By Esau J. Farr
MONROVIA-The visiting Delegation from the United States of America of the Union of American Methodist Episcopal Church (UAME) in America is expected to end a week-long church empowerment visitation in Liberia today.
The delegation which is comprised of a four-man high powered and spiritually filled men of God started a week ago when the team arrived in Liberia on the seventh of February (February 7, 2023) this year as guests of the New Hope Union of American Methodist Episcopal Church (UAME) in Liberia.
Speaking to a team of reporters in Paynesville, near the Country’s Capital, Monrovia, the Head of the Delegation said he along with members of his delegation was glad to be in Liberia as part of efforts geared towards the advancement of the ‘Great Commission through the propagation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Rt. Rev. and Presiding Bishop of the 2nd, 3rd and 5th Episcopal Districts of the UAME Church in the USA, Adolphus Scott, Jr. told reporters that the purpose of his team’s visit to Liberia was to contribute to the spiritual growths of these local churches.
According to him, since the arrival of the team from the USA, it has been involved with the training of local church leaders for various administrative positions and church stewardship among others.
“Liberia is a good place, our people are receptive and willing to labor in the Lord’s vineyard,” Bishop Scott said.
He expressed his excitement in working with those at the helm of leadership at their churches.
The Cleric noted that it is the dream of the Delegation that local congregations get spiritually empowered to spread the Gospel of Christ.
Upon the arrival of the delegates, they were given the opportunity to visit and or tour the Soul Clinic facilities of the church, including the school, and held discussions with administrators and staff of the institution aimed at restoring hope and encouraging them to do more in providing educational and spiritual needs of those in their control areas.
“Upon our arrival here in Liberia, we had the opportunity to visit and tour other areas and facilities of the church in Liberia and the people are so amazing and willing to work,” Bishop Scott told newsmen.
On Friday, February 10, 2023, the team conducted interviews for local church administrators and leaders to be fully consecrated and sanctified for the works of God.
Other members of the delegation include Rt. Rev. Charles L. Amos, the Presiding Bishop of the 1st and 4th Episcopal Districts of the UAME in the USA, Rev. Danyel Roy Barnes, Pastor of the Mount Zion UAME Church, Alborn, New Jersey, USA, and Rev. Dr. Ralph T. Lampkins, the General Secretary of the Foreign Missions of the UAME Church.
For his part, Bishop Charles L. Amos expressed joy for being a part of the delegation saying, it’s it indeed a rewarding moment and a good experience for him in the Ministry of the Lord.
He reporters that though it was his first visit to that West African nation, he was happy with the willingness of the people of Liberia to welcome and spread the good news of Jesus Christ.
In closing, the fore-runner of the establishment of the UAME Church in Liberia, Rev. Dr. Ralph T. Lampkins thanked the delegation for the visit and appreciated the local church leaders on the ground for keeping the torch of the Lord burning saying, he was happy for the connection between the church here in Liberia and those from the USA.
According to him, after selfless works here before, during, and after the country’s civil wars, he had an opportunity to visit the USA where a solid religious connection was established between the two church groups.
The local leaders of the UAME in Liberia are but not limited to Rev. Solomon S. Yawson, Pastor of the First UAME Church in Liberia, and Rev. Jerome C. Williams, Pastor of the New Hope UAME Church on the Pipeline Road in Paynesville City.
Alphonso Toweh
Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters
He holds first MA with honors in International Relations and a candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict Resolution from the University of Liberia.