Canadian IRM Couple Joins Ebola Response in Liberia

Since Harry and Annie Bergshoeff became volunteer International Relief Managers (IRMs) with World Renew, they have served God’s children in need in drought-plagued Kenya and in areas of the Philippines ravaged by Typhoon Haiyan. For months at a time, the couple assisted with the coordination, delivery, and evaluation of World Renew’s disaster response activities.

On January 29, the Bergshoeffs are heading to the airport for another opportunity to demonstrate God’s love to those suffering as a result of disaster. Their destination is Liberia, West Africa, where they will spend two months helping with World Renew’s response to the Ebola outbreak, which began in West Africa in March 2014.

“As an IRM couple, we make ourselves available and then World Renew decides, based on skill sets and needs, where we might best fit into the picture,” said Harry. “In this case, it’s Liberia and the needs of the organization we will be partnering with as they fight to help control the Ebola virus and the crisis that has gripped that country.”

Liberia is one of the countries with the highest numbers of infections and deaths as a result of Ebola—in addition to Sierra Leone and Guinea. These high numbers are attributed to weak health systems and infrastructure.

World Renew is working with the Christian Health Association of Liberia (CHAL) to train community health workers in over 20 health facilities in Ebola prevention and care. World Renew has also supplied CHAL with much-needed medicines and medical supplies including gloves, face shields, intravenous solution, medicines, thermometers, and other equipment.

As of October 2014, the World Health Organization reported that Ebola contraction rates in Liberia were beginning to drop. This was measured by the number of empty beds in Ebola clinics, fewer cases confirmed by laboratory tests, and a drop in burial rates by specially trained teams.

As the disease has begun subsiding, the Liberian government has begun to open their health facilities. The country is gradually returning to previous levels of operation. In their role as IRMS, the Bergshoeffs will help to build the CHAL staff’s capacity so that it can become an even more effective player in the fight against Ebola as well as other health issues that Liberians face. The couple’s day-to-day activities will include improving human resources management, working on financial and procurement policies, and warehousing items donated to the Ebola response.

The Bergshoeffs know there will be challenging moments as they work with CHAL to help those suffering as result of such a severe, often fatal, illness. They also know, however, that God will equip them with what that they need. They are grateful for the ways God has prepared them for this new opportunity to put their time and skills to use to help others.

“As we reflect on our prior IRM assignments, we can see how every previous experience has added to our skill set and equipped us for subsequent assignments,” said Harry.

The couple also cherishes the prayers of those who are remembering them and every person, survivor, and partner affected by the Ebola crisis.

“Please pray for our physical safety and health and that we will be able to establish a good relationship with the people we will work with in Liberia,” said Annie. “Pray for opportunities for us to be a blessing to CHAL and their work, and for progress in the fight against the Ebola virus.”