PALMYRA, Va. — It started as a coincidence, two churches on opposite sides of the Atlantic sharing an unusual name: Effort Baptist Church. This seemingly random discovery was the beginning of a powerful partnership between a congregation in a central Virginia country church and another in war-torn Paynesville, Liberia.
January 2011 marked the eighth year of missions into Liberia from Effort Church in Palmyra. A team of nine missionaries, led by pastor June Clifford, set out for a month of humanitarian aid to orphans, young mothers, war-affected youth, schools, churches and communities through a variety of outreach efforts.
Team from Effort Baptist Church in Palmyra, Va., at work in Liberia.
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Each year a large cargo container packed to the brim with supplies gets loaded and shipped several months in advance of the mission team’s departure. The container is loaded with school supplies and equipment, books, clothing items, toys, candy, music and sound equipment, food and bottled water.
Hundreds of pairs of eyeglasses collected and donated by the Lions Club’s eyeglass recycling program were included in the container. While in Liberia the team conducted vision-screening clinics in schools, churches and communities.
More than 250 pillowcase dresses made by women across Fluvanna County and beyond were shipped. A pattern for creating simple sundresses from a pillowcase set in motion a vision for providing dresses for the orphaned and impoverished girls the mission team would encounter.
The response was amazing. Donations of old and new pillowcases came pouring in, and approximately 15 volunteers worked individually as well as together in groups to sew the dresses.
At each orphanage visited, the team held a birthday celebration. Many of the children didn’t know their birth date. The team brought cake, party games, crafts and face painting. Every child received a toy — a simple Happy Meal toy that had been collected and donated unopened by the children of Effort’s Sunday school, youth group and Vacation Bible School participants.
Girls wearing some of the 250 pillowcase dresses that the team took with them.
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In 2010 Effort sent its first medical mission team. The group distributed Tylenol, Motrin and deworming pills that are able to relieve much suffering. Antibiotics provided by the medical mission were life-saving.
The “Legs for Liberia 5K Run/2 Mile Walk” held in the historic village of Palmyra benefits medical missions in Liberia. This year’s race will take place on Aug. 20. The church is hoping for its largest race to date.
As Effort plans for its 2012 (and ninth annual) mission trip into Liberia, the focus has been on “Legs for Liberia.” The race inspired Clifford to sponsor a “Legs for Liberia” race in Liberia as well which will help raise money to fund trade scholarships.
Register for “Legs for Liberia” at Effort’s website (www.effortchurch.org/ legsforliberia) or contact the church office at 434.589.8962.
Molly Fulton is a member of Effort Baptist Church in Palmyra, Va., and has traveled to Liberia with the mission team.