In 1822, Lott Cary became one of the first African Americans to take the Gospel to Liberia, Africa. He established the Monrovian Mission Society to raise support for missions and to urge Christians in the United States to support missions in Africa. While there he pastored several churches and served as the health officer for the city. Later he became the acting Governor before an accidental explosion took his life. Lott Cary was a notable example and a forerunner to Christian work all across the continent. In some respects he was like the Apostle Paul. Paul had a burning desire to spread the Gospel all across the Mediterranean world. When he was kept from preaching in Asia, he pushed on into Greece. There on the banks of the Genghis River he met Lydia, a businesswoman who sold purple. As Paul preached, God opened her heart to accept the Gospel. She was so moved by the story of Jesus she opened her home to give Paul a place to stay. While there, he spread the Good News all over the city. Both she and Paul show how God’s people can work together to fulfill Christ’s Kingdom Agenda.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
