The NEWS (Monrovia)
Precious S. Seboe
19 November 2002
Monrovia — The Eternal Love Winning Africa (ELWA), a Christian institution which runs a radio station and a hospital in addition to the preaching of the Gospel, has embarked on a "National Initiative."
In a statement at a press conference yesterday, the General Manager, James Kesselly said prior to 1996, the ministries at ELWA were run by SIM (Serving in Missions) International, based in North Carolina, the U.S.A.
He however said due to the repeated evacuation of missionaries during the nearly seven years of civil war and the destruction of its facilities, Mr.
Kesselly said SIM pulled out.
However, he added that shortly after the April 6, 1996 fracas, former Liberian employees returned to salvage and secure what was left of the facilities for the return of SIM personnel.
Since then, the ELWA has been undergoing the nationalization process in close collaboration with its mission partners, SIM and its national partners, the Committed Liberians for Christ (CLFC) working out of the United States.
The medical ministry of ELWA offers maternity, laboratory, out patient consultation, hospitalization and other related services.
The media ministry resumed its broadcasting on FM in October 1997 and by March 2000 had resumed its short wave broadcast.
At the moment, the ELWA Radio broadcasts in nine Liberian languages.
Since the late 1950's and until the civil war, radio ELWA broadcasts its programs as far as parts of North and Central Africa, and all of West Africa.
In addition to its long-range media outlet, the ELWA operated one of the most reliable referral hospitals in the country.
According to the current Liberian management team, one of the major challenges being faced by the nationalization initiative, is raising funds for the operation of the various facilities.
"Many people are not aware that ELWA is now being run and funded by Liberians," General Manager Kesselly said.
Mr. Kesselly then said, "We are challenging the Liberian Christian Community to join forces with us in rebuilding the ELWA Ministries, considering the fact the 'leadership torch' has been passed on to the Liberians," adding that, "The Management Team desires to keep this torch burning, but will need the collective efforts of the Liberian community to make this a reality.
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