By: Gbayor Charles Gbayor | UM News
Monrovia, Liberia – The Resident Bishop of the Liberia Episcopal Area, Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr., has expressed deep appreciation to the members of the United Methodist Church (UMC) in Liberia for their unwavering commitment and steadfast support to the church and its activities amidst challenging times.
In a heartfelt address, Bishop Quire commended both pastors and members of the church for their dedication, perseverance, and continued engagement with the church’s mission and goals. He acknowledged their significant contributions to the advancement of the church’s work and their resilience in the face of adversity.
“To the people called United Methodists, thank you for your tireless efforts and dutiful support to the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church (LAC/UMC),” Bishop Quire remarked. He emphasized the challenges that the church has faced over recent months and reflected on how the members have remained unwavering in their support, enabling the church to continue its work, even in the most trying of times.
In his message, Bishop Quire underscored the challenging nature of the search for peace, noting that it is a long and sometimes difficult journey. Despite these hurdles, he emphasized that the pursuit of peace continues to be at the heart of the church’s mission in Liberia. “This search for peace can be long and tedious, but we will not stop until we find it,” he asserted.
Bishop Quire also extended his appreciation to various leaders and organizations that have played a crucial role in supporting the church’s peace initiatives and overall efforts. He particularly recognized the contributions of Hon. Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Vice President of the Republic of Liberia; the United Methodist Legislative Caucus; Col. Gregory Coleman, Inspector General of the Liberia National Police; Hon. N. Oswald Tweh, Justice Minister and Attorney General of the Republic of Liberia; and the Liberia Council of Churches, led by Rev. Dr. Samuel B. Reeves.
“I want to publicly appreciate all of these leaders and organizations for their efforts in maintaining and seeking peace within our conference,” Bishop Quire said. “Their support has been invaluable to us as we strive to maintain peace and uphold the values of the church.”
The bishop also took time to acknowledge the support received from international partners, including the Global Board of Global Ministries (GBGM), Global Health, and the Michigan and Illinois Great River Annual Conferences. He emphasized how these partners have stood by the Liberia Annual Conference during moments of crisis and instability.
“Despite the many challenges we have faced, we succeeded because you were there for us in the midst of these difficulties,” Bishop Quire expressed gratefully. “Thank you a million times over for your continued partnership.”
In a heartfelt message to the members of the United Methodist Church in Liberia, Bishop Quire praised their resilience and commitment to the church’s mission. He made special mention of the church’s missionaries and Global Mission Fellows, who have worked tirelessly to support the church’s activities. “I extol you for your unbending support and commitment to our shared mission,” he said.
The bishop also recognized key individuals and groups within the church that have been instrumental in providing support during a critical period in the church’s history. He thanked the Episcopacy Committee, headed by Rev. Dr. Earlene P. Thompson, as well as the Board of Laity, led by Cllr. Dr. Tolbert G. Nyenswah. He also acknowledged the members of the Board of Ordained Ministry, and its chairperson Rev. Blidi Nimely, Rev. Caleb G. Dormah, and the members of the task force who have been diligently working to address the challenges facing the church.
“I want to wholeheartedly thank all of you for your encouragement, support, and efforts during this crucial time in our church’s history,” Bishop Quire remarked, adding that the strength and unity of these individuals and groups have been vital in ensuring the church’s continued progress.
Lastly, Bishop Quire paid tribute to his wife, Mother Richlain N.K. Quire, for her steadfast encouragement and support throughout these challenging times. “I want to thank my wife, Mother Richlain, for her unwavering support and dedication,” he said. “Her efforts have been a source of great strength to me, and I am truly grateful for her love and commitment to the church and to our ministry.”
In closing, Bishop Quire reiterated his deep gratitude to all who have supported the Liberia Episcopal Area during this time of difficulty. He reminded the United Methodists in Liberia that their collective efforts and faith in God continue to drive the church forward, even in the face of adversity. As the church continues to search for peace, Bishop Quire remains hopeful that their efforts will bear fruit in the years to come.
“The work we have done together has been nothing short of remarkable,” Bishop Quire concluded. “Let us continue to stand firm in our faith and work together to build a stronger, more united church.”