New mission station dedicated in Liberia

The United Methodist Church in Liberia dedicated a mission station in Gbarpolu County in northwestern Liberia on March 27.

With three churches and three preaching points, the Bopolu Mission Station is the denomination’s fifth mission station in Liberia. The other four are Gbarnga in Bong County, Ganta in Nimba County, Weala in Margibi County, and Diecke in the Republic of Guinea, a provisional conference of Liberia.

United Methodist Bishop John Innis said the mission station was the church’s way of showing love for the people of Gbarpolu County and all those who will benefit from the facilities.

“We are now demonstrating our love for the people of Gbarpolu, especially the children who are now attending the school and will become future leaders of Liberia,” Innis said.

“This mission station is now providing jobs for residents of Bopolu City and individuals from other parts of the county,” lay pastor Shaffa Seward said, noting more than 80 percent of the mission station staff are indigenous people from Gbarpolu County.

The 3.6 acre station includes a school, clinic, church and parsonage. The $150,000 station was funded by several overseas partners, including churches in the United Methodist Virginia Conference.

Swen is communicator for The United Methodist Church in Liberia.

News media contact: Vicki Brown at (615) 742-5470 or [email protected]


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!

Subscribe Now
Global Health
Members of Bartee Pannoh United Methodist Church and community members celebrate during the dedication of a water well in the Karquekpo community in Sinoe County, Liberia. As part of its most recent outreach, the Liberia Conference provided 25 water wells, 15 gender-sensitive toilets and poly tanks to harvest rain water in rural communities where the church is present. Photo courtesy of the United Methodist Human Rights Monitor.

Church expands access to clean water in Liberia

Through its Water for Life initiative, the Liberia Conference is installing wells and sanitation facilities throughout the country to help reduce waterborne diseases and improve safety and equity for women and girls.
Bishops
Bishops Gaspar J. Domingos, Ande I. Emmanuel and Nelson Kalombo Ngoy follow proceedings during the Africa College of Bishops opening worship service held at First United Methodist Church in Monrovia, Liberia. The church, which was built in 1822, is the oldest Protestant church in Africa. Photo courtesy of Liberia Annual Conference Communications.

African bishops celebrate growth, ecumenism

United Methodist episcopal leaders in Africa gathered in Liberia to discuss regionalization, stewardship, sustainability and other issues affecting the continent.
Disaster Relief
The Rev. Heather J. Zisengwe, superintendent for The United Methodist Church’s Bulawayo Midlands District in Zimbabwe, holds a baby at a transit camp set up by the Zimbabwe Council of Churches for migrants who have left South Africa amid anti-immigration protests. The temporary center in the sanctuary of the United Church of Christ in Southern Africa in Njube was the hub for humanitarian efforts by mainline churches in Zimbabwe. Photo courtesy of the Rev. Heather J. Zisengwe.

United Methodists respond to South African migration crisis

The United Methodist Church supports thousands of undocumented migrants fleeing anti-foreigner protests in South Africa.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2026 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved