Woman's Ministry

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An Outreach to Widows and War-ravaged Women of Liberia

The Beginning

The ACFI Womens Ministries was organized in 1986 by the Women's Conference of the ACFI as an outreach to hurting mothers aned women in general. But the focus has slightly changed in the last 10 years (1990-2000) due to the Liberian civil war. The main thrust now is restoring war-ravaged women and widows who are traumatized and in great dispair.

Ministering to their Needs

Reaching out to such women of anguish and despair is the mission of the ACFI Women's Ministries. In an effort to detraumatize and restore the women, the ministry conducts regular counseling sessions, workshops, seminars and Bible study classes for them. In addition, the ministry also provides assistance which enable them to maintain their homes, feed their children and send them to school.

Women in Crisis

The nation of Liberia was engulfed by eight years of brutal civil war (1989-1997). Women and children became the worst victims. Many women lost their spouses in the war. They became widows and have to carry the responsibility of raising their children as single mothers. There are those who literally witnessed the brutal killing of their spouses by blood-thirsty war-lords who also committed other heinous crimes against loved ones. The nightmare continues to haunt these women and children of war. In consequence, there are many widows and children who have no shelter or common means of daily survival. Mothers and children sometimes go for many days without a meal. Untold suffering, anguish and despair have become a way of life; no hope, no future.

Self-help Project

Recently the ministry embarked on a project to provide some incentives to make war-ravaged widows and suffering women of Liberia self-supporting. They are being encouraged and assisted to engage in small business ventures. A one-time love gift of $300 or a monthly support of $25 can help a widow or suffering mother develop a small business to become self-supporting. This will enable her to maintain her home and send her children to school. The project also provides a literacy and home economic program for them to get an education and some basic training.

The Effect of Culture

African culture places the total burden of the home on the shoulders of women. They are home keepers, caring and raising children. They also ensure that provisions are available to maintain life in the home (Prov. 31:10-28). Men are only involved with external activities. But home affairs are entirely carried out by women. This makes life very difficult for them. They are women of distress and misery.

Volunteer Workers

The ministry has five full time workers including the national women president and others. They together with other volunteers minister to the needs of thousands of women across the nation of Liberia. Though they too and their families are also victims of the war, they brave the culture of suffering to help others. This is an expression of Christ's love. The example of these women has tremendously impacted many.

Prayer Needs

The ministry needs prayer and meager financial support. At least $2000 monthly support could provide some relief items for those in desperate need, transportation for the volunteers and small stipend for the full time workers. This is an opportunity to be a blessing to someone. A one time gift or a small monthly support will surely make a difference in the life of a suffering mother or widow. This is also a challenge to God's people who will not allow this opportunity to go unattended.

Other Needs:

• Manual sewing machines
• Baking & pastry materials
• Fabrics
• Crocheting supplies
• Beauty supplies
• Utensils
• Mattresses & bedding
• Cookbooks