The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Sunday that it is scaling back its missionary force in Liberia as the West African nation grapples with supply shortages.
“Over the next few days, 23 young missionaries who were nearing their scheduled departure date will return home,” church spokesman Daniel Woodruff wrote in a news release. “Eight other missionaries who were preparing to arrive in the mission have been temporarily assigned to other missions.”
The remaining 99 proselytizers in Liberia’s Monrovia Mission have “adequate supplies,” he said, adding that the Utah-based faith will “closely monitor” conditions and make any necessary adjustments.
On its website, the church reports that it has more than 13,000 members in Liberia and nearly 50 congregations.