By: Gbayor Charles Gbayor | UM News Monrovia
Monrovia, Liberia — The air was filled with worship, reflection, and resurrection power as United Methodists gathered at First United Methodist Church to celebrate Easter Sunday under the powerful theme: “The Impact of the Stone on Humanity.”
Preaching from Matthew 28:1–18, Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr., Resident Bishop of the Liberia Annual Conference and President of the College of Bishops of the West Africa Central Conference, declared with bold assurance, “Death could not hold Jesus captive.” Drawing from the Gospel narrative, he reminded worshippers of the moment when an angel rolled away the stone, not merely to let Jesus out, but to reveal to the world that He had risen.
“The Egyptians you see today, never to see them again,” Bishop Quire proclaimed, likening the stone at Jesus’ tomb to the burdens and bondages many believers face today — fear, oppression, and spiritual death. “No stone can obstruct the power of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Throughout the message, Bishop Quire weaved together biblical truth and present-day relevance. Referring to the church community as “People of Collins UMC,” he encouraged them to see the rolled-away stone as a personal and collective turning point. “The Lord is a strong God. I have come to let you know that it’s over,” he said, emphasizing that the resurrection marks an end to every form of spiritual captivity.
Quoting directly from notes shared among worshippers, Bishop Quire added, “Jesus rose that stone away from the grave. Don’t worry about what people gag about during changes — God will retain all our prayers and desires.” These words echoed with clarity, reminding believers that divine intervention does not rely on human approval or understanding.
Reflecting on the shock and silence that followed Jesus’ resurrection, he said, “People cannot say a word in their church, but still the shock passed.” His message was clear: resurrection power does not depend on loud celebration but on quiet, enduring faith. “Until sweet minds and hearts are changed, lives will not change,” he added, calling on worshippers to allow the miracle of Easter to transform them from the inside out.
The bishop concluded with a passionate reminder: “No stone will stop us from reaching God through Jesus Christ.” With hands lifted in praise and hearts open in surrender, the congregation responded in worship, affirming that the rolled-away stone continues to impact lives today.
As the angel said to the women at the tomb, “He is not here; He has risen.” That single truth echoes across generations. And today, in Liberia and beyond, Bishop Quire’s message lives on: the stone that once symbolized death has become a symbol of hope for all humanity.
