Liberia is one of the poorest nations in Africa- when we were there Gary and I didn't meet anyone with a paying job apart from taxi-drivers, waiters, and a shopkeepers ( I use the term 'shop' in its loosest sense.)
Liberia is recovering from the lingering effects of a decades-long civil war, and the infrastructure of the country is still ramshackle- no mains water or electricity, no public transport ( but with a depot full of buses sitting idle), poor health and healthcare- we didn't see anyone over the age of 50 and heard terrible stories about the infant mortality rate. Women are still very much second-class citizens and the country relies massively on support from the United Nations.
Nevertheless, we saw many signs of hope and so after reflecting for a week or so, here are my seven reasons why I believe that God will use Ignite powerfully in LIberia.
1. Amongst the faithful and faith-filled leadership of Ignite Liberia, especially in Rev. Emmanuel Jonah and Rev. Stephen Wonbenyakeh there is a real belief that Ignite is going to be part of rebuilding a nation by starting to breath life, hope and purpose into the young generation. Men like Emmanuel and Steve could easily be leaving LIberia for a more affluent lifestyle overseas, but have chosen to remain in their native country and serve God where they are so desperately needed. Both of them have the gift of connecting with people, and encouraging people to come alongside the vision they have for Ignite Liberia.
2. Although there are many churches in LIberia, it seems that most of them haven't really engaged with youth ministry since the civil war stopped, so there is a gap for effective, structured youth ministry to take place. It's likely that in Liberia Ignite will be seen as much more of a national youth ministry involved in local churches than it is in the UK.
3. Most of the Ignite county co-ordinators and centre managers are not in full-time employment, and even those who are pastors have time to give, so there is ready-made manpower willing to work hard and share the vision of Ignite. Already, Ignite has spread to 7 of LIberia's 15 counties with plans to reach all 15.
4. There is a depth of understanding about the Ignite declaration and the reasons to challenge young believers to sign it. Our conference merely confirmed that understanding and gave renewed enthusiasm to focus on the Ignite Declaration as the centre-piece of Ignite ministry.
5. Given that so many young people grow up without hope, drift into crime or drugs or prostitution, and have no real career prospects, the message of Ignite that God has a special purpose for you and your generation is a powerful and timely one for the youth of LIberia.
6. Already, Ignite LIberia is successfully breaking down geographical and denominational barriers in the country. Pastors, churches, and young people from many denominations are committed to being part of the Ignite family in LIberia.
7. There is clear evidence of the hand of God on Ignite Liberia. A couple of days before we arrived, Emmanuel and Steve had been given the opportunity to meet the Vice-President of the country and share the vision of Ignite. A musician friend of mine called Benny Prasad was in the country for a few days, did a concert for Ignite and arranged the meeting with the Vice-President. For Ignite Liberia to continue to flourish, there will need to continue be a miraculous provision by the Lord.