The Global Outreach Ministry to Liberia, an expansion of the Mission and Outreach Ministry at the affiliated parishes of St. James, Bradley Beach and St. Michael’s, Wall Township, is preparing to ship a 40-foot container with donated church and school materials, medical equipment and relief supplies to Liberia, West Africa. The goal of this ministry is to provide material and relief assistance that will help rebuild and empower the Episcopal Church of Liberia (ECL), its churches, schools and institutions, and other Liberians in need. This charitable and Christian venture is a practical statement of God’s love in action and the transforming power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all of God’s children. “For the love of Christ urges us on …” 2 Cor. 5:14a.
This shipment is the first of its kind to come directly out of New Jersey, since the ministry was founded in 2006. The container will be loaded during the spring of 2024 (February or March) on the campus of St. Michael’s, located at 2015 Allenwood Road, Wall Township, and ship to the Freeport of Monrovia, via the Port of New York. The cost of shipment is $4,675, including trucking and the estimated value of the contents is placed at $25,000. We are grateful for the material and financial donations received from several churches, institutions and individuals, including parishioners of our affiliated parishes, Bishop Sally French and the Diocesan archives, parishes in the Diocese of New Jersey, the Medical Equipment Ministry of St. James Memorial Church, Eatontown, the St. Catharine Catholic School, Spring Lake, the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (SPCK/USA), Tennessee, Christ Church Cathedral, Nashville, TN and other individuals and institutions. Material donations (see list and contact information below) are being received until mid-January 2024, at St. Michael’s in Wall.
Items in the container will benefit the Diocese of Liberia, churches, clergy, schools, orphanages, hospitals and clinics, the group of 77- the physically challenged, etc. Currently, $2300 of the shipping cost has been raised and donations to help defray the balance of $2,375 is expected by January 20, 2024. Checks may be written to St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, and mail to 2015 Allenwood Road, Wall Township, NJ 07719. Please indicate donation for shipment.
Brief Background and History
From December 1989 to October 2003, Liberia experienced a bitter civil war that took 250,000 lives and displaced more than 350,000 people. Most of the infrastructures, including churches and schools were destroyed and /or badly damaged during the civil war. To date, the rebuilding process continues.
The Episcopal Church of Liberia was established by the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society (DFMS) of the Protestant Episcopal Church in 1836. From 1836 to 1982, the Episcopal Church of Liberia remained a missionary district of The Episcopal Church. On March 18, 1982, the Diocese of Liberia joined the Church of the Province of West Africa. Currently, there is a Covenant relationship between The Episcopal Church and the Episcopal Church of Liberia. Former slaves from the United States founded Liberia in the early 1800s. Liberia was coined from the word “liberty,” which means freedom. It is a constitutional democracy with a capitalist economy. Monrovia, capitol of Liberia, was named after U.S. President James Monroe.
Founders
The Rev. Canon Dr. James T. Yarsiah and Mrs. Ophelia NG Yarsiah founded the Global Outreach Ministry in 2006, at the St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Charleston, the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina.
Church Materials and Ornaments
• 1979 BCPs and Hymnals 1982 & 1940
• Priestly and Deacon Vestments
• Church ornaments, hangings, linens, etc.
• Robes (Choir, Acolytes, etc.)
• Clerical shirts & blouses
• Holy Bibles: (version is optional)
• Gospel book & Missals, BCP editions
• Crucifixes
• Candle sticks, lighters, etc.
• Any church materials and ornaments
• Piano, organ, etc.
General Items
• Rice, beans and dry food items
• Children’s books, school supplies (composition notebooks, pencils, erasers, coloring pencils, crayons, pens, papers, stick glue), back-packs, games, toys, etc.
• Clothes—all sizes: male & female (new/used)
• Shoes—all sizes: male & female (dress & casual, flip-flops, tennis shoes, socks
• Linens—Blankets, sheets, towels, washcloths, etc.
• Electronics (new or used) – Laptops, tablets, copiers, printers, scanners, etc.
• Toothbrush & toothpaste (children & youth)
Thanks to all our donors and would be donors. Your donations will help improve the lives of Liberians, in both church and state. Financial assistance to help defray the cost of shipping the 40ft freight container to Liberia is highly appreciated. Email me at jtyarsiah@gmail.com or call 843-810-3500.
Contacts
St. James Episcopal Church, 605 4th Ave, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720
Email: saintjamesbb@gmail.com, Phone: 732-775-5414, www.saintjamesbb.com
St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Wall Township, NJ 07719
Email: stmichaelnj@gmail.com, Phone: 723-681-1863, www.saintmichaelswall.com
Canon Yarsiah is a member of our diocese’s new Global Missions Committee, comprised of clergy and lay leaders, area mission group heads and advocates for various aspects of global mission. For more information on this committee, please contact The Very Rev. Dr. Caroline Carson, convener, at theparsoncarson@gmail.com
