I have been posting in the past months about our potential upcoming change of assignment from Bolivia to Liberia, West Africa. I can now say that it is no longer a potential change but a fact. We have been reassigned officially from our ministry in Bolivia to the new ministry of Evangelical Church Missions (ECM) in Liberia. As we have been sharing this with people across the church there are certain questions that seem to crop up time and time again. So below are my FAQ with answers.
What will your ministry be in Liberia?
While there are still a number of details to be worked out, we will be working with the newly formed Liberian Evangelical Mission (LEM) denomination. As I currently see the situation, we can offer assistance in: denominational development, pastoral/leadership training and children's and women's ministry.
What is the relationship between LEM and ECM?
LEM is a legally recognized denomination in Liberia and is a sister church to the Evangelical Church in the US. ECM's role is one of assistance and cooperation. At this point there are no plans for ECM to incorporate in Liberia but rather we will be working under the umbrella and leadership of LEM.
Will you be returning to Bolivia at all?
Yes. We are tentivly scheduled to return to Bolivia in August 2014 for a short period from 12 to 16 weeks. In that time we will need to clear out our household items and, more importantly, say goodbye to the brothers and sisters in the church and to our coworkers and to leave in good order.
When will you arrive in Liberia? How long will you be staying?
Our assignment to Liberia begins in January 2015. We hope to secure visas and arrive in-country in January. Our term is for four years.
Who will be going? Are there other missionaries in Liberia?
Niki, Mark and I are relocating to Liberia. Mark is finishing 10th grade and so has two years left in school. While there are missionaries from other organizations, we will be the only representatives of ECM at this time.
What can we do to help in your transition from Bolivia to Liberia?
You can pray. We need God's direction, discernment and provision in this time of transition. You can consider giving financially to help with the establishment of this new ministry. We still need to raise some additional support in order to meet the goal set for us by the mission.
I hope that these FAQ have given you some answers. Feel free to write us (gordon@ecmissions.org) if you have other questions.
Who am I?
- gordon elliott
- Monrovia, Liberia
- I live in Monrovia, Liberia, West Africa with my wife and youngest son. We are recently arrived in Liberia where we are serving as missionaries with Evangelical Church Missions working under the Liberia Evangelical Mission. For most of the last thirty years we have served under ECM in Bolivia, South America. We are the happy parents of four children and the proud grandparents of two grandchildren.
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