7 UMC Districts Form A Bond Of Unity
Seven United Methodist Conference Districts in the southeast have converged for the seventh annual Southeastern Region United Methodist Fellowship (SRUMEF) gathering.
The four-day ‘spiritual and development-driven celebration,’ according to a release, was held at the Bestman Poo Kolenky United Methodist Church (UMC) in Weteken Township, Grand Kru County, from July 17–20, 2025, under the theme: “Keep Your Eyes on Jesus, Not the World,” (Matthew 14: 26-33).
The participating districts included Gee River, Barrobo, Cape Palmas, Sinoe, Nana Kru, Kru Coast, and the host, Garraway represents the heart of United Methodist presence and mission outreach in the southeast.
The SRUMEF gathering seeks to strengthen, not only spiritual ties, but also to build stronger local churches through leadership training, evangelism, and collaborative development efforts.
At the opening service, Reverend Wellity Tarlesson, District Superintendent of the Gee River District, and Chairperson of SRUMEF, described the gathering as a revival movement for the region.
“This is not just a time for worship and praise,” Rev. Tarlesson declared.
“It’s a time to unite as one body of Christ, to go into the communities and spread the message of hope, and to invest in the growth of our districts. After this program, Cape Palmas and Garraway Districts will receive cash support to boost their development efforts.”
Throughout the event, participants were engaged into prayer services, revival meetings, community outreach, bible teaching, and church growth workshops. The sessions were designed to equip local pastors, youth leaders, and laity with the spiritual and practical tools needed to build sustainable ministries and vibrant congregations in their respective districts.
One of the notable teaching sessions was be led by Reverend Brownell B. Konton, Sr., District Superintendent of Nana Kru District and Co-Chair of SRUMEF. Rev. Konton spoke on the topic: “The Sustainability of a Local Church in the Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church.”
His teaching empowered local church leaders to think strategically about resource mobilization, accountability, and mission continuity.
A major highlight of the celebration occurred on Saturday, July 19, when members from all seven districts paraded through the streets of Weteken; dressed in the fellowship (SRUMEF) colors, and cultural attire.
The parade was intended as both a public witness of their faith, and a visual expression of the unity and strength of the UMC in the southeast.
On Sunday, Reverend Gregory Nimely, District Superintendent of Barrobo Circuit, served as the concluding preacher for the event.
Nimely’s sermon reflected on the gathering’s core focus evangelism, fellowship and development.
He issued a spiritual charge to participants to return to their communities with renewed zeal for the ministry.
The people of Garraway and surrounding towns welcomed the gathering with open arms, expressing joy at the spiritual and social impact the fellowship has already begun to generate.
The influx of visitors has not only brought spiritual renewal, but also temporary economic relief for local vendors and transport operators. “We are here to remind ourselves of our calling and to live out our faith with action, love, and unity,” said Rev. Nimely.
“SRUMEF is not just a program, it’s a spiritual revival, a community-building effort, and a declaration that the church is alive and active, this celebration is done rationally and rotationally.”
Leaders of the participating districts held a strategic planning session outlining new initiatives for continued collaboration.
Key priorities included follow-up evangelism campaigns, youth and women empowerment programs, church planting, and leadership development.
The UMC, through regional fellowships like (SRUMEF), continues to be a pillar of hope, faith, and social transformation, especially in the country’s rural and hard-to-reach communities.
This Weteken gathering stands as a vibrant example of what is possible when the church comes together with a shared mission and vision for God’s Kingdom.