Ganta Mission Station seeks operating funds

By United Methodist News Service

The United Methodist-related Ganta Mission Station in Liberia needs funding assistance for its general operations.

General funds have nearly been exhausted, according to the Rev. Herbert Zigbuo, a missionary for the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, who is assigned as superintendent for the mission station. Ganta Mission reopened in 2004 after Liberia's civil war and is slowly rebuilding its ministries and facilities.

"Along with donated funds, we are able to raise local funds through our charges for services provided through our carpentry and mechanic shops, our guesthouse and our mission station cafeteria," Zigbuo said.

"The locally generated funds subsidize our monthly payroll. We are in need of funds to allow us continue this revitalization effort."

Located on a 600-acre campus, the mission station addresses the medical, educational and spiritual needs of poor, rural, subsistence farming families in northeastern Liberia.

The campus includes Ganta Hospital, a nursing school and a facility for leprosy and tuberculosis patients. Christian-based education is offered at an elementary through senior high-level vocational school, and the agricultural program helps farmers learn skills aimed at increasing crop and livestock yields.

The mission station's maintenance unit, which has a staff of 90, oversees the grounds, roads, water and power system, school, hospital, 28 residence houses, church and various shops, including mechanics, carpentry and building construction.

Students and ex-combatants learn job training skills through the carpentry and mechanic shops.
Zigbuo said donations are particularly needed to purchase fuel to operate the generators; building supplies to continue the renovation of the residential areas and institutions; tools and equipment for use in the shops; and spare parts to maintain the mission's vehicles.

Contributions can be made through the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries Advance Special Program. The specific fund is Ganta United Methodist Mission Station, #14369T. Donations can be dropped in church collection plates or mailed to Advance GCFA, P.O. Box 9068, GPO New York, NY 10087-9068.

Credit-card donations can be made online through the Advance at http://new.gbgm-umc.org/give/advance/ or by calling toll-free (888) 252-6174.