Love Lived Loudly

My greatest memories of my mother are her strong work ethic and her passion for the poor, the suffering and the women of the young Liberian church. 

As the Liberian church grew, Mum became distressed by the lack of teaching offered to women.  Although whole families attended special conferences, women were expected to mind children and prepare meals.  Realizing that she could not change cultural expectations, Mum pleaded for a training centre for women.  She argued that a spiritually strong church could not survive without spiritually-strong women. 

With church and mission backing, construction soon began on a small centre that could host up to 30 students.  Women could come for periods of two weeks on a rotating basis.  The rules were clear: women must be selected by their district leaders and must come without their children.  The objectives were also clear: to provide sound teaching of Scripture; to introduce hygiene and medical care; to teach basic literacy skills; and to instruct the women on how to present a “modern-style meal” so that educated children who return to their villages would be proud of their progressive parents.

The success of the program soon became apparent as the status of women rose both in the community and the church.  Throughout nearly 25 years of civil war this centre for training and educating women is one of the few programs maintained by the church, and still operating today.

 
WEC believes that the model of holistic ministry into which God has led us is one in which evangelism, the church, church planting and compassionate ministries are always closely linked.  Compassionate ministries are both a bridge to relationships and a partner of evangelism.  Every act of compassion has evangelistic implications, and every evangelistic act has social results.  Not only did the Liberian women take their new insight into rural health back to their communities, but they also effectively and boldly presented the gospel.

My mother’s experience in Liberia demonstrates the importance of working with the church to provide social care, education and empowerment for women of the church.  A strong socially-integrated church is a powerful force for the Kingdom.  In spite of the horrors and devastation of war, the United Liberia Inland Church remains strong.  Part of this strength lies in the women of the church – socially active and spiritually empowered.  And all this, because my mother’s life spoke every bit as loudly as her clear verbal testimony of Jesus.

Henry (and Nancy) grew up in Africa.  After 15 years in the Middle East they now serve as Directors of WEC Canada - and have four rugby crazed kids!