MUNCIE, Ind. -- Native Liberian Henry Momo Fahnbulleh, a doctoral student in educational administration, was granted political asylum as a result of concern for his safety in his native country.

The U.S. Department of Justice Immigration and Naturalization Service granted his request for asylum on March 12.

Fahnbulleh was heavily involved in the peacemaking effort in Liberia, which underwent a civil war from 1989-1996. The country was divided by five separate warring factions.

As a result of his efforts to bring peace, many individuals interested in keeping war alive for their own monetary and political profit have threatened his life, said Fahnbulleh.

The next step for Fahnbulleh is to bring his wife and seven children, who are still in Liberia, to Muncie.

"I want to do that by July," he said.

He  is working with the Normal City United Methodist Church and the Muncie Christian community to raise about $15,200 to bring his family to Muncie as soon as possible. Fahnbulleh is currently a graduate assistant in the Secondary, Higher, and Foundations of Education department and credits the TeachersCollege family and the Center for International Programs and fellow students for their support.