The 93rd National Convention of the (35th Episcopal District) Liberian West African Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (PAW) Inc., which started from February 27–March 3, 2024, has ended with a call for spiritual awakening and oneness of purpose for a vibrant church.
The call was made by the Diocesan Bishop, Leo Simpson, prior to the close of the convention when he delivered the state of the Council address to delegates, noted that an organization without vision is one that will not move forward both spiritually and physically.
Some delegates, as per the theme of the convention: ‘When Thy Day of Pentecost Had Fully Come” drawn from Acts 2:2, received the gift of the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues, to the amazement of many, and were baptized.
During the Women Auxiliary session, First Lady, Myra Simpson, also presented physical gifts to the newly wedded couples, and also to the wives of pastors during the convention.
Also presenting gifts to pastors at the conference was Suffragan Bishop, Julian Johnson of Bethesda Temple Church in the United States.
At part of the activities, the 35th Episcopal District leader took the visiting American delegation, led by Suffragan Bishop Johnson, on a guided tour to Weala District, Margibi County, where the PAW’s 150 access of land is situated, which was, some time ago, leased to a Chinese company that was now turned over to the church.
Following the tour of the property with structures on it, the PAW Diocesan Bishop then turned the property over to Bishop Johnson with the intent that it will be developed for future use for the benefit of the church and the Liberian people at large.
Suffragan Bishop Johnson thanked Bishop Simpson in the presence of his delegation and promised to find ways and means by which the property will be developed to the glory of God.
This year’s convention was characterized by teaching, preaching, and breakout sessions.
In a related development, the Samuel Grimes Initiative for At-Risk Youth in Kakata, Bong Mines Road on Monday February 26, 2024, held its initial achievement certification ceremony in substance addiction treatment and recovery technical vocational training.
26 clients, out of 30 recruited, received certificates upon completion of the initial comprehensive program.
The Samuel Grimes At-Risk Youth and Rehabilitation Center was founded by PAW and is being sponsored by Bethesda Temple Apostolic Church, St. Louis Missouri, United States of America, headed by Suffragan Bishop Johnson.
In his welcome remark and overview of the program, Amb. Michael A. Johnson said the drugs and substance therapy program is dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals facing different addiction challenges.
He noted that the P.A.W family has recognized the prevalence of addiction among community members, and believes that addressing this issue is crucial for fostering a safe and non-violent society.
Johnson furthered that they prioritize creating a nurturing and nonjudgmental environmental where individuals feel empowered to overcome their challenges.
He said the center has supported individuals in their journey towards recovery through rehabilitation, technical and vocational skill training, and reintegration.
The Executive Director of the Center stated that the Government of the Republic of Liberia through the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, as well as the Ministry of Youth and Sports, has strengthened their resolve to make the program achieve its intended purpose.
He thanked President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, and the government’s declaration of drugs as a national health emergency.
The coordinator of the Samuel Grimes for At-Risk Youth (PAW) Inc., Trevor Siaffah, commended Bishop Simpson for the establishment of the center, and the American delegation for financial support.
He said, following months of intensive psychotherapy training, the center is certified to give the clients a clean bill of health for graduation, as he presented the class to Suffragan Bishop Johnson.
Responding, Bishop Johnson said the Bethesda Temple family is happy to be a part of the history making program, and will do more once the Lord provides the funding for the future.
Also speaking and expressing words of gratefulness to Bishop Simpson for the marvelous work done at the Samuel Grimes Center, Sister Calandra Flannigen, Matron of the Las Fidelas, said it got to be God for the success story.
Representatives of the Ministries of Health and Sports, Kou Yeleboe, Deputy Coordinator for At-Risk Youth Empowerment program (PMU), and Francesco Cooper, thanked Bishop Simpson, the visiting delegation, and the staffs of the Center for a job well done.
The key-note speaker at the program, one of the visiting American delegation, Pastor Carlton Francis, said the day was a significant milestone in the lives of the graduates.
He quoted I John 4:4, which says “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because greater is he that is within you, than he that is in the world.
He said the journey they have embarked upon has not been an easy one, but stressed that they have had to show tremendous strength, courage, and determination to overcome the challenges they have faced, adding all things work together for good to them that love the Lord and are called according to his purpose.
The American prelate informed the graduates that as they embark on a new chapter of their lives, they should embrace the lessons learned during the program to make a positive impact in society.
He reminded the graduates of Proverbs 3:5-6 as the focus of their life journey, and congratulated the class for the achievements.
Pastor Francis also thanked the class for their resilience, adding, “I applaud your determination and unwavering commitment to a better future with joy, fulfillment, and countless opportunities for growth”.
