By Bill W. Cooper
The Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary, Maxwell Saah Kemayah has urged graduates to be agents of transformation through the knowledge acquired.
Kemeyah, Liberia’s former Foreign Affairs Minister, underscored that education is a powerful tool for transformation as such, the need for practicality cannot be overemphasized.
Remarking during the 42nd graduation ceremony of the Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary Sunday, Kemayah noted that education shapes the understanding of the world and equips an individual to address the complex challenges they face in their respective society today.
Meanwhile, over 70 students walked away with degrees and certificates in pastoral studies and theological programs, among others.
Kemeyah informed the graduates also that each of them engaged in rigorous academic study deepened their faith, and honed their ability to think critically and compassionately.
“These skills are essential as you step into roles that will influence lives and inspire change in your respective communities and society in general.
Because you know why, the world you are about or are already entering is filled with opportunities and challenges which, if care is not taken could ruin your reputation and that of the Education,” he cautioned.
Kemeyah further indicated, “Your education has prepared you to confront issues such as inequality, injustice, and despair with knowledge, empathy, and faith.
Remember that the true value of your education lies not just in what you have learned, but in how you apply that knowledge to uplift others and foster positive change in our society and the world at large,” he reiterated.
He further challenged the graduates to commit to being lifelong learners and advocates for education within their respective communities and the Country as a whole.
“Your role as leaders in the church and society is vital in promoting a culture of learning, growth, and development; congratulations, Class of 2024!
May your journey ahead be filled with purpose and impact and as you embrace your calling, remember that you have the power to transform lives and communities through your faith and your education,” Kemayah admonished.
Speaking earlier on the theme: “Facing your challenge,” the keynote speaker of the 42nd Graduation of LBTS, Rev. Patrick Taylor called on Liberian leaders to identify what Liberia has, value, and utilize it in the interest of the people.
Rev. Taylor, who is also the Alumni President of the LBTS-USA Chapter also urged, “Use what you have, let your first response to your problem be yourself, your worth is in the value that you bring and you are worth nothing if you bring nothing.”
Taylor also urged the graduates to use their degrees to impact society, coupled with making the difference void of following the popularity of degrees.
