Canon James Yarsiah and Episcopalians in New Jersey Reach Out to Liberians

Canon James T. Yarsiah

A 40 foot container with donated materials, school, church, and relief supplies has arrived in the country for distribution among schools, churches, institutions and individuals. The Rev. Canon Dr. James T. Yarsiah, a Liberian born clergy, resident in the United States, along with the parishioners of St. James and St. Michael’s Episcopal parishes in the Diocese of New Jersey sponsored this global outreach efforts to Liberia.  

In an effort to give back, Canon Yarsiah and his wife, Ophelia founded the Global Outreach Ministry to Liberia in 2006 and have led several initiatives to solicit donated materials that are shipped to Liberia. The current shipment brings to ten the total number of containers shipped from the USA to Liberia since the Global Outreach Ministry was founded. 

The current shipment brings to ten the total number of containers shipped from the USA to Liberia since the Global Outreach Ministry was founded

Contents of the container include several boxes of school and office supplies, PPE’s (disinfecting wipes, face masks, hand sanitizers and gloves), backpacks, children’s books, science textbooks, educational games, toys, and balls (basket, soccer and volley). Others include hygienic materials, sleeping bags, wheel chairs, walkers, college math books, theological books, clergy vestments, choir and acolyte robes, used Prayer Books, a musical drum set, etc. 

Target beneficiaries include Episcopal churches, the Foundation for the Rights of Women and Girls, Episcopal and non-Episcopal schools, Cuttington University, orphanages, the Group of 77 and several institutions throughout Liberia. According to Canon Yarsiah, the Global Outreach Ministry is a way of giving back to the church and country with the aim of sharing the love of Christ in obedience to the Great Commission as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20 (“Go ye into all the world and make disciples…”).