LPRC
Boss Named "Man of the Year"
January 8, 2010 - The saying that give a man
his flowers while he is alive came to the fore
on Thursday, January 7, when a youth group,
Youth Exploring Solutions (YES) honored the
Acting Managing Director of the Liberia Petroleum
Refining Company (LPRC), T. Nelson Williams,
II.
The
ceremony, a release from the company said, was
held at a colorful ceremony held in the Training
Hall of the company, and was graced by members
of the Executive Management Team. The group
under represented by Executive Director, Stephen
B. Lavalah who was accompanied by Chris B. Sackie,
Deputy Director for Operation indicated that
Mr. Williams was being honored for his humanitarian
services rendered not only at LPRC but in the
country as a whole.
According
to the release Mr. Lavalah noted "We meticulously
monitored the works of Mr. Williams during the
year 2009, and we can say without a doubt that
he was very outstanding in so many ways mainly
for his humanitarian role in the society".
According to him, the organization recognizes
people who have each year contributed immensely
to the growth and development of the nation,
and that the acting LPRC boss was no exception.
The YES executive director noted that the Daily
Observer Managing Editor, Kenneth Best was honored
as man of the year in 2008, while Youth activist
Kimmie Weeks was man of the year 2007.
The
release further noted that Mr. Williams has
played a pivotal role in the growth of society
as he has been engaged in a host of worthwhile
activities with many organizations. Mr. Williams
is the Founder and President of Servants of
All Prayer Assembly (SOAP). SOAP advocates for
women and children's rights. SOAP is currently
partnering with the Ministry of Gender, International
Rescue Committee (IRC) and other partners in
the fight against gender-based violence. They
participated in the 16 days of Activism. Mr.
T. Nelson Williams, II was the Keynote Speaker
for this year's program.
It
can be recollected that SOAP visited the ELWA
Hospital in June, 2009 and it was a delight
to see men praying and counseling the sick and
shut-in. The staff of the hospital and patients
was very happy and expressed their appreciation.
During this visit, bibles, soap, toilet tissue
and snacks were presented to all the patients.
The
release further noted that members of SOAP visited
the ailing Archbishop Michael Francis at his
residence where they prayed with him and provided
update on what they were doing in the community.
A smiling Archbishop was then presented a "Life
time Achievement Award". Father Sumo thanked
the group on behalf of the Archbishop. Pastor
Gabriel Goweh then said the special prayer for
the Archbishop to mark the end of the visit.
The
group also visited Zowein, Bomi County where
a 25 man delegation travelled to fellowship
and minister to the people of the area. Upon
being welcomed by the Elders and members of
the town, the residents were prayed for as volumes
of books, toys, crayons, coloring books and
snacks were presented to 400 plus children.
As a token of appreciation, a deer was slaughtered
and presented to members of the organization.
The group then promised to make quarterly visits
to the town. During the group's second trip
to the town, 33 men took part in similar activities.
The next visit is expected to take place in
February this year.
The
release also noted that Mr. Williams who is
the executive producer and group manager of
Christ Ambassadors, a gospel musical group,
spent many hours and resources to enhance the
quality of sound and performance showmanship
of the group. After singing together for 13
years, the members of Christ Ambassadors finally
realized their dream of releasing their first
CD album. Through Williams's innovative leadership
and creativity, he was able to raise $11,135.00
USD for this project. Lonestar Communication,
ECOBANK and MaxPerform Consulting Group, LLC
were sponsors of the CD launching.
Also
the release hinted that Mr. Williams is the
men's department president at the Bethel Cathedral
of Hope. The men's department organized and
implemented the following activities during
the 2009 calendar year. Four hospital outreaches:
Two at the J.F.K. Hospital and two at the Catholic
Hospital in 2009. At these medical facilities,
patients were ministered to, prayed for and
given consumable items such as juices, biscuits,
tissue and tracks. The group raised over $700.00
for missions in South Africa.
Last
year the men's department manufactured and installed
four iron gates for the four sanctuary doors
on the left and right wings of the Cathedral.
They also manufactured and installed ten condenser
cages at the two extremes of the church. The
group also ensured that the windows and door
locks were properly maintained in collaboration
with the General Services Officer.
Mr.
Williams according to the release is a board
member of the Young Men Christian Association
(YMCA) and provides oversight while serving
as board member. He was appointed by the Africa
Alliance of the YMCA to spearhead the search
for the new National General Secretary/CEO of
the YMCA of Liberia.
As Deputy Managing Director and Acting Managing
Director at LPRC, Mr. Williams provided scholarships
to deserving students, created internship positions
for vocational students, re-activated the vacation
job program, supported the Educational Assistance
Scheme (EAS) and spoke to over 6 youth groups
during the year and is in fact a strong supporter
of Liberian youth. He continues to say, "It
is imperative that we invest in our nation's
future. If we don't, who will"?
He
personally provided 13 scholarships to deserving
students at local colleges and universities.
As
the coordinator and host of the 3rd Annual Children's
Christmas Party, Mr. Williams hosted this annual
affair in the King Gray Community near the SKD
Stadium. He and his team fed and partied with
close to 800 children from that community and
surrounding areas, the release concluded.
