Raise Awareness and Provide Assistance:
Raise awareness about the conditions and needs of Open Bible Churches in Liberia: individuals, pastors and churches, schools and institutions, teachers, medical agencies and provide assistance in areas of lack and need.
Solicitations and Contributions:
To solicit and donate funds, contributions, monetary instruments, and gifts in kind to aid spiritual, educational, medical, and specific needs of Open Bible Churches in Liberia to its designated representatives.
Service Ministry:
Serve as a ministry for effective action to reverse the degradation of the spiritual effectiveness of people and facilities under the oversight of Open Bible Churches in Liberia.
In 1935, Open Bible Standard Churches sent their first missionary Lucille (Mitchell) Jenkins to Liberia. Over the years more than 23 missionary individuals/familes have gone to serve in Liberia. Due to the civil instability in Liberia the work was nationalized in 1979 in case the missionaries were forced to leave the country. The nationalized church was given the name Liberia Open Bible Standard Churches, Inc. with Mark Kangar serving as the first National Field Director. In 1980, the government was overthrown and there have been two bloody civil wars spanning decades. In 1982, Open Bible's last missionary was forced to return to the United States. For 25 years the country has been devastasted by the destruction of buildings, roads, fields, power plants, etc. leading to Liberia being the third poorest country in the world. Open Bible Churches has continued to send monthly support over the years, but the amount is insufficient to meet the drastic needs of the 32 chartered churches in Liberia. Dr. Vambo, III currently serves as the National Field Director.
OPEN BIBLE CHURCHES
FOREIGN MISSIONARIES TO LIBERIA
1.
Bacon, Dewey* and Neoma*
1947 - 1951
2.
Brunhaver, Ethel
1947 - 1981
3.
Chandler, Lowell* & Wilda (Leiss)
1948 - 1949
4.
Clark, Leroy & Mary
1974 - 1982
5.
Clark, Thomas & Helen
1950 - 1958
6.
Crossman, Harold & Lee Chase
1958 - 1961
7.
Dixon, Wymetta
1978 - 1981
8.
Finck, Celia
1970 - 1980
9.
Hallberg, Marvin & Marilyn
1962 - 1965
10.
Hudgens, Bonita
1966 - 1970
11.
Isbill, Ralph* & Lulubelle
1947 - 1949
12.
Jenkins, Lucille M. (Mitchell)
1935 - 1970
13.
Leiber, Diana
1974 - 1977
14.
Miller, Grace (Cook)
1961 - 1973
15.
Nelson, Mabel
1939 - 1942
16.
Olson, Majorie
1970 - 1980
17.
Pope, Harold & Joan
1965 - 1969
18.
Smith, Marian (Albert)
1960 - 1980
19.
Snyder, Ronald & Gerine
1970 - 1979
20.
Townsend, Paul & Janice
1969 - 1971
21.
Van Hooser, Norma (Anderson)
1948 - 1959
22.
Welch, Robert & Evelyn
1950 - 1977
23.
Zimmerman, Donald & Barbara
1972 - 1976
24.
Welch, Robert (Drew) & Jessica
2017 - Present
LIBERIA NATIONAL FIELD DIRECTORS
1.
Kangar, Mark & Lue Ann
1979 - 1991
2.
Dabieh, Peter & Doris
1991 - 2005
3.
Barwon, Charles & Emma
2006 - 2015
4.
Vambo III, Jacob & Daisy
2015 - Present
OPEN BIBLE CHURCHES DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL MISSIONS
1.
O. Ralph Isbill*
1947 - 1967
2.
R. Bryant Mitchell*
1967 - 1973
3.
Edward L. Wood
1973 - 1979
4.
Paul V. Canfield
1979 - 2007
5.
Vince McCarty
2007 - Present
THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD
The Lord said to Jeremiah, "I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my spokesman to the world" ( NLT).
Before Pa Welch came to the Open Bible Mission in Liberia West Africa, and to my town, Gumu, River Cess, God knew. Before he asked my parents to bring me on the Open Bible Mission to attend school God knew. I am always fascinated about the plans of God for my life. He knows what I do not know. He sees what I do not see and He goes where I can not go. Therefore, when I surrendered my life unto Him, He directs the way I should go.
As God knew Jeremiah, long before he was born or even conceived, He thought about me and planned for me. When I feel discouraged or inadequate, I am reminded that God has always thought of me as valuable and that He has a purpose in mind for me. I never dreamed that I would be living in the United States and be a Pastor and Chaplain, but God knew. He says in His Word, "For I know the plans I have for you (says the LORD). They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and hope" ( NLT).
You may not go to Africa like (Pa and Ma Welch) Rev. and Mrs. Robert G. Welch, but when you give to the Love Liberia Funds, you are giving someone a scholarship to attend the Mission School, and make their dream a reality. May The Lord speak to your heart now to give and you will be blessed. "God knows what you and I do not know!"
Mark W. Kangar Board Member
A CHOSEN GENERATION
Just like the story in the New Testament where a vision appeared to the Apostle Paul in the night. There stood a man of Macedonia and he prayed, saying, come over to Macedonia and help us. The story of how the Open Bible Standard Mission Church got to GUMU in KPLOH, was not through a vision but similar in affect.
