Liberia

Liberia, known as the land of the free, was founded by freed slaves that had come from America.  The country has endured two decades of civil war and is just beginning its steps toward recovery under the strong leadership of their president.  It is the needs that have come about as rebuilding takes place that has caught the attention of Compassion Corps.

Liberia declared itself an independent republic in 1847.  Their constitution and declaration of independence are based on those of the United States.  Civil war broke out in 1989 and unrest has persisted until recently under the influence of different leaders and rebel groups.  Liberians fled to other countries as they saw fellow countrymen indiscriminately and ruthlessly killed and raped.  Peace has finally come, but it continues to be a fragile one.  Liberia is considered a Christian nation, with over 50% considered to be Christian, and a great weight of responsibility for compassionate action rests upon the shoulders of the indigenous Liberian Church.

Compassion Corps has been invited to partner with Lighthouse Baptist Church of Oldest Congo Town in the capital city of Monrovia, and also in outlying regions where the church is developing ministries of compassion.  CC is working to help children through the running of children’s camps and by holding teacher training for young teachers who have had basically only a high school education.   Effort is also  being made to look into ways to help with the rehabilitation of young Liberian men and women who were forced to become child soldiers during the war.

Short-term teams will sit mesmerized as Liberians share their stories of survival and hope during the dark years of the fighting.   Their joy and enduring hope is contagious and will inspire partners to labor alongside them in restoring education as well as stimulating economic and spiritual development.