State of Emergency May Impact UMC Liberia Pastor’s Movement
In the wake of the State of Emergency declared by the Liberian Government, the United Methodist Church of Liberia has called off some of its programs and activities. According to the Dean of Bishop John G. Innis’ Cabinet, Rev. Christopher Marshall, the planned Cabinet meeting that was scheduled to take place in Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County has been called off indefinitely. “We will revert to praying at our various districts and asking God to let this Ebola crisis pass,” he added.
In a related development, Rev. James Z. Labala, District Superintendent of the Gompa District in Nimba County, one of the afflicted counties on the Liberian Government’s list, said most of their major programs including a training workshop has been suspended until further notice. He said all pastors will be informed to remain in their area of assignment and pray for the nation and its people. The UMC clergyman said the decision is intended to stop people from affected areas going to non-affected areas.
“It is time we, as church leaders, help our country in minimizing movement across the country.” Rev. Labala said.
On Thursday, August 7, 2014, a United Methodist pastor was delayed at a check point while traveling to Bopolu City, Gbarpolu County. Pastor Shaffa Seward and other Liberians were stopped by security forces at the Clay Junction in Bomi County.
Meanwhile, administrators at the UMC Liberia Central Office will be meeting to strategize on how best to handle the State of Emergency that has been declared by the Liberian Government. According to Rev. George Wilson, Director of Connectional Table, the Central Office leaders will consult with other church leaders to determine what happens next. “All we can do now is to ask our friends and partners overseas to join us in praying for our nation and the entire West Africa region which is now threatened by this deadly Ebola virus,” he concluded.
(Photos by Joseph Zoegar of the LACUMC and were taken before the Ebola crisis.)