UMC Bishop Quire’s Administrative Assistant & Family Honored By St. Paul River District Celebrates Family Day
The Bishop of the First United Methodist Church (UMC) in Liberia, Samuel Quire is urging families in in Liberia to be steadfast and depend on God for guidance and direction, amid serious challenges.
Addressing worshippers and church leaders gathered Sunday to observe family day of the St. Paul River District of the UMC Liberia Annual Conference, Bishop Quire noted that many homes today are confronted with serious challenges, including poor communication, financial hardship, division, moral decline, and increasing societal pressures.
But despite these realities, the UMC Resident Bishop encouraged families to remain grounded in prayer, forgiveness, worship, and mutual support.
The St. Paul River District of the Liberia Annual Conference of the UMC officially celebrated its District Family Program for the 2026 conference year under the inspiring theme, “Building Godly Families for Kingdom Service.” And it was held at Amelia Ross United Methodist Church in Johnsonville.
The spiritually uplifting celebration brought together church leaders, families, and members of the Christian community in an atmosphere of worship, unity, and renewed commitment to Christian service.
The occasion also honored the dedicated ministry and leadership of Rev. & Mrs. J. Joel Gould and family for their faithful contributions to the church and society. Rev. Gould currently serves as Administrative Assistant to Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr. Resident Bishop of the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.
Delivering his sermon, Bishop Quire declared that the strength of the church is deeply connected to the strength of Christian families.
According to Bishop Quire, a godly family is not defined by perfection, but by commitment to Christ and dedication to serving God together.
“The church is only as strong as the families within it,” Bishop Quire emphasized.
He further challenged parents to become spiritual role models for their children, while encouraging husbands and wives to walk together in love, unity, and respect.
The Liberia Area leader also called on families to restore communication, practice forgiveness, worship together, and actively support the mission and ministry of the church.
The preacher stressed that homes centered on Christ become testimonies of faith, peace, and hope within society. Parents were encouraged to model Christian values, while husbands, wives, and children were urged to live in love, obedience, respect, and unity.
During the program, special recognition was given to Rev. & Mrs. Gould and family for their faithful service to the church, the St. Paul River District, and the wider community.
Church leaders noted that when families remain united, the church flourishes both spiritually and socially. Families were therefore challenged to return to regular prayer, strengthen healthy communication, worship together, and remain active in supporting the ministry of the church.
The sermon concluded with a powerful call for unity within homes, emphasizing that family unity reflects the very nature of God.
He referenced Psalm 133:1, the preacher reminded worshippers that unity brings healing, peace, growth, progress, and divine blessing. Families were urged to become places where grace, reconciliation, compassion, and understanding flourish.
Overwhelmed by recognition
Speaking during the District Family Program celebration, Rev. Gould expressed deep appreciation for the honor bestowed upon him and his family by the St. Paul River District.
He stated that he and his family were overwhelmed by the recognition and struggled to find the right words to fully express their gratitude to the church and the Christian community.
According to Rev. Gould, despite the challenges of ministry, he and his family remain committed to supporting the work of God and advancing the mission of The United Methodist Church in Liberia.
He assured the gathering that their dedication to ministry and service to the church would continue with faithfulness, humility, and commitment.
Rev. Gould also extended heartfelt appreciation to Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr. for his stewardship, leadership, and spiritual guidance over the years.
He praised Bishop Quire for his encouragement and mentorship, noting that his leadership continues to inspire many within the church to remain steadfast in service to God and humanity.
As the District Family Program begins for the 2026/2027 conference year, Mother Lango Toe expressed hope that the initiative will strengthen homes, restore broken relationships, and inspire renewed commitment to Christian family values across the district.
“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
The event served not only as a celebration of families, but also as a reminder that the future of the church and society depends greatly upon the preservation of godly homes.