A Liberian-born missionary has shared how her church’s long connection with MAF is helping isolated children get an education and is also strengthening the local church.
Helen Roberts-Evans, who grew up in the United States, works as director of the Department of General Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church in Liberia.
In some remote towns, the UMC school is the only educational institution, with no other government schools within reach.
“We are trying to provide not only academic education but, also teaching about the Bible to children across the country," said Helen.
There are schools that lack proper chairs and desks, so students are compelled to sit on benches (with dirt floors) as they continue their education.
Students shared their difficulties to the head of the UMC education department and Helen’s team was able to find a solution. The construction of a three-room annexe at Anna E. Hall School in Grand Kru County was completed.
“This ministry is wonderful and it means being able to get the supplies to the southeast for the UMC schools that are operating,” said Helen.
“MAF has been extremely helpful in getting me to Harper (in the southeast county of Maryland).”
Travelling in those southeastern counties of Liberia is made even more challenging when the rainy season turns unpaved roads into muddy paths with deep water-filled holes.
With walking and motorbikes the only way to get around on the wet ground, the seven United Methodist districts spanning five southeastern counties often face isolation.
In her role as a missionary of the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church, Helen relied on flights with MAF to visit the churches
MAF has been extremely helpful in getting me to Harper in the southeast county of Maryland
“I spent 20 days in Monrovia. I needed a rest from difficult travel, so I was very grateful for MAF’s roundtrip flight from Greenville to Monrovia,” she said.
“Partnership with MAF has made travelling to the most remote areas easy for the UMC Ministries and these gatherings. At times we come together for fellowship, teaching, and sharing ideas, concerns, and successes.”
The long-running connection began when Helen was prompted to contact MAF, after hearing about the organisation from a couple she had met in Norway.
“When I was on my knees praying that morning it came to me, call that group and I did, and they said, there was a flight going that week to Greenville,” Helen recalled.
“I could carry supplies and I did, so that was my first MAF flight and I thank God for MAF because the roads are really bad and as I travel around those five counties it is very challenging on motorbike.”