"Heavy rains are falling in Liberia as I write to you. They continue day and night without ceasing. The rural areas of the country are very bad and transportation fares are increasing. Those of us involved in mission work are having a very hard time, but we shall remain on our knees in prayer until the final victory is won." ~James Cuffee

Christian Aid-supported ministry leader, James Cuffee, has worked among his native people in the war-torn nation of Liberia since 1986. He established Christ Evangelical Fellowship Ministries as a way to bring hope to those trapped in false religions and plagued by Liberia’s many maladies.

Even after 15 years of civil war, the fighting continues to ravage the country. Liberia’s unemployment rate is the second highest in the world at 85 percent.

Under James’ leadership, CEFM’s 24 workers provide care and shelter to more than 100 orphaned and abandoned children, as well as hundreds of displaced civil war refugees. Through this compassionate ministry, 14 churches have been planted.

James endeavors to share the gospel with the many people groups living in Liberia’s interior. A large majority of the population practices animism and idol worship. Islam is also a challenge, as it is steadily gaining new converts. The percentage of Muslims living in all African nations is consistently increasing.

Recently, James contacted Christian Aid about a serious setback in his ministry. In 2004, Christian Aid provided CEFM with a van, which was used to bring relief and the gospel message to thousands. The vehicle allowed CEFM workers to conduct seminars, revival meetings and crusades.

Due to the deplorable condition of the roads, however, the van stopped working. War, neglect and the extreme rainfall occurring from May to November have damaged roads and bridges.

Public transportation is expensive, and many taxi drivers refuse to take missionaries across the hazardous interior roads for fear of damage to their vehicles.

On many occasions, CEFM workers have walked four to six hours before reaching villagers. The lack of transportation has severely hindered the ministry. James asks that fellow believers join him in praying for a jeep ($12,000), which would offer a sturdier and more reliable form of transportation, to continue his outreach.