Transcript for Bishop Samuel J Quire, Jr.:

I wouldn’t have been standing here today without theological education. My name is Bishop Samuel Jerome Quire Jr., resident bishop of the Liberia Episcopal area. I started my theological education in 1984.

I was able to get a scholarship that took me to school in 1984. But before that, I had a hiccup. When I went to Mangas School of Theology in 1984, the then bishop said to me that there was not enough money for me to enter the seminary.

And so, I just went in the dormitory in my room, and I knelt to God and I said, well God, you called me and now there is no money for me to continue my education here. So, I’m going back. I’m going home and please do not disturb my life because you have not provided the opportunity for me.

And just as I got through praying, one of my colleagues came to my room and said, guess what? I said, what? He said to me, “You have been awarded a full scholarship. I said, praise the Lord. Now God, I know you want me to do theological education.

And so theological education is so much, is so important for us. In fact, in my whole ministry, I have just begun to understand why God had brought me at this time to be the bishop of the United Methodist Church. And theological education has broadened my mind. It has widened my intellect. And so, I put faith and wisdom together. And today I am the bishop of the United Methodist Church.

And this is the reason why God has made me a bishop for such a time as this. And so I want to appeal to you, my brothers and sisters throughout the world, in the United Methodist Church, out of the United Methodist Church, to please support theological education so that we can train 500 plus students who have the desire to go to seminary but do not have the resources. So, I want to appeal to you and help us to make this dream possible.
Thank you. God bless you.