Hope in Liberia After Ebola

In this episode, On the Ground with Samaritan's Purse host Kristy Graham speaks with Joni Byker, the country director of Liberia, to discuss Joni’s calling to West Africa at a young age. Joni shares about her eleven years serving with the ministry, her daily tasks directing programs, and resources and staff in the country.

Listen to Joni’s first-hand account as she shares with Kristy how the Ebola virus spread like wildfire when it hit in 2014. In her conversation with Kristy, Joni sheds light on the trauma she and her team faced each day and how the deadly outbreak affected their every decision. Even while fighting physical and spiritual battles, Joni expresses how her team reminded one another of the God’s faithfulness.

“Most days all we could say to each other, is look at each other, and just remind each other: Jesus is Lord. He is still on the throne.” – Joni Byker

Samaritan’s Purse shifted its focus to Ebola survivors after the country was declared Ebola-free one year later. Joni tells Kristy her team is passionate about seeing the country heal, and showing families how the Gospel can return hope and joy to their lives. Samaritan’s Purse team members continue to meet the needs of recovering families through trauma counseling, sanitation messaging, and livelihood programs.

Kristy then speaks to Finda, a Liberian woman who lost her husband to the Ebola virus – and as a result, lost her family’s source of income. Years later, Finda learned how to raise sheep and goats through the Samaritan’s Purse Restore program. She expresses her gratefulness for the skills to help her family grow, giving all glory to God.

“That’s one of my favorite aspects of Samaritan’s Purse—every program is about more than just teaching people a skill or helping people physically. They meet the people’s needs while sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” – Kristy Graham

Through meeting unexpected needs after the crisis, Samaritan’s Purse continues to see lives changed in Liberia. Joni dives deeper with Kristy as they talk about how meeting physical and spiritual needs gives glory to the Kingdom of God and has an eternal impact.

Please continue to pray for healing and hope for the people of Liberia. Thank you for joining us as we hear how God is using Samaritan’s Purse to help rebuild the community.