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ZOYA-ABCU

AUTHENTICATING GOD'S PEACE AMONG REFUGEES IN LIBERIA

Eleazar Gbengan, visionary of the Zoya Program

The post-election conflict in Ivory Coast, saw over 200,000 asylum seeking refugees flee into Liberia. ABCU faculty and students (mostly all who have been refugees or friends to refugees) have been strategically placed during this time of their neighbor's conflict to respond holistically to the needs of these refugees.


In January 2011, a team was sent out to survey the Ivorian crisis and later the student and faculty of ABCU raised some funds locally to respond to the crisis. A team of five members headed by ABCU's Professor Eleazar Gbengan visited the bordering towns of Old Loguatuo and Kissiplay for relationship building and in-depth assessment of these communities. Eleazar also visited the Bahn refugee camp for further assessment while exploring ministry opportunities. Reports from these assessments birthed the vision of ZOYA-ABCU. "Through ABCU ZOYA we envision a community of Christians that will authenticate the peace of God" says Eleazar.

ZOYA provides opportunities for students and faculty at ABCU to serve holistically. Presently ZOYA provides psychosocial counselling training and services, leadership development and evangelistic outreach among Ivorian refugees in the three communities, Bahn Refugee camp, Old Loguatuo and Kissiplay, of north-eastern Liberia. ZOYA has distributed used clothing and a food items donated by ABCU students and also organized a weekend festival, which included sports, counselling and other therapeutic activities, led by 40 faculty and students.

ZOYA strategically partners with local Christians in these communities. Where there was no church, they jointly worked to establish a church, as a result 3 three vibrant churches in these communities have been planted.

Praise God for ABCU where students learn to be authentic in their faith. ZOYA means peace "SHALOM." Taking the gospel of peace to those who hurt is the heartbeat of God. May ZOYA continue to be a beacon of light and hope in Liberia and beyond.