In his inaugural address:
LMA Boss Outlines
Strategic Vision For 2010-2011
Members of the Board of Directors were also installed. They included Rev. Charles Goah (Board Chair), Rev. Alexander Collins (Board member), Rev. Kwiah Roberts (Board member), Rev. Uriel Caine (Board member), Rev. Steve Cole (Board
member), and Rev. Edward Nepaye (Board Member).
The installing officer, Apostle Natt Friday, Senior Pastor of the Bethel World Outreach Church located in Robbinsdale urged the officers to do everything they can in order to live up to the motto of the Liberian Ministers Association which is, “walking in love, unity, fellowship, integrity and accountability.” Apostle Friday noted that the Liberian Ministers Association plays a crucial role within the Liberian community in Minnesota and the broader Liberian community in the Diaspora, adding, “members of the Liberian community will continue to look up to the association for direction and leadership as well as spiritual, moral, intellectual, cultural, emotional and psychological guidance, please don’t let them down.” The installing officer noted that the organization has been a beacon of hope for Liberians over the years and should continue to work towards fulfilling its goals and objectives.
In his installation speech to an audience of over 300 Liberians which included representatives from local and state governments, Dr. Howard thanked his colleagues for re-electing his team for another two-year term. He stressed that their re-election was an indication of the overwhelming success his administration experienced in implementing the visions of the organization during their first term in office (2008-2009), the approval of pastors within the organization, and the support they have received from the Liberian organization at large.
The Executive Director outlined some of the accomplishments of the organization under the Howard-Tabla’s administration. They include: Approving of the Bylaws and Constitution of LMA; obtaining LMA’s EIN number and Article of Incorporation; obtaining the association 501 c3 status; establishing and maintaining an interactive website; establishing a process for formal membership and membership cards for LMA; conducting several revival meetings, prayer conferences and seminars; working closely with OLM on immigration issues and community concerns by attending meeting with Senators, Representatives and hosting immigration services, fund raising, and prayer vigils; hosting major international religious speakers, fully participating in the induction, installation and ordination ceremonies of pastors within the Liberian community, etc. Dr. Howard noted that these accomplishments and many more were possible simple because they were being led by God’s spirit and had the relentless support of the other pastors.
Dr. Howard in his speech also outlined the plans for LMA for 2010 & 2011. He pointed out that the Liberian Ministers association intends to continue most of the activities in which they are already engaged, namely; hosting prayer vigil, seminars, crusade, etc., however he noted that additionally, LMA hopes to raise funds to support a Liberian pastor attending a Seminary in Liberian who desires to return to the interior of the country to do ministry; establish electronic resources materials for LMA pastors in order to sharpen their preaching and teaching skills; develop strategic partnership with other religious organizations in Liberia and the United States; conduct a major reconciliation conference/crusade in Liberia during the month of October, 2011, and begin to host an annual pastors’ retreat for LMA ministers.
In a cautionary mood at the end of the speech, the LMA boss noted that as they strive for excellence within LMA, he is aware that there will be “Tobiah and Sanballat” who will want them to come down and not build the wall. However, he said, their response will be the same like that of Nehemiah: “I am too busy, I can’t come down.” He said, he knows that there will be people who will call them names and try to get them to change their course but they will reply, “Sorry, we are too busy, we can’t answer now or change our course because our destiny is at stake and heaven is watching us.” He concluded by saying, “There may be one or two ministers who might want to form another association because they don’t want to be men of integrity, honesty, obedience, and humility.”
However, he said, “we will be praying for them to see the light” but our response will still be, “We have a mission; we have a vision; we are too busy and can’t afford to be distracted.” The Executive Director quoted his friend and brother, Dr. Tabla in closing, adding: “Saints of God, we are not above reproach; we are not perfect….Like Dr. Tabla once said, “We are all a group of accused pastors serving an accused God.” Therefore said Dr. Howard, “Arise and let us be the light that God has called us to be; let us be the men and women of God that He has called us to be; let us be Ambassadors of God’s kingdom; let us serve humanity. Together, we will make LMA second to none; together we will have an impact on our community; together we will impact our youth; together, we will make the devil understand that he is in trouble; and together, we will make Jesus all of all.”
During the installation, several dignitaries spoke and lauded the work of LMA within the community. They included, Honorable Dr. J. Clarence Yaskey, Chairman of the Board of Directors (OLM), Honorable Kelvin Gray, Prexy of the Bassa Dorkpa Association, Mrs. Marie Hayes, Director, International Student Service, Luther Seminary; Robin Martinson, Community Liaison officer, Brooklyn Park Police Department, among many others.
Approximately $1,200 (one thousand two hundred dollars) was raised to fund LMA goals at the installation dinner.
Established in 1996, LMA is built on what the leadership calls “the need for fellowship amongst pastors, assisting new Liberian ministers coming to the Twin Cities, and working together in various aspects of ministry”.
