"George Liele is one of the most significant figures in the history of Christian missions."

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While William Carey is recognized as the father of the modern missionary movement, that designation also belongs to George Liele. He was a freed Georgia slave who came to Christ in 1773 at the age of 23. In 1782, he and his family left the United States to share the Gospel in Jamaica; a full 10 years before Carey left England.  And he is still inspiring others to “go” 240 years later.

Karen and Richard Lee serve as IMB missionaries in Tanzania. Since before they married and began a family and careers, each felt called to missions. In 2001, they became missionaries with the IMB and moved to East Africa with their children, Christian and Rebecca, who are now young adults. Their message to African American Southern Baptists is “You can be a part of reaching the world. God called us. He can use you and your church in mighty ways.”

Southern Baptists set aside the first Sunday in February to celebrate the work and leadership of Black and African American Southern Baptist missionaries and to recognize the legacy of George Liele.

PRAYER POINTS: Pray for the Lee family as they reach Tanzanians with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Pray that Tanzanian believers will be equipped and empowered to serve God, gather into healthy churches, and take part in the Great Commission.

When you give to your church, you give to missions through the Cooperative Program, bringing the Good News to the whole world. Find more CP resources at ABSC.org/CPShare.