The presence of the largest Army installation east of the Mississippi has been woven into the fabric of who we are as Liberty County. The 3rd Infantry Division is often the first major fighting force sent into areas where our country is either trying to preserve our own liberty or helping other countries achieve theirs.
In Liberty County, we are accustomed to seeing signs welcoming members of the 3rd ID as they return from conflicts and signs praying for them as they leave. We also are unique in that Liberty County was named  because of our participation in the American Revolution and two of the signers of the Declaration of Independence lived here.
As Christians of Liberty County, I would like for us to consider how much we believe in this thing called “liberty.” As precious as political freedom is, I believe most of us would say that to be Christian, we must value spiritual freedom even more.
We preach sermons on the liberty found in Christ Jesus. We speak much about the liberty that Jesus’ blood purchased for us, yet I wonder who we mean when we talk about this freedom. Are we talking only about freedom for ourselves, or do we really believe that spiritual freedom is so vital that all men should have access to it?
If we believe the latter, then let me issue a challenge to Liberty County pastors, medical personnel and Christian leaders. Many of you probably have seen some of the news footage of the suffering in Somalia and northern Kenya right now. Do we believe that these people also “… are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, among which are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness…”? Could we send a Liberty County spiritual equivalent of the 3rd ID and provide “boots on the ground” in a battle against the enemy of our souls?
Those facing starvation already have been denied access to the Gospel because they live in an area where it has been hard to send missionaries. They are without hope and without God in this world. Without immediate help, they will die, and then Satan gets them forever.
The good news is that because of this tragedy, Somalis are pouring over the border into Kenya, where for the first time we can provide them with news of Jesus Christ as well as physical relief.
This year, instead of giving Christmas presents to one another, could we consider celebrating Christmas with those who may not live to see another one and don’t even know what the holiday is for? Would you join us to form Operation Light Force in honor of the One who sent the angels that first Christmas morning to deliver the message that light had come into the world?
If you’re interested, contact me at prayman@comf5.com, and let us represent Liberty County among the nations.

Rayman is the academic dean of Coastal Georgia School of Missions and a member of the United Ministerial Alliance of Liberty County.