Author

Olu Menjay

Principal, Ricks Institute, Monrovia, Liberia

Olu Q. Menjay is principal and chief administrative officer of the Ricks Institute, a learning and faith community near Monrovia, Liberia. Looted and vandalized during the Liberian civil war, the school is the only private school in Liberia offering free primary education. A native of Liberia, Menjay has studied in the United States at Mercer University, Duke Divinity School and Boston University and has a PhD from the University of Wales, through the International Baptist Theological Seminary in Praha, Czech Republic.

Olu Menjay: Are short-term missions a waste?

Many have charged that short-term missions are, if not a waste, at least a poor use of time, money and power. For the host of one such mission to Liberia, they are nothing of the sort.

Lilly logo

Apply for Lilly Endowment Inc.’s Exploring Christian Practices Initiative 

The Exploring Christian Practices Initiative aims to multiply opportunities and increase access to settings that help individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds explore and engage in Christian practices to address their spiritual interests and questions, find and build community with others, nourish their religious lives and grow in faith. 

An Interest Form and Letter of Interest are due March 25, 2026. Complete proposals are due May 18, 2026.

Learn More