Black History Month invites us to remember the people whose courage, faith, struggles, and achievements helped shape not just history, but culture and society. For International Ministries, we take time to honor the legacy of African American missionaries and leaders who responded to God’s call, often at great personal cost, and whose lives continue to inspire the global church today.

Since the late 1700s, African American believers have been central to the work of the gospel across cultures and continents. George Liele, born into slavery in Virginia, became the first ordained African American Baptist preacher in America. After escaping re-enslavement, he carried the gospel to Jamaica. Working as a self-funded missionary, he planted churches, welcomed both free and enslaved people, and helped establish schools for children. George, along with his wife Hannah, left a lasting witness of discipleship and inclusion.

Lott Carey and Colin Teague, also born into slavery, gained their freedom and sensed a call to serve in Africa. In 1815, Carey was instrumental in forming the Richmond African Baptist Missionary Society. Four years later, the American Baptist Board of Foreign Missions appointed Carey and Teague as the first African American Baptist missionaries to Africa. They, their wives Nancy and Frances, and their children sailed to Liberia in 1821. 

Soon after arriving, Lott Carey founded Providence Baptist Church in Monrovia, Liberia, established schools, provided medical care, and worked across cultures to share Christ’s love. His leadership and sacrifice became a cornerstone in the history of Baptist mission.

Dr. Louise Celia Fleming broke barriers as the first African American woman appointed as a Baptist missionary and the first African American female medical missionary. Serving in the Congo, she combined teaching, evangelism, and medical care, empowering local communities and training others to continue the work. Though her life was short, her legacy continues through the paths she opened for generations to come.

These pioneers remind us that mission is not simply something the church does—it is a legacy the Spirit builds through faithful lives. That same legacy is carried forward in more recent generations, including the life and ministry of Rev. Dr. Eleazar Ziherambere.

Eleazar was born in 1951 in the village of Cyahinda in the mountains of southwestern Rwanda. Raised in a poor family that survived through subsistence farm labor, Eleazar’s education came through tremendous sacrifice. His mother and sister worked tirelessly to pay his school fees, even after his father disappeared while seeking work abroad. As a young boy, Eleazar came to faith in Jesus through the influence of a Christian uncle, and during his high school years, he experienced a powerful calling to preach the gospel.

Eleazar pursued theological training and began pastoral ministry in Rwanda. In 1977, he partnered with Baptist missionaries Earl and Jane Martin to help establish the first Baptist congregation in Kigali, the capital city. Eleazar’s gifts were remarkable—he was fluent in five languages and known for his winsome communication and initiative. What began as a partnership soon revealed Eleazar’s extraordinary leadership. Earl Martin later reflected, “I had become [Eleazar’s] assistant responding to his leadership. In my thinking, it was a good thing.” 

Eleazar’s leadership continued to grow in remarkable ways. He began as a projects coordinator for the Baptist Union of Rwanda, later moving into the role of general secretary. He also served as president of the Protestant Council of Rwanda and as general secretary for the All Africa Baptist Fellowship, among other roles throughout the years.

Eleazar worked tirelessly to equip church leaders and coordinate ministry partnerships. He became known as a trusted liaison between churches and the government and pursued reconciliation and peace between antagonistic groups in a deeply divided context.

When the genocide erupted in 1994, Eleazar and his family were forced to flee, eventually finding refuge in the United States. Under the care of the Baptist World Alliance and American Baptist Churches, the family rebuilt their lives and gained American citizenship.

 Eleazar quickly found places to minister to others and use the skills God had given him. He served with International Ministries as our area director for Africa throughout the 2000s, continuing his lifelong commitment to equipping leaders and strengthening the global church.

Eleazar’s story, like those of Liele, Carey, and Fleming, is a testimony of faith that endures through hardship and bears fruit across continents and generations. Mission is not only about where we go, but about what we leave behind: communities strengthened, leaders equipped, and the gospel proclaimed.

As we celebrate Black History Month, churches can honor this legacy in practical ways:

• Partner locally with other churches and ministries, building relationships that foster unity and shared mission.
• Serve with compassion by addressing community needs and pursuing peace and justice as an expression of Christ’s love.
• Pray for healing and reconciliation, asking the Holy Spirit to guide the church in living out God’s vision of a kingdom made up of every nation and people.
• Educate and reflect by learning about African American Christian leaders and missionaries and sharing with others through worship, sermons, or small groups.

Today, International Ministries has several African American global servants serving around the world. We invite you to take this month to get to know them! 

When you visit their global servant page, you’ll find downloadable prayer cards and bulletin inserts, journals, and an opportunity to sign up for their newsletter. Learn how they are taking the gospel to other cultures and continents, and easily show your gratefulness by sending them an encouraging email.

• Moise Joseph
• Carmella Jones
• Kihomi Ngwemi & Nzunga Mabudiga
• Faye Yarbrough

This month, and throughout the year, may we remember that the legacy of mission is carried forward through faithful lives. Let’s respond to God’s call right where we are and leave a legacy that points to Christ.