“Rise Forward with Faith” Dep. Finance Minister Jones Rallies St. Martin’s Graduates

Gbarnga, Bong County - Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), Hon. Bill McGill Jones, has challenged graduates of Saint Martin’s Catholic High School to embrace faith, discipline, and service as guiding principles for building their futures and contributing to the development of Bong County and Liberia.

Serving as Keynote Speaker at the school’s 2025 Graduation Ceremony held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Gbarnga, Deputy Minister Jones delivered a stirring address under the theme: “Rise Forward with Faith: Building Your Future, Serving Bong County and Liberia.”

Delivering a powerful message rich with personal reflection, inspiration, and moral guidance, the Deputy Minister reminded the graduates that education is both a privilege and a responsibility — one that must be used to uplift others and advance the nation.

“St. Martin’s has stood for generations as a beacon of knowledge, discipline, and faith,” he said. “Today, you join a noble legacy of men and women who continue to serve Liberia with honor and distinction.”
The Keynote Speaker used the occasion to draw from his own humble beginnings in Bong County, sharing how perseverance, faith, and hard work carried him from local classrooms to global institutions, including Harvard University.

“My parents had no riches to leave us,” he recalled. “But they gave us something far greater — faith, discipline, and resilience. Because of their sacrifices and by God’s grace, I was able to walk the halls of some of the world’s greatest institutions. But my story, like yours, began right here in Bong County.

“I am the son of Bong,” he proudly announced, noting how his mother, a daughter of Sergeant Kollie Town in Suakoko District, was known for her tireless efforts to provide for her family, often selling goods in the markets so her children could eat and go to school.

“Fellow Students, I still remember waking up early with her as she prepared goods for the day, always cheerful despite hardships. As Barack Obama described his mother, she was “the biggest influence on his life.” My mother instilled in me a belief in our shared humanity and taught me to recognize the dignity in every person.

“My father, a son of Vaylengian in Jorquelleh District #1, worked tirelessly, often late into the night, to ensure that his children could attend school. They did not have wealth, but they had faith, hope, and resilience. Because of their sacrifices and God’s blessings, I had the opportunity to study at some of the best institutions across the world, including the great Harvard University,” Minister Jones said proudly.
He urged the graduates not to fear challenges or setbacks, but to use them as opportunities for growth and renewal.

Quoting the late Nelson Mandela, he said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” He also reminded them, in his own words, that “faith turns ‘no’ into ‘next opportunity.’”

“When life knocks you down, rise forward with faith. When others doubt you, rise forward with faith,” he declared to thunderous applause. “Our beloved Liberia still stands today because we have learned to rise forward with faith. God is not finished with Liberia yet.”

Deputy Minister Jones also paid heartfelt tribute to the parents and guardians, describing them as the “silent heroes” whose sacrifices made the day possible.

“You worked hard, prayed hard, and believed hard. You stayed up at night so these graduates could have a better day.
Your sacrifices are written in the smiles of your children’s faces. Without your support, none of these people will be here today. I want to thank you in a special way, and we ask God to keep blessing the work of your hands so that our younger ones that are coming up, and even these young graduates that are leaving, you will continue to support them as they move forward.”

In a deeply personal moment, Hon. Jones reflected on his early struggles as a student, including moments of doubt and rejection, but credited his unwavering faith for carrying him through.
“When one door closed, I knocked on another. Eventually, one opened, and I walked through. That is what it means to rise forward with faith.”

He reminded the graduates that life’s storms are not meant to destroy them but to strengthen their dependence on God, quoting a family reflection: “Sometimes God allows us to walk through storms  not to break us, but to build in us a deeper dependence on Him.”

In closing, Hon. Jones encouraged the Class of 2025 to uphold integrity, humility, and excellence as they pursue their dreams.

“The decision that will promote you is never made in your presence; it is made in your absence. And during that time, only your character can vouch for you,” he said. “So, live with integrity, serve with humility, and lead with compassion.
Remember that today’s decisions are tomorrow’s reality.”

Ending on a note of unity and faith, he led the graduates and audience in a collective declaration:
“We will rise forward with faith — for Bong County, for Liberia, and for God!”

The ceremony brought together government officials, clergy, educators, parents, students, and community leaders who joined in celebrating the achievements of the graduating class. The event was marked by jubilation, music, and heartfelt thanksgiving for the milestones reached by the students.