Health workers and communities in Liberia are making great progress to eliminate the presence of Ebola Virus Disease. In early March, the last patient being treated for Ebola was released.
Lutheran Bible Translators has sent Missionary Alvina Federwitz back to work in Monrovia. Alvina has been working in Liberia for 41 years, sharing her skills and passion for all people in Liberia to hear and understand the Scriptures in their own Liberian language.
Alvina working with desktop publishers
Alvina’s arrival followed a two week assessment trip in February by LBT mission staff. “There is still a need to take 100% precautions when living in Liberia and interacting with other people. Washing hands with a bleach solution, not shaking hands, avoiding funerals or large gatherings are all critical to avoid any possible contact with the virus.” said Jim Laesch, LBT’s Regional Director. “Liberians are being very careful and hope for reaching ZERO cases of Ebola. At the same time daily life and work is going on, much as usual. During the visit, Missionary Becky Grossmann helped to check new translation drafts with the Mann and Dan translation teams. Becky continues her checking work remotely from the U.S. between visits to Liberia.
Becky checked the Mann translation of Ruth. She and Tamba Bundor (2nd from left) helped the translators learn Paratext, a special software for Bible translation
Becky washing her hands with bleach water
Just when the countdown almost reached that Magic Number 42 (42 days without a new confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease), one new case was confirmed on March 20th in greater Monrovia. The countdown has restarted.
Alvina interacts daily with partners working in 15 Liberian languages, developing effective learning materials and promoting the hearing and reading of God’s Word. All of LBT’s partners in Liberia and Sierra Leone say THANK YOU for the special assistance sent by LBT during the Ebola Crisis.