By: Michael Boeglay | UM News Monrovia
The 174th Annual Gathering of the Monrovia District Conference of the Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church concluded with a resounding call to unity and peace, reminding attendees of their sacred duty to maintain harmony within the body of Christ.
The closing service, held on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at the Georgia Patten Memorial UMC in Monrovia, brought together clergy, laity, and congregants from across the district. The Acting District Superintendent, Rev. C. Eddie S. Langama, Sr., delivered a compelling and spirit-filled message based on the conference’s theme, “Maintaining the Unity of the Church,” drawn from 1 Corinthians 12:12-27.
Rev. Langama, speaking with pastoral authority and humility, challenged the congregation to reject the forces that divide and to embrace the divine call to unity. “Disunity is often sown through misinformation and gossip,” he cautioned. “As United Methodists and as Christians, we must rise above these traps of the enemy. We are called to live lives of prayer, proclaim the gospel in word and deed, and be a people of hope, love, and peace.”
He further reminded attendees that unity within the church is built on a foundation of mutual respect, patience, gentleness, and love. “No matter your status in life, maintaining the unity of the Church requires us to reflect Christ in all we do. Let us be respectful, patient, and loving in our interactions, always keeping the bond of peace through the Spirit of God,” he said.
The closing service was enriched by the presence of many church leaders and members, including Rev. Moses K. Yebleh, Co-chair of the Board of Ordained Ministry; Father P. Emerson Harris, Director of Connectional Ministries; and the Trinity UMC Choir, whose music brought an uplifting and worshipful atmosphere to the gathering. The laity, pastors, deaconesses, and other faithful church members came together to celebrate the work of the Monrovia District and to recommit to its mission.
Rev. Langama, appointed as Acting District Superintendent by Bishop Samuel J. Quire, Jr. in September 2024, has already made a mark as a strong spiritual leader. His extensive background includes service as a pastor, Dean of Students, and Human Resource Director of the United Methodist University. A dedicated family man, Rev. Langama is married to Mth. Kama Langama, and together they are blessed with ten children and grandchildren, a testament to God’s abundant grace.
As the conference ended, Rev. Langama left the congregation with a heartfelt challenge: “Let us go forth as one body in Christ. Be united in love, faith, and hope. In our lives, let the gospel be proclaimed and the glory of God be revealed. The world needs the light of the Church, and we are called to shine it boldly.”
The 174th Annual Gathering of the Monrovia District was a sacred time of worship, renewal, and recommitment to the United Methodist Church’s mission. It reaffirmed that, despite challenges, the church remains steadfast in its calling to be a united body of believers, sharing the love and peace of Christ with the world.