-At 171st Independence prayer Service“
A prominent Liberian cleric Archbishop Isaac Winker has called on Liberians to develop passion for nation building and come together, while President George Manneh has urged Liberians to be optimistic about the country’s future, at the Thanksgiving/Intercessory service ahead of Liberia’s 171st Independence anniversary.
Delivering the sermon to mark the July 26, 2018 Independence Day at the Centennial Memorial Pacilion in Monrovia on Sunday, the Pentecostal prelate told citizens of this country that it was time to build Liberia.
Liberia declared its independence on July 26, 1847, thus becoming the only black independent African Republic. In attendance were his predecessor former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and former Vice President Joseph Boakai along with an array of past and present government officials, members of the diplomatic corps as well as a cross-section of Liberians.
President Weah greets former President Sirleaf (Photo: Courtesy of Executive Mansion Press)
Archbishop Winker, who took his sermon text from the Bible book of Nehemiah, said Nehemia who led the rebuilding of the biblical wall of Jericho had the passion and that the citizens demonstrated patriotism toward their country.
“There is no prosperity without patriotism,” he emphasized, and noted that Liberians do not show patriotism for the country.
According to an Executive Mansion press release, the Thanksgiving & Intercessory Service was organized by the Liberian Council of Churches (LCC) as part of events earmarked for the observance of the 171stIndependence to thank God for the country and also beseech His protection and direction for national prosperity in peace, reconciliation and infrastructural development.
VP Jewel Howard Taylor and former VP Joseph Boakai at the Service
Speaking at the prayer service, President Weah declared that Liberia, irrespective of the varying level of pessimism harbor by some Liberians, will not fail with God being in control of its destiny.
The Liberian leader urged Liberians “To have faith, trust and believe God and stop being negative about the country:”
President Weah, who is presiding over the first Independence Day ceremony since he took office on January 22, 2018, said that it is the only responsibility required of Liberians during this time of national celebration of the 171st independence.
The Liberian leader wondered why Liberians would profess to trust God but yet confess doubt and negativity about the direction of the country.“Let’s be optimistic; you cannot say you trust God and still have doubt. Let’s have faith and believe that everything will be okay,” the President said.
President Weah said he strongly believes that it was high time Liberians bind their faith together because “together the nation cannot fai”l. He also admonished Liberians to remain optimistic of their country and know that God will not fail them.