Liberia was founded in the early 1800s as a refuge for freed slaves. Stable government, led by a small elite known as the Americo-Liberians, prevailed until a coup in 1980. Since 1989, a series of devastating internal wars have destroyed the infrastructure and forced the relocation of most of SIM's Liberia missionaries.

SIM entered Liberia soon after World War II, and in 1954 went on the air over Radio ELWA (Eternal Love Winning Africa). Soon they were broadcasting in 45 languages throughout Liberia and its neighbouring countries. ELWA Hospital opened in 1965, and in 1976 missionaries began planting churches in outlying areas. Since the last of three evacuations in 1996, the SIM-related churches have organized as the Evangelical Church Union of Liberia (ECUL). Local Christians, who had been trained by SIM, resumed the work of ELWA hospital and radio on a limited basis, including chaplain services in the hospital and clinic. They formed an ELWA Management Team, which restored some function to the devastated equipment and facilities on the campus. Some SIM missionaries have now moved back into Liberia, primarily to assist the ministries of ECUL.

Please pray for:

1. Improvements in national security and the economy.
   
2. The church, that it will be strengthened through its suffering.
   
3. A trusting partnership between SIM and ECUL (SIM-related churches), and for personnel needed to facilitate this relationship.
   
4. Effective training of pastors and church leaders.
   
5. ELWA Radio's expanded short wave outreach to result in conversions and spiritual growth.
   
6. ELWA Hospital's outreach to many in dire need.
   
7. Encouragement of emerging Liberian-initiated movements, and cooperation among them.