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Gbarnga, Bong County — In a rare fusion of faith and farming, the Christ Vision International Church is set to launch the commercial sale of its locally branded rice, “Living Mana Rice,” this Friday, August 1, 2025, in Gbarnga, Bong County. The initiative is a landmark moment in Liberia’s push for food self-sufficiency — and a bold example of how religious institutions are expanding their role beyond traditional worship.
Pastor James Paye, the church’s founder, announced the launch earlier this week, revealing that 500 bags of 25kg rice will be made available to the public at a retail price of $16.50 per bag. The rice, cultivated through the church’s agro-based initiative, symbolizes a strategic approach to community empowerment and evangelism.
“We are using agriculture as a vehicle to spread the gospel and reach more souls,” said Pastor Paye. “It’s about going beyond crusades and traditional outreach.”
The rice project is supported by Liberia’s Ministry of Agriculture and funded through the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The partnership reflects growing recognition of the private and faith-based sectors in driving rural development and food production.
Beyond its own production, the church also procured rice from local smallholder farmers, an effort Pastor Paye described as a form of economic empowerment. “We want to support farmers and help build livelihoods while contributing to food security,” he added.
The launch ceremony is expected to draw key stakeholders from the agriculture sector, including government representatives, development partners, and members of the religious community. The event underscores the increasing trend of integrating agriculture with social and spiritual development, especially in rural Liberia where churches often serve as trusted centers of influence.
With Liberia still reliant on imported rice for much of its consumption, initiatives like Living Mana Rice offer a compelling alternative — one rooted in local production, inclusive growth, and community leadership.
As Liberia continues to grapple with food insecurity and unemployment, particularly among youth and women, the church’s agro-enterprise offers a model that blends faith, food, and finance — a holistic approach that could inspire other institutions to rethink their development role.
