EMPOWERING THE LIBERIAN CHURCH and PEOPLE THROUGH GLOBAL OUTREACH

St. Michael’s, Wall & St. James, Bradley Beach, NJ, Ship a 40-Foot Container with Church, Relief, and Medical Supplies to Liberia
Wall Township, NJ – February 12, 2025

On December 14, parishioners and volunteers gathered at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Wall Township, New Jersey, to load a 40-foot freight container—the eleventh shipment—with church materials, vestments, theological books, textbooks, school supplies, medical equipment, and relief supplies. Destined for Liberia, West Africa, the container departed from the Port of New York on December 20th and is scheduled to arrive at the Freeport of Monrovia on late February 17, 2025. Canon & Mrs. Yarsiah are currently in Monrovia, Liberia, to help with the distribution of the donations.

This shipment, the first to originate from New Jersey, is part of the Global Outreach Ministry to Liberia, an extended mission of the affiliated parishes of St. Michael’s, Wall Township, and St. James, Bradley Beach, Diocese of New Jersey. As with previous efforts, the shipment will support churches and clergy in the Episcopal Diocese of Liberia, as well as other denominations, schools, clinics, orphanages, and institutions, including the Liberian Group of 77, a government institution that assists the physically challenged. The total value of the donations is estimated at $24,000 US Dollars, with shipping costs amounting to $6,221, excluding clearance and transportation costs in Liberia. The Diocese of Arkansas, through the Christopher and Caroline Keller Fund for Mission provided a grant of $4,200 to assist with trucking, shipping, clearing and other expenses. The Global Outreach Ministry is deeply grateful to Bishop John Harmon and the Diocese of Arkansas.

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​According to The Rev. Canon Dr. James T. Yarsiah, Priest-In-Charge at St. Michael’s and St. James, “In an effort to give back, my wife Ophelia and I initiated this ministry in 2006, engaging churches, institutions, and friends from the Diocese of South Carolina and beyond to contribute materials and supplies. This effort, known as the Global Outreach Ministry to Liberia, aims to assist churches, schools, women, children, orphans, and the needy.” 

The Rt. Rev. Sally J. French, Bishop of New Jersey, has emphasized the importance of this ministry, describing it as a vital effort in strengthening and empowering the Church and people of Liberia. Bishop French donated $2,000 from her discretionary funds to help defray shipping expenses. The Global Outreach Ministry is sincerely grateful to Bishop French for her unweaving support.

The contents of the container include, but not limited to:

• Church Materials: Used pianos, crucifixes, candle stands, clergy vestments, choir and acolyte robes, Bibles, theological books, Prayer Books, Hymnals, cassocks, etc.
• Medical Supplies: Wheelchairs, walkers, medical beds, portable commodes, foyer lift, catheter,bandages, lympho press, ortho boots, back & kneel braces crutches, canes, etc.
• Relief and Educational Items: School supplies, textbooks, educational games, toys, stuffy animals, clothing, shoes, sleeping bags, rice, beans, vegetable oil and more.

Church materials were donated by the Diocese of New Jersey and other parishes. The Medical Equipment Ministry of St. James Memorial Episcopal Church in Eatontown, NJ, partnered with St. Michael’s and St. James to provide medical equipment and supplies. The dry food items, rice, beans and oil came from Christ Church, Shrewsbury, NJ. Additional contributions came from several local parishes, clergy, and friends. The Global Outreach Ministry extends gratitude to Fr. Austin Murry and parishioners of St. James Memorial Church, Eatontown, New Jersey. 

The Global Outreach Ministry to Liberia remains committed to this vital work of empowerment. Our Ministry accepts donations from churches in transition to close or have closed, and are looking for a place to donate their church materials/ornaments.

Parishes and dioceses within The Episcopal Church Parishes and dioceses within The Episcopal Church (TEC) are encouraged to donate church materials, ornaments, etc as listed below, for future shipments. Donations can be sent to St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 2015 Allenwood Road, Wall, NJ 07719. Large pickups within a 100-mile radius can be arranged. For inquiries, email Cn. James Yarsiah at [email protected] or call 843-810-3500. St. Michael’s can also be reached at [email protected] or 732-681-1863. A detailed list is available at www.saintmichaelswall.com and www.saintjamesbb.com, Global Outreach Ministry to Liberia.

Founded in 2006 by The Rev. Canon Dr. James T. Yarsiah and Mrs. Ophelia NG Yarsiah at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Charleston, SC, the Global Outreach Ministry to Liberia is a mission-focused initiative under the affiliated parishes of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Wall Township, and St. James Episcopal Church, Bradley Beach, NJ. The ministry aims to provide material and humanitarian assistance to rebuild and empower the Episcopal Church of Liberia, its institutions, and underserved communities. 

Since its inception, the ministry has shipped ten containers to Liberia, benefiting over 12,000 individuals, churches, schools, and other institutions. This charitable endeavor is a testament to God’s love and the transformative power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. “For the love of Christ urges us on …” 2 Cor. 5:14a. For more information about this initiative or to learn how to contribute, please contact The Rev. Canon Dr. James T. Yarsiah using the contact details provided above.
To see a list of all the items shipped, download the attached press release >