The Community Relations Council and the Rhode Island State Council of Churches respond to the Ebola crisis

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is forecasting 1.4 million people will be infected with Ebola in West Africa by January 2015, a conservative prediction, and 700,000 or more deaths. Due to the Ebola crisis, virtually every aspect of daily life has been affected. One of the most urgent needs is for basic food items, such as rice and beans.

Rhode Island has one of the largest populations of Liberians in the U.S. Reverends Naomi Smith and Matthew Kai are two Liberian pastors who serve congregations in Providence. Recently, the Governing Board of The Rhode Island State Council of Churches (RISCC) initiated an effort to raise money for food for the people of Liberia. They, along with other members of the Rhode Island Liberian community, continue to have frequent contact with their family and friends in Liberia.

Upon learning of the initiative by the RISCC, Rabbi Wayne Franklin of Temple Emanu-El contacted me to get the Jewish community involved with this endeavor. The Community Relations Council is working with the RISCC to raise funds to help feed the people of Liberia. Area synagogues and agencies are now promoting this worthy program. A “Help Liberia Fund” box is available from the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island as an option for collection.

The RISCC has created a plan to help the people of Liberia: As money is received by the Council, it will be sent to the Generations for Christ Mission Church in Sinkor, Liberia (a suburb of Monrovia). That church will purchase food items in quantity and distribute the food through other congregations in the area. “We realize that our efforts are limited, but they will make a difference in the lives of those who receive this food,” said the Rev. Betsy Garland, president of the RISCC Governing Board.

The Rev. Dr. Don Anderson, RISCC’s executive minister, stated “this is only one of many efforts to bring aid and support to the people of affected areas. Our effort is intended to utilize grassroots connections to get food into the hands of hungry people in the shortest time. We expect to have food being distributed by mid-October at the latest.”

When Smith was told by Anderson that congregations, including synagogues, were participating in this program, Anderson said “the Reverend was so grateful that it brought a tear to her eye. She said, ‘How can people who are not Liberian care so much for the people of Liberia when they do not know them?’ ”

As of Oct. 9, RISCC has sent over $1,000 the church in Sinkor.

People who would like to make a contribution can send a check directly to the Rhode Island State Council of Churches. Checks should be made out to RISCC with a notation for the Ebola Fund and mailed to RISCC, 100 Niantic Ave., Suite 101, Providence, R.I.  02907.