St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Father of the Year 2019/2020, Mr. A. Richard Dorley, Sr. vows never to disappoint the church and Liberia at large, in his services.
A seasoned banker, he was crowned Father of the Year on Sunday, June 16 by the St. Peter’s Lutheran Church on 14th Street, Monrovia.
Outgoing Father of the Year 2018/2019, Morris Dukuly, also a former government minister, lauds Mr. Dorley, for his election, noting that it was no mistake because the honoree has greatly contributed to the works of God in Liberia and possesses requisite characteristics of a Christian father.
Pastor-In-Charge of the St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Rev. Isaac S. Dowah, speaking through one of the leaders of the church, commend the Men’s Department of the church for choosing Mr. Dorley as father for the church.
Rev. Dowah recounts contributions of Mr. Dorley, especially construction of a branch of the Lutheran Church in Liberia (LCL) in Gbonota that has a capacity to accommodate about 1000 congregation besides building a church in Subah Town (his wife’s home) in Todee District, Montserrado County.
Father Dorley is also honored for his contribution to the human resource development of the Liberia through educational empowerment of youths with over three decades of classroom experience at both secondary and university levels.
Making brief remark, the honoree expresses appreciation to the Men’s Department and the entire St. Peter’s Lutheran Church family for his preferment saying, he was glad to receive his flowers in the church of the Lord while still alive.
“I am glad today that I can be honored by this church while I am still alive,” he intoned.
Father Dorley also vows to maintain the integrity, values and characteristics of a good father during and after his one year tenure.“Today, I am greatly happy for the honor and I promise that I will not disappoint you and it is my prayer that we will all work together for the improvement of the works of God,” he says.
He says for him to have been chosen and placed amongst fathers of the church is one of the joyous occasions he has experienced since he began laboring in the Lord’s vine yard.
“We will try to do those things that are doable conveniently,” he vows amidst cheers from parishioners of the church and well-wishers who have gone to grace the occasion.
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Serving as Guest Preacher of the program, the head of the Great Commission Movement of Liberia, Rev. Amos Harris describes the occasion as a joyous one for the St. Peter’s Lutheran Church family while referring to Father Dorley a friend and former school mate in the 1970s.Rev. Harris urges fathers across the world to observe several characteristics of a Godly father, making reference to Job 1:1-8.
Pastor Harris lists some of the characteristics of a Godly father as one who God can boast of through his deeds and words, one who is without faults, free from guilt, one who keeps his integrity and rebukes evil and ungodly thoughts, resists temptations and does not act contrary to the words of God.
The Episcopalian cleric challenges believers the world over to be people who God can easily boast of, reminding that people will always make allegations against God’s people, but challenge them to prove all allegations, which is a real mark of a Godly father and true believer.
He says fearing God means to have great respect for Him (God) such as people who tremble for the satisfaction of God and His glorification.
“There is a need for true and Godly fathers to sacrifice and offer prayers for their children assuming they (children) have sinned along the way. Our children need us and are in an exposed environment and society; there are some fathers who are physically present, but functionally absent,” Rev. Harris notes.
He urges parents to teach and change things in their homes to save their children.
“In closing, let me ask all fathers to be people who ably manage their homes well and let not the leaders of the church downplay these characteristics of God’s people for the purpose of the Great Commission of Jesus Christ,” Pastor Harris concludes. Editing by Jonathan Browne
