MONROVIA — A visiting clergyman, Rev. Dr. Jeff R. Wubbenhorst, Teaching Coordinator at King’s Park, North Carolina, USA, has emphasized that “invitation without preparation leads to nothing but failure and separation.” He stressed that invitees must prepare in advance to avoid future embarrassment when given an invitation.
Delivering a sermon on Sunday during a special Thanksgiving and Praise Service at the New Water in the Desert Assembly Apostolic Pentecostal Church International, Rev. Dr. Wubbenhorst highlighted the importance of vigilance, care, and faithfulness in the Christian life. The service marked the culmination of a week of praise celebrating successful elections, the commencement of the 15th General Ministerial Retreat, and the welcoming of Rev. Wubbenhorst and his family to Liberia.
Speaking on the theme, “Exalting Yahweh: Celebrating Vigilance, Carefulness, and Faithfulness” with scripture reference from Matthew 25:1–13, Rev. Wubbenhorst commended the Liberian Christian community for their unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel across the country. He reiterated that preparation leads to success and celebration, underscoring the need for individuals to plan ahead.
The General Overseer of the New Water in the Desert Assembly Apostolic Pentecostal Church International and former President of the Liberia Council of Churches (LCC), Bishop Dr. Kortu Brown, also addressed the congregation. He called on national leaders to focus on advancing the country and addressing critical challenges rather than engaging in political distractions.
According to Bishop Brown, Liberia is facing numerous issues, including economic hardships, disease outbreaks, and the increasing scourge of drug abuse among the youth. He urged the government to prioritize tackling these challenges.
Bishop Brown’s comments come amid political tensions, with over 40 lawmakers seeking the removal of House Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa. The lawmakers have been conducting separate sessions to push their agenda, while Speaker Koffa’s loyalists continue to hold sessions that fail to meet the required quorum.
The former LCC President also appealed to the media to focus on critical issues such as the drug epidemic eating away at the fabric of Liberian society. While acknowledging the importance of political reporting, he stressed the need to address other pressing national concerns.
The Thanksgiving and Praise Service also marked the start of the 15th General Ministerial Retreat, held under the theme “To God Be the Glory!” with scripture reference from Psalm 29:2.
Bishop Brown outlined the retreat’s three phases:
- Phase 1: Training of Trainers for church planters and evangelists trained during the 15th General Conference in May 2024. This session runs from Monday, November 18, to Wednesday, November 20.
- Phase 2: Training and business sessions for pastors, ministers, and church leaders of the Apostolic Pentecostal Church, scheduled for Thursday, November 21, 2024.
- Phase 3: A youth training retreat to run simultaneously with Phase 2, from November 21 to November 22.
Bishop Brown emphasized the importance of these sessions in equipping church leaders and youth with the tools needed to expand the ministry and address the challenges faced by the nation.
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