One of the advantages to Lutheran Hour Ministries' work around the world is that each of its ministry centers is staffed by local people who have grown up as cultural insiders, who know the local language(s), and who know how to communicate the Gospel in ways that are understandable in their own culture. This ensures maximum impact of the message of the Gospel because the ministry touches people's hearts by addressing issues and problems that affect people within each region.
Lutheran Hour Ministries-Liberia tackled an issue that has become a major concern to government officials in recent years. The use of commercial motorcycles is now the choice of many commuters throughout Liberia, especially in and around the capital city of Monrovia. Their popularity is largely due to much lower costs than taking taxi cabs to get around and their general acceptance as a source of employment among poor youth in urban areas. While offering additional transportation advantages like easy maneuverability, ability to travel on poor roads, and less likelihood of causing traffic jams, commercial motorcycle service growth has also led to an increase in road accidents, traffic management problems, pervasive noise, and an increase in crime.
LHM-Liberia held a "Ride Safely" campaign on Feb. 23 at the Parker Paint Junction in the city of Paynesville outside of Monrovia. The ministry educated riders about road safety, raised awareness against sharing motorcycles, working too many hours, and alcohol consumption, and distributed reflective vests to attendees. The event also offered an opportunity to share the Good News.
Staff informed riders about ministry efforts such as the Words of Hope radio broadcast that discusses topical issues from a Christian perspective, its rallies, Christian films, and discussion groups aimed at introducing participants to the church, and its Kick for Christ youth sporting program. Attendees were also encouraged to sign up for LHM-Liberia's Bible Correspondence Courses that are available in English as well as translated into Bassa and Krahn dialects.
"Events like this are successful in helping more and more people come to know about our programs and how they can become a part of what we do," says the director of LHM-Liberia. "Apart from the people who were direct beneficiaries, many more onlookers and community inhabitants became aware of the Gospel-sharing activities of Lutheran Hour Ministries in the country."