What I love most about the holiday season is that it presents many opportunities for reflection and gratitude. The devastation that many parts of our nation have experienced the last few months has caused me to consider my deep gratitude for the people around me who see a need and, without hesitation, are moved to action. As I watch relief efforts take root around me, I cannot help but think about the response of two individuals who have facilitated a movement that is a testament to how the Lord is able to bear an abundance of fruit in our lives if we are willing to listen to His call on our lives.
For Daryl and Chrissy Roberts, founders of LIVE2540, the extreme malnutrition and food insecurity of 67 children living in an orphanage in Liberia led to a movement that has provided millions of meals for impoverished communities. While on a short-term mission trip, Daryl found the children in the orphanage where he was serving hungry and sick, sleeping on wooden pallets exposed to the elements, and suffering from malaria and intestinal parasites. It was on this trip that Daryl knew God had called him to these children and immediately began fundraising to provide food, medical supplies and clothing for the children. Before leaving Liberia, Daryl called his wife, Chrissy, back in Cartersville, GA and she immediately began raising support. Eventually, large-scale fundraising to build new housing and school on site would begin. This trip would be the first of over thirty trips Daryl has taken to Liberia since on this beautiful, unexpected journey.
Since 2008, LIVE2540 (formerly known as Orphan Aid Liberia) has had boots on the ground in the undeveloped country of Liberia, one of the poorest countries in the world. Today, the team continues to press forward, providing emergency relief in four other countries. With an understanding that global poverty is a massive undertaking, Daryl and Chrissy believe that as God calls them, He will also provide. Since its founding, LIVE2540 has expanded to provide food, medication, education and discipleship to children in five different countries worldwide.
LIVE2540 makes it a priority to hire local, college-educated teachers to staff the school; use local teams of construction workers for all building projects; and source all food, school supplies, and construction materials from local businesses. Currently employing over 200 Liberians in different capacities, the Roberts noted, “We do everything possible to employ, train and support local individuals and businesses.”
The impact of LIVE2540 over the last sixteen years has been nothing short of miraculous. Initially, the primary goals were to provide food, shelter, education and medical care as needed for the original group of children. Now, however, the organization projects that through all initiatives care will have been provided for over 40,000 children. The school serves 296 students from the original orphanage as well as surrounding villages, providing the best education available in the area. 36 children now attend school at the university level studying nursing, education, agriculture and theology. The basic needs of the children (food, shelter & education) continue to be met and malnutrition programs have been implemented. However, over the years, it has been determined that healthcare is desperately needed. In 2024, a 60-bed hospital was built and staffed, expected to provide free healthcare for 30,000 children annually through outpatient malnutrition initiatives, inpatient/critical care, mobile medical programs, and surgical/specialized care efforts.
When asked about the success stories that resonated most with them, Daryl and Chrissy told us, “Prince Dweh is one of the original 67 children we began to care for in 2008. We sent Prince to high school and college and brought him back after college as a teacher at our school. He is now an exceptional principal. Currently, we also have 36 students studying at the university level. They are studying nursing, education, agriculture and theology. We believe educating this generation is key to helping them bring about lasting change in Liberia. On a larger scale, the school has provided an excellent education to all the children and the hospital will provide lifesaving care to thousands.”
With a total food distribution of over 10 million meals and 1 million packets of Plumpy’Nut (a peanut-based paste for treatment of severe acute malnutrition), LIVE 2540’s primary source of funding is through private donations. The team is diligent in exposing donors to the work and giving them an understanding of the impact of their investments. The Roberts noted, “We have developed trusting relationships with our investors, many of whom have been by our side since the very beginning.”
Daryl loves to see people, adults and children, "get it", as he has seen the impact over and over again. When people come alongside the work of LIVE2540, suffering is alleviated, hope is restored, and God is glorified. Daryl and Chrissy told us, “We are committed to the restoration of hope and health for the abused and abandoned, the hungry and the sick. To create a climate where the Holy Spirit abides, compassion flows freely and in turn, the Glory of God is revealed.”
To learn more about LIVE2540, visit their brick-and-mortar store in downtown Cartersville, GA where you will find a selection of fair trade products from around the world. LIVE2540 also accepts donations by mail or on their website www.bestshirtonearth where the proceeds from all sales directly benefit the organization’s work.
ABOUT US
In Liberia, the healthcare system faces significant challenges. Yet, amidst these challenges, we see an opportunity for change. Our mission is fueled by hope and determination. Together, we’re working to transform this reality and create a brighter, healthier future for children in Liberia.
OUR MISSION
We are a Christian nonprofit organization providing free, quality, and compassionate healthcare options to children in West Africa, where the need is greatest.
OUR APPROACH
We locate children in Liberia with the greatest healthcare needs, ranging from acute malnutrition to malaria. We partner with doctors, nurses, and other mission partners to provide the resources needed to serve each child. We help restore physical health, while renewing hope, demonstrating the love of Jesus through compassionate healthcare.
As God call us, He will provide.
We are committed to the restoration of hope and health for the abused and abandoned, the hungry and the sick.