Luke Asikoye, PDA Associate for International Response, is leaving for West Africa Saturday August 9, to be part of the ACT (Action by Churches Together) International Coordination and Assessment Team that will move into Liberia as soon as the peacekeepers secure the situation. Luke was selected to be a member of the team because of his many years of relief work in West Africa and his relationships in the region. White Rakuba, the Emergency Desk Officer from the South Africa Council of Churches will be joining Luke on the team. Julius Sele of the United Methodist Church in Liberia has been nominated by the ACT members in Liberia to be the facilitator of the visit.

ACT has been in close consultation with members in Liberia. The Coordination and Assessment Team (CAT) will provide and facilitate timely and accurate information and coordination in the emergency by assisting implementing members with field-based coordination, information flow, and coordination of the ACT appeal process.

PDA is working with the Arkansas Presbytery and the Arkansas Rice Depot to put together a major shipment of rice for Liberia. Our goal is to fill two forty-foot containers.

We ask that you pray for the safety of the team and as always, for the people of Liberia. The churches in Liberia are feeling very encouraged by this visit and trust that a very quick plan of response will be put together. ACT Rapid Response funds of $50,000 have been forwarded to Liberia from Geneva.