Texas Ministry Pouring Care into Flood-Ravaged Liberia

Torrential rains in one of the world's wettest countries have caused severe flooding, leaving families homeless and thousands at risk of waterborne diseases.

Liberia's National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has warned more downpours are likely in the rain-soaked West African nation in the coming weeks.

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Local teams supported by Texas-based mission agency GFA World (http://www.gfa.org/liberia-flood) are delivering emergency relief supplies, including meals, clean drinking water, and sanitary items, in some of the worst-hit towns and villages.

Covered in rivers, rainforests, mangroves, and swamps, Liberia is "one of the wettest countries in the world," according to UNICEF.

Lashed by tropical monsoons from May to October, the capital, Monrovia, gets nearly five times as much rain as Seattle.

Many Liberians live in basic shelters on swampy ground that is prone to flooding during the annual deluge.

"Mud is piled just above the surface of the water, and simple shelters are built on top," said GFA World president Bishop Daniel Timotheos Yohannan. "Makeshift wooden bridges connect one home to another, but these bridges are often unstable and dangerous."

Two years ago, two girls playing on a bridge drowned when one of them fell into the water and the other jumped in to try to save her friend.

An elderly man also drowned after falling from a bridge while walking home at night.

Waterborne Threat

Another threat comes from the expected surge in waterborne diseases, such as chronic diarrhea, as flood waters containing harmful bacteria and human waste seep into drinking water sources.

As many as 9 in 10 Liberians do not have a safe drinking water supply—especially in rural areas where most live.

Flooding is also making it difficult for people to get to work or buy food and other necessities, ramping up pressure on families.

"We're asking people to pray for all those affected and also for our national missionaries, that God will give them strength as they bring encouragement, practical care, and the hope of Christ," Bishop Daniel said.

GFA World is currently launching new projects in Liberia, helping local communities support children and the vulnerable.

"Our goal is to show people everywhere they are not forgotten, and that they are loved and cherished by God," Bishop Daniel said.