The late Pastor James Vlarue Kangar (Khannon), my father, the senior pastor of the Methodistrict Church in GUMU, asked the late Rev. Robert G. Welch to come to GUMU to preach the word of God to his people. Pa Welch along with the late Pastor Francis Wulah and other personnel went on that preaching trip. The word of God was preached in a new and living way. The people received the word with enthusiasm.
During their second trip to GUMU the late Rev. Robert G. Welch asked the late Pastor James Vlarue Kangar if the people would be willing to become a part of the OBSMC; it wasn't feasible for everyone, however, about one half of the members agreed and went with the OBSMC. This is how the OBSMC was established about a mile or so across the small river, called the Gold River from the township of GUMU.
After the mission was established, Pa Welch then asked some of the fathers in the church if he could bring their school age children to attend school on the mission down on the coast. There were five boys that Pa Welch brought back with him: Paul Zaza, Joshua Weh, John Topoe, Mark Kangar and I, David Kangar.
1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that year should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
David Kangar
Board Member
ONE TOUCH OF LOVE
I was just a newborn when Liberia became my home. To be exact, River Cess, then Lower Buchanan, then Monrovia. Looking back...the only way I can express what I really feel about my early life in Africa is this: "Home" is not so much the place you live, but the People. The people you love. The people you share a unique and deep heritage with and the ones you know will always be there with you in Spirit. Yes, we ran and played together, we laughed and cried together, we trekked the jungles together, we prayed together and grew up as a Family! As the dear Aunt Clara on ELWA radio used to sing... "Land of sunshine, Land of Palms, and riches yet untold! But the richest ore that can be found are the peoples' hearts of gold!" She sings my song...my heart...my soul. For the forever friends of my youth and those same friends I cherish today, thank you for enriching my life and giving me a continued vision of love, compassion, of never turning away from those who need us most...because one touch of Love can mean a life saved and that one life, can change our World!!
Lynn Tofts
Love Liberia Missions Member
Membership
Membership dues cover the administrative costs to the organization, annual conference expenses, and other acts of kindness for friends and family of the organization. Any excess in funds for the year will be rolled into the general fund for ministries. Your membership invites you to take part in member business meetings, bylaw changes, annual budget setting, and communication concerning the vision and purpose of the organization. The membership due is $120 a year payable at the annual conference, by mail, or online. Please make payment by July 31st. You can become a member or renew your membership by completing the online "Membership Form" and using the secure "Donate" button below. Please enter $120 for yearly dues. You may also complete your membership by printing the form and mailing your dues to: Love Liberia Missions, PO Box 926, Crystal Springs, MS 39059. You may become a member at any time during the year. Thank you!
Registered Members
We would like to invite you to become a member of our family. Get to know the "Liberian Family" by clicking on the names below. More members will be added as we update our records since the last reunion.
Just like the story in the New Testament where a vision appeared to the Apostle Paul in the night. There stood a man of Macedonia and he prayed, saying, come over to Macedonia and help us. The story of how the Open Bible Standard Mission Church got to GUMU in KPLOH, was not through a vision but similar in affect.
The late Pastor James Vlarue Kangar (Khannon), my father, the senior pastor of the Methodistrict Church in GUMU, asked the late Rev. Robert G. Welch to come to GUMU to preach the word of God to his people. Pa Welch along with the late Pastor Francis Wulah and other personnel went on that preaching trip. The word of God was preached in a new and living way. The people received the word with enthusiasm.
During their second trip to GUMU the late Rev. Robert G. Welch asked the late Pastor James Vlarue Kangar if the people would be willing to become a part of the OBSMC; it wasn't feasible for everyone, however, about one half of the members agreed and went with the OBSMC. This is how the OBSMC was established about a mile or so across the small river, called the Gold River from the township of GUMU.
After the mission was established, Pa Welch then asked some of the fathers in the church if he could bring their school age children to attend school on the mission down on the coast. There were five boys that Pa Welch brought back with him: Paul Zaza, Joshua Weh, John Topoe, Mark Kangar and I, David Kangar.
1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that year should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
The Lord said to Jeremiah, "I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my spokesman to the world" ( NLT).
Before Pa Welch came to the Open Bible Mission in Liberia West Africa, and to my town, Gumu, River Cess, God knew. Before he asked my parents to bring me on the Open Bible Mission to attend school God knew. I am always fascinated about the plans of God for my life. He knows what I do not know. He sees what I do not see and He goes where I can not go. Therefore, when I surrendered my life unto Him, He directs the way I should go.
As God knew Jeremiah, long before he was born or even conceived, He thought about me and planned for me. When I feel discouraged or inadequate, I am reminded that God has always thought of me as valuable and that He has a purpose in mind for me. I never dreamed that I would be living in the United States and be a Pastor and Chaplain, but God knew. He says in His Word, "For I know the plans I have for you (says the LORD). They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and hope" ( NLT).
You may not go to Africa like (Pa and Ma Welch) Rev. and Mrs. Robert G. Welch, but when you give to the Love Liberia Funds, you are giving someone a scholarship to attend the Mission School, and make their dream a reality. May The Lord speak to your heart now to give and you will be blessed. "God knows what you and I do not know!"
Celebrating 25 years of fellowship! See our conference page for information about our next gathering, and many pictures. We are consistently posting past and present pictures from Liberia on our facebook page. Help us remember the past, and pursue the present ministry God has for us in Liberia!
