Emerging Media, Emerging Ministry in Yekepa, Liberia

April 1, 2011

Emerging Media, Emerging Ministry in Yekepa, Liberia

April 1, 2011

(April 1, 2011 - by Beth Patton) Liberia's first online filing for a radio license demonstrated to students at ABC University in Yekepa just how rapid, responsive and efficient communications can be in the digital age.


	Curt Cole leads a class on 'new media.'

The Liberian government granted the license request just three weeks after the university had filed it, assisted by Joseph Kebbie from HCJB Global's Sub-Saharan Africa Region Office in Acrra, Ghana. The licensing process can take months, or even years, in some African countries.

"One advantage is that ABC has a great reputation with the Liberian government," said Curt Cole, one of HCJB Global's vice presidents of international ministries. The mission's normal procedure leaves license requests up to local partners hoping to establish Christian stations. But he and Kebbie were at Yekepa, six hours northeast of Monrovia, teaching a course, "New and Emerging Media." They focused their talks on the practical aspects of using social networking and cell phones for ministry and kingdom impact.

"University-level courses are strenuous for some of these students," Cole said. "But these younger guys are passionate about using new media, even with Liberia's very limited resources and information technology infrastructure."

Joseph Kebbie teaches in his home country.

Acknowledging the devastation of Liberia's 14-year civil war, Cole said that the West African nation now "seems to be coming out of that shadow." In November 2005 Liberians elected Ellen Johnson Sirleaf as president. Upon taking office she became the first female elected head of state in Africa.

Kebbie was among the refugees who fled Liberia as a refugee during the country's civil war. Cole, and his wife, Karen, both grew up in neighboring Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) where their parents served as missionaries.

Many ABC University students were Liberian refugees in Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea or Ghana for years during the wars (1989-2003). Some lost fathers, brothers or even children in the fighting. "It is heartbreaking," Cole reflected, "but they are trying hard to focus on today, to focus on being a part of change and hope in this amazing, beautiful country."

Curt Cole with some ABC University students.

What ABC University (formerly African Bible College in Liberia) lost was its Yekepa campus, established by Dr. Jack Chinchen in 1976. Every inch of wire was ripped out of the school buildings, according to the U.S.-based ministry, Samaritan's Purse, whose efforts helped to renovate gutted buildings. In late 2008 the school was reopened, and about 100 students are enrolled.

Karen Cole taught an education seminar, "Learning Differences in Children." Students with learning issues are often forgotten or left behind in African school systems, she explained and offered an alternative. "It was a joy to teach this course and also present an in-service to 48 teachers from the Yekepa region," Karen said. "How rich to see teachers wanting to know how to make a difference in their students' lives!"

Eventually, the radio station is to be located in the university's communications building, where renovation is expected to be completed by this summer. HCJB Global plans to install equipment and put in acoustical treatments for the recording studio. The mission will also conduct training for the radio staff in the hopes of going on the air next fall in the following languages: Gio (Dan), Mano, English, French and a dialect spoken in the neighboring country of Guinea.

Yekepa has no radio stations, and the neighboring cities have no evangelical Christian stations. The broadcasts will reach across Nimba county, including an area where there are refugee camps, and even across the borders into neighboring Guinea and Côte d'Ivoire.

Cole told of some 500,000 refugees living in Liberia who have fled from Côte d'Ivoire. "ABC University has a heart to reach them," he said. "We have a unique opportunity to partner with ABC in a ministry to the refugees."

For more information on the refugee situation, view http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iLSvHWN4Q0.

Sources: HCJB Global, Samaritan's Purse

Director of Church & Donor Partnerships

Position Summary: The Director of Church & Donor Partnerships strengthens Reach Beyond’s ministry by cultivating purposeful, trust-based relationships with churches, pastors, donors, and mission-minded individuals. Serving as a storyteller, encourager, and connector, this role invites the Body of Christ to join in God’s mission to reach those with little or no access to the Gospel.

Working closely with the Mobilization and Development teams, this person helps raise up new workers, strengthen church partnerships, and resource strategic ministry initiatives—always with a posture of discernment, prayer, and long-term stewardship.

Location: Colorado Springs or remote

Employment Type: Full time with employer-paid benefits, including medical coverage, retirement plan, and paid time off.

What This Role Does (Core Responsibilities)

1. Church Partnership Development

This role serves as a relational bridge between Reach Beyond, churches, and missionaries.

The Director:

Maintains strong relationships with existing partner churches and develops 2–4 new church partnerships annually
Shares the vision of Reach Beyond, helping churches understand and engage with the needs of the unreached
Equips churches with resources that support missionaries and foster long-term, healthy partnerships
Collaborates closely with missionaries as they engage their sending and supporting churches

2. Donor Ministry & Stewardship

This role views donor relationships as ministry and discipleship, not transactions.

The Director:

Manages relationships with approximately 12 key donor accounts
Walks alongside donors with discernment—guiding them through education, cultivation, solicitation, and appreciation
Communicates clearly about ministry priorities, impact opportunities, and project funding goals
Maintains accurate, timely records in the donor management system to ensure thoughtful follow-up and accountability

3. Representation & Engagement

This role serves as a public voice and relational presence for Reach Beyond.

The Director:

Represents Reach Beyond at 3–5 regional or national events annually, with intentional follow-up for every connection
Communicates the story of God’s work in Reach Beyond through stage presentations, small groups, and media opportunities
Participates fully in staff meetings, chapels, retreats, and organizational prayer rhythms

4. Reporting, Collaboration & Administration

This role balances relational ministry with faithful stewardship and teamwork.

The Director:

Provides quarterly written reports tracking progress toward mobilization and development goals
Works closely with the Mobilization and Development Directors to align efforts and communicate organizational priorities
Upholds organizational policies and maintains healthy, proactive communication across teams

You must be authorized to work in the United States.

We participate in the federal E-Verify program. See more information at:

https://reachbeyond.org/e-verify-right-to-work.pdf
https://reachbeyond.org/e-verify-participation.pdf

Why Join Reach Beyond? At Reach Beyond, we cultivate a culture rooted in relationship, collaboration, and dependence on God. Our mission is to see unreached people transformed in Christ through media, healthcare, and community development. As the Director of Church & Donor Partnerships, you’ll play a vital role in advancing God's mission and have the opportunity to grow personally and professionally while making a lasting global impact.

All applicants must be able to sign the Reach Beyond Statement of Faith.

Apply Now: Join us in fulfilling God’s calling to bring hope and transformation to the unreached. Complete the application here. Contact [email protected] if you have questions.