NATIONAL NEWS
BUCHANAN – Liberia’s greatest days are still ahead, Senior Advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump for the White House Faith Office, Rev. Paula White-Cain, declared Sunday as she delivered a stirring message of hope, unity, and national renewal during Liberia’s 179th Independence Day Thanksgiving and Intercessory Service.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
Preaching before President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional and religious leaders, and hundreds of worshippers at the First United Methodist Church in Buchanan, Rev. White-Cain said Liberia’s 179-year history stands as powerful evidence of God’s sustaining grace and enduring purpose for the nation.
She told the congregation that despite surviving civil conflict, political transitions, economic hardship, and public health crises, Liberia remains a nation destined for greater things.
“Our greatest chapter still lies ahead,” the American evangelist declared, urging Liberians to remain united in purpose while strengthening their national identity and rebuilding the country on the foundations of faith, resilience, and shared responsibility.
Using the biblical story of Nehemiah, Rev. White-Cain said true nation-building goes far beyond constructing roads, buildings, and public institutions. She stressed that genuine national transformation begins with restoring hope, rebuilding trust, strengthening unity, and renewing confidence among citizens.
She encouraged Liberians to move beyond the painful chapters of the past and embrace a shared vision for a stronger, more prosperous nation.
Rev. White-Cain also underscored the importance of preserving Liberia’s history, saying a nation that understands its past is better equipped to protect its identity, uphold its values, and confidently shape its future.
Reflecting on Liberia’s status as Africa’s first independent republic, she described the country’s founding as a lasting symbol of liberty and freedom, calling on citizens to honor that legacy through patriotism, ethical leadership, responsible citizenship, and national unity.
The preacher challenged leaders across all sectors to embrace servant leadership marked by humility, integrity, accountability, and prayer, emphasizing that lasting national progress depends on individuals accepting responsibility for positive change within their communities.
While acknowledging Liberia’s rich natural resources including fertile agricultural land, forests, waterways, coastline, and strategic location Rev. White-Cain maintained that the country’s greatest resource is its people.
She urged continued investment in human capital, particularly young people, whom she described as the cornerstone of Liberia’s future development.
Addressing Liberia’s youth directly, she encouraged them to remain grounded in the nation’s values while preparing themselves to become principled leaders committed to preserving the country’s heritage and advancing its development.
She concluded her sermon with prayers for peace, reconciliation, spiritual renewal, and continued national progress, expressing confidence that Liberia’s future will be brighter if its people remain united in faith and purpose.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. joined the national thanksgiving service alongside worshippers, Cabinet ministers, lawmakers, members of the diplomatic community, traditional chiefs, religious leaders, and citizens as part of activities marking Liberia’s 179th Independence Anniversary.
Held under the theme, “Strengthening National Identity Through Liberian-Led Historical Leadership,” the intercessory service emphasized preserving Liberia’s history, deepening national identity, and inspiring collective responsibility as the country reflected on nearly two centuries of independence.
The annual thanksgiving service formed a central part of this year’s Independence celebrations, bringing together government officials, development partners, clergy, and citizens in prayer and thanksgiving for Liberia’s continued peace, stability, unity, and sustainable development.
