Celebrating George Liele

Before there was a formal movement of American missionaries – Americans who felt called to travel the world and share the message of Jesus – there was George Liele (c. 1750-1828).

Born into slavery around 1750 in Virginia, Liele came to faith in Jesus as a young man. After gaining his freedom, he was ordained and began preaching to enslaved people in Georgia by sharing the hope of the Gospel with those who, like him, had known the weight of chains.

But when the American Revolution broke out, Liele’s freedom was threatened. Rather than risk being enslaved again, he made a bold and faithful decision: he left for Jamaica. And in 1782, George Liele became the first American missionary to go overseas, long before it became a widespread practice for Christians in the U.S. to send missionaries to other countries.

Without a sending agency, a fundraising campaign, or widespread recognition, Liele simply followed God’s call. In Jamaica, he planted churches, preached in the open air, and baptized hundreds, often facing fierce resistance from slaveholders and authorities. But his faith never wavered.

His message was simple and powerful: Jesus sets the captive free, and the Gospel is for everyone.

George Liele’s impact in Jamaica helped start one of the largest Christian movements among enslaved people in the Caribbean. Though his name isn’t always found in mission history books, his life is a testament to what faith in Christ can accomplish.

He didn’t wait for permission. He followed Jesus.

A preacher. A pioneer. A missionary…because the love of Christ wouldn’t be kept silent.

Join us this month, on-air and online, during Black History Month on BRIGHT-FM as we journey through history.