Update on Ebola Outbreak in Africa

The entire family of Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ would like to express concern and heartfelt sympathy for the many lives that have been lost as a result of the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. We are deeply saddened that Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia have had more than their share of pain and sorrow.

The entire family of Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ would like to express concern and heartfelt sympathy for the many lives that have been lost as a result of the Ebola outbreak in West Africa.  We are deeply saddened that Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia have had more than their share of pain and sorrow.

Global Ministries renewed its relationship with the Christian Council of Sierra Leone several years ago and currently assists the Council with its program to provide educational and psychosocial support to vulnerable children in the Kenema Township.  Given the needs within the community, the program was extended to Kabala Town in Koindadugu District where distressed and vulnerable children were identified.  Kenema has been especially hard hit by the disease.

Children who participate in the program organized by the Council of Churches are generally between the ages of 6 – 14 years.  Some have parents who are blind beggars, some are children of physically handicapped parents, and others are the “true street children” – those abandoned or separated from parents and relatives and others whose parents have died.  They are without recourse and resources to shape their future in a positive manner.  We ask that you keep the children in your prayers as they are often the ones to fall through the cracks during a crisis.  Pray that the Council will remain strong as it minsters to the member churches.

Although Ghana has reported very few cases, we know that it is in eminent danger given its proximity to the affected countries.  Our partners, the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana,(EPCG) have reported that the situation is currently under control.

Continue to keep our mission personnel in prayer.  Kristine Tisinger works with the EPCG in the city of Ho located about 3 hours from the capital of Accra where she provides nurturing support to the many vulnerable children who come to the Nenyo Haborbor Center.  Gary Luallin teaches at the Peking Seminary, about 1 hour from Ho.  They have not felt that their lives are in danger, but they and Global Ministries are closely monitoring the situation.  A delegation of leaders from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ continue their preparations for a visit to Ghana at the end of the month to celebrate with our partners during the Joint Ghana/Togo General Assembly of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

For a summary update on the Ebola outbreak, click here.