Dear Friends,
This week, please pray with us for Boye-Nelson Kiamu from Liberia.
Located on the West African coast, Liberia was established in 1822 as a settlement of the American Colonization Society, which supported “repatriation” of free and formerly enslaved African Americans and African Caribbeans under the notion that they would fare better in Africa than in a deeply racist US society. Today, the descendants of these settlers, known as Americo-Liberians or Congo people, make up about 5% of Liberia’s five million people. After Liberia gained independence in 1847, Americo-Liberians governed the nation until a military coup in 1980, followed by the First (1989-1997) and Second (1999-2003) Liberian Civil Wars. A quarter million Liberians died in these conflicts, which also destroyed infrastructure and devastated Liberia’s economy. An Ebola outbreak (2013-2016) and the COVID pandemic have also taken their toll, and over half of Liberia’s population currently lives on less than $1.90 USD per day.
Nelson is pursuing a PhD in Intercultural Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary. Nelson’s research focuses on harnessing media technology, including social media, for youth evangelism and discipleship in Liberia, where 43% of the population is under the age of 15. Watch Nelson preach on faith and technology at Fuller’s Missiology Lectures Chapel here.
Prior to his studies, Nelson taught at ABC (African Bible Colleges) University, where he will return to teach missiology upon graduation. A pastor of the United Liberia Inland Church, Nelson also leads Liberia Renewal Ministries, which serves vulnerable children, women, and youth in Jesus’ name. Nelson is married to Esther.
Nelson shares the following message:
Dear ScholarLeaders Prayer Partners and Co-Workers in Ministry,
Thank you for your partnership throughout this journey. Our hearts are filled with joy, knowing that we have people praying for us. My wife, Esther, and I appreciate your prayers and support for the ministry God has put on our hearts of teaching and training leaders for the Church in Africa. Thank you for the prayers and support.
Updates
Earlier this year, I completed my comprehensive exams and passed successfully. Glory be to God! I am currently in the dissertation writing stage of my program. Please continue to pray that God will give me the wisdom and strength to complete the dissertation at a good time and to do a good job.
Before the COVID pandemic, my argument about the role that technology was playing and will play in forming young adults for the Church seemed like a stretch to some. Now, it has been interesting to see more openness and critical evaluation regarding how the Church can faithfully utilize technology, especially social media, in its ministry to young adults and closed nations.
My wife, Esther, was also able to join me in the US after seven months of separation due to visa and COVID issues. It has been good to serve with my partner in ministry as we do this work together. Esther has been able to volunteer at a church and assist the spouses of other African students, like by driving them to the market or hospital. Esther is thankful for these opportunities to connect with these spouses.
Prayer Requests
Pray for Liberia. Liberia is affected by severe economic hardships. Most of our family members live there. Pray that God will give us leaders who can lead the nation well and have a fear of God. Pray that God will keep our families safe and well.
Pray for the Church in Liberia that God will continue to raise up men and women who can speak truth to power and preach the saving message of Jesus Christ. One constant that we have, whether in troubles or in good times, in times of lack or in times of plenty, is that God is with us, and God’s word is still powerful. We pray for God’s reign to fill every sphere in Liberia.
Pray for the ministry of African Bible Colleges (ABC), where Esther and I will be returning to teach after our program. Pray that God will provide resources for this ministry and aid ABC in forming Christian leaders for Africa and the Global Church.
Pray for Liberia Renewal Ministries (LRM). LRM is a ministry that provides education and housing for orphans and underprivileged children, advocates for abused women and children, and evangelizes youth in Liberia. Esther and I continue to serve in this ministry. Pray that God will continue to meet the needs of the women, children, and youth that LRM serves.
Finally, pray that Esther and I will serve God faithfully and be a light to our generation.
Blessings,
Boye-Nelson and Esther Kiamu