By Charles Gbayor in Harper, Maryland County
The United Methodist Church has concluded its 185 Annual Session of the Liberia Annual Conference in Harper City, Maryland County, Liberia. The conference brought together clergymen and delegates from the various churches to grace the occasion.
Cape Palmas Districts Superintendent of the UMC, Rev George K. Monbo said at the beginning of the annual session the Bishop Cabinet meeting was held successfully from March 7-11, 2018 at the Jasper Grant United Methodist Church in Pleebo Sodeken District capital in Pleebo city.
At the Bishop cabinet meeting several issues were discussed, including promoting, appointing clergymen and Pastors of the local churches across the entire country to manage and state of affairs of the churches. At the end Bishop cabinet meeting a honoring program was held for the Resident Bishop, Rev. Dr. Samuel J. Quire, Jr. in appreciation for taking the church to its current position and for making sure all activities for the church well coordinated.
Rev. Monbo told Groove 106FM that during the meeting at the Jasper Grant United Methodist Church in Pleebo City, delegates agreed to run the United Methodist Rural and Agriculture program to help create jobs and opportunities for members and non-members.
The UMC Rural and Agriculture Program (UMRAP) was officially lunched on August 25, 2017 at the headquarters of the UMC central office in Monrovia where the Resident Bishop, Rev. Dr. Samuel J. Quire, Jr. served as the chief launcher of the program and made the initial contribution of US$500 to the program.
The Cape Palmas District Superintendent of UMC added that Bishops of some African countries within the Annual Conference are expected to be present for this year Annual session in harper, Maryland County. He named the Bishops from Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Ghana, Guinea, amongst others who will grace the occasion.
Rev. Monbo further said this year’s Annual Session was celebrated with six conferences namely Garraway, Grand Gedeh, Sinoe, Nana Kru, Kru and host Cape Palmas. The theme is “A Future With Hope,” with texts from Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 5:1-6.
Speaking earlier during the conference opening session, conference lay leader Tolbert G. Nyenswah extended thanks and appreciation to God for the authority given him. He said he was grateful to the Resident Bishop Quire and his cabinet for the farsightedness in appointing a ‘Think-Tank’ strategic planning committee to craft document for the sustainability of the Church.
The conference lay leader noted that the crafting of the plan and the preparatory work before the 184th session of the Church in Gompa City, Nimba County. Nyenswah thanked the Resident Bishop Samuel J. Quire and his cabinet for the level of work done so far for the smooth running of the Annual conference.
Also at this year Annual conference several reports will be made to the members, the Bishop, his Cabinet, the reverends and Pastor, and the district superintendent. There will also be financial reports from various churches in Liberia.