Bishop Quire Urges Graduates To Put God First and Serve Humanity
November 1, 2026
CottonTree, Margibi: Resident Bishop of the Liberia Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church, Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr., has encouraged graduating students of Quest United Methodist High School in Cotton Tree lower Margibi County to put God first, remain committed to good character, and use their education to contribute to Liberia’s development.
Bishop Quire spoke to the school’s graduating class under the theme, “With God, Your Future Is Full of Possibilities,” based on Jeremiah 29:11.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Bishop Quire emphasized that graduation marks the beginning of a new chapter rather than the end of a student’s educational journey.
He encouraged the graduates to approach the future with faith, determination, discipline, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
The Liberia Area leader outlined three key lessons for the graduates: putting God first in everything they do, refusing to allow their backgrounds to determine their futures, and using their education to serve others.
Bishop Quire stressed that academic achievement must be accompanied by integrity, noting that education should help shape responsible individuals who can make meaningful contributions to their communities and the nation.
“Knowledge may open doors for you, but integrity will help you remain standing when those doors open,” the sermon stated, urging the graduates not to allow success, money, fame, or societal pressure to distance them from their Christian values.
He narrated.Bishop Quire also encouraged students facing financial difficulties and other personal challenges not to abandon their dreams because of their circumstances.
Referring to the biblical account of Joseph, who rose from slavery and imprisonment to leadership in Egypt, he reminded the graduates that difficult beginnings do not have to determine the outcome of their lives.
He urged them to continue learning, praying, and working hard while seeking opportunities to improve themselves and contribute to society.
The Bishop further challenged the graduating students to become agents of positive change in Liberia, emphasizing the country’s need for educated, responsible, innovative, and patriotic young people.
He called on them to pursue careers and opportunities that would enable them to serve their communities, including teaching, medicine, engineering, journalism, entrepreneurship, ministry, and public leadership.Bishop Quire reminded the students that education carries a responsibility to help others.
He referenced Matthew 5:14, which describes believers as “the light of the world,” He cautioned against becoming successful individuals who forget their communities or leaders who exploit the people they are called to serve.
Instead, he encouraged the graduates to reject corruption, promote peace, respect human dignity, and work for the common good.
“Put God first. Work hard. Protect your integrity. Never stop learning. Serve humanity. And never lose hope,” he urged the graduating class.
Bishop Quire also recognized the contributions of parents, guardians, teachers, and school administrators in preparing young people for the future, encouraging families to continue supporting the graduates as they pursue higher education, vocational training, entrepreneurship, and other opportunities.
He offers prayers asking for God’s guidance, protection, and blessings upon the graduates, expressing hope that their lives would contribute to a better Liberia and glorify God.
“May you go forward with faith, return with success, and live lives that glorify God,” the sermon concluded.Bishop Quire message reaffirmed the importance of faith, education, integrity, and service in preparing Liberia’s young people to assume leadership and contribute to national developmen.
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