Bishop signs construction contract for commercial building

Translate Page

Bishop John G. Innis signed a construction contract for nearly $2 million for a three-story commercial building that is expected to generate income to support the ministries of The United Methodist Church in Liberia.

Innis said the income from the building will enhance the church’s efforts to serve the Liberian people, especially those in need and pastors.

“I am very happy to know that I am going to retire with such an investment for the church, we have been depending on overseas support for too long,” Innis said.

The building will include office spaces, a section that could house a shopping mall, conference facilities and more, said the Rev. Dorothy MaCauley, coordinator of the Liberia United Methodist Empowerment Foundation.

“We are certain that it will attract clients because of its location,” MaCauley said. She said the building will be rented out to business people and local or international non-governmental organizations, or NGOs.

Money needed for construction

The building will take 18 to 24 months to complete once the funds are available, said Victor Smith, president and general manager of Zenith Group of Companies, which will handle construction. About $500,000 has been raised toward construction.

MaCauley said building will be constructed in phases as funds become available. She said the foundation is reviewing the possibility of loan for part of the construction costs.

Once the commercial building is completed, The United Methodist Church of Liberia will be able to cut on half its need for money from overseas partners to support ministries, Innis said.

The United Methodist Church of Liberia operates on an annual budget of $1.5 million. Two-thirds of that amount comes from overseas, especially the United States. Income from the rental services of the building would help to fund much of what the general United Methodist Church through the U.S. currently pays.

Liberia United Methodist Empowerment Foundation is The United Methodist Church's initiative for raising funds for sustainability and the viability of its ministries to the Liberian people.

Swen is editor and publisher of West African Writers, an online publication about United Methodist happenings in West Africa and assists the denomination in Liberia with coverage for United Methodist Communications.

News media contact: Vicki Brown, [email protected] or 615-742-5472.


Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.

Sign up for our newsletter!

UMNEWS-SUBSCRIPTION
Bishops
Children from the Congo lead the recession of bishops from the Memorial du Centenaire Cathedral in Lubumbashi, Congo, following the opening worship service for the Africa Colleges of Bishops retreat that took place Sept. 2-7. Over 3,000 people attended the service where Council of Bishops president Thomas J Bickerton preached about the power of love in troubling times. Photo by Eveline Chikwanah, UM News.

African bishops tackle regionalization

Conversations at a recent gathering of episcopal leaders in Africa focused on regionalization, possible new episcopal areas and the definition of Christian marriage.
Theology and Education
Members of the Mutare District’s women’s organization celebrate the group’s unwavering commitment to education during their district conference at Hilltop United Methodist Church in Mutare, Zimbabwe. Representatives from urban and rural circuits highlighted their accomplishments in establishing scholarship programs and providing educational opportunities to underprivileged children. Photo by Priscilla Muzerengwa, UM News.

Empowering marginalized children through education

Zimbabwe women’s group aims to transform lives, communities through scholarship program.
Young People
West Angola Conference youth pose for a photo during a weeklong Juventude Metodista camp in Lubango, Angola. The gathering, the largest in the group’s history, featured morning devotions, team-building exercises and a gospel concert. Photo courtesy of Juventude Metodista.

West Angola camp helps youth shine

Hundreds of young people gather for a week of fun and activities designed for their spiritual growth.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2023 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved