy GAIN)
As Liberia’s economy spiraled downward, many lost their jobs, so few could afford what little food existed. Consequently, food security and sustainability became a major challenge. During that time, Wolobah Taylor, the national director of Cru in Liberia (known as the Great Commission Movement Liberia), and his team delivered food, water filters, medicine, and medical supplies.
Now that the epidemic in Liberia has subsided and the nation begins the long process of recovery, food security remains a serious problem. Rather than undertake the slower, less lucrative work of growing vegetables, individuals devote themselves to producing cash crops like rubber. What is helpful in the short term for individuals, however, may prove harmful to the nation at large. People are consuming, not producing. Consequently, some individuals will prosper for a brief time at the expense of economic recovery for all.
Everyone–outsiders and insiders, amateurs and experts–all agree that the immediate future of Liberia appears bleak. The devastation left in the wake of Ebola may last for decades. Even so, Christian workers remain hopeful.
GAiN partners are delivering clean water filters to communities, and will continue as God supplies resources.
(Photo, caption GAiN)They are strengthening the local churches to raise resources and mobilizing congregations to take the lead in agriculture. They see opportunity for churches in Liberia to help the nation overcome food security issues. They are helping to provide ongoing awareness and health education to stifle any new outbreaks of the virus. They are delivering clean water filters to communities and will continue as God supplies resources.
As the crisis subsides and mourning gives way to dancing, faithful Christian workers give thanks to God and bring glory to Him through their praise. Because they faithfully served the physical needs of their neighbors—and continue to serve as they receive provision from supporters like you—their spiritual message of life in Christ resonates within those who were helped. As this darkness passes, the light of the Gospel shines brightly. Now, more than ever, barriers to ministry have fallen and the fields are ripe for harvest.
A report released by The ACAPS Ebola Project details secondary impacts of the widespread Ebola outbreak on the region. While 28,598 people were infected and over 11,000 were killed, secondary problems like those listed below threaten the “lives and livelihoods” of over 22 million people:
(Photo courtesy GAiN)
- Ebola created increased demand for healthcare resources and workers, at the expense of other healthcare programs.
- Lack of access to clean water and sanitation (WASH).
- Deteriorated security left children and women the most vulnerable.
- Heightened risk of children dropping out of school.
- Higher prices and lower harvest yields undermined the region’s already-fragile food security.
Partner with Christians in Liberia through GAiN to help the nation overcome these challenges.
