Monrovia – In the aftermath of a controversial oration during Liberia’s 157th Independence Celebration, which led to the U.S. Charge d’Affaires walking out of the official program, the former Liberia Council of Churches President, Kortu K. Brown, has cautioned the government against any signs of confrontation with individuals who could be instrumental in the country’s success.
By Willie N. Tokpah, [email protected]
Bishop Brown emphasized that the nation’s development relies heavily on the contributions of many capable individuals and that those who support Liberia’s growth should not be ignored.
He expressed concern over the tendency to select individuals who may cause more harm than good for the country. “If we don’t pick the right people and programs to implement, we could end up in a tragedy like King Ahab, just beating around the bush or turning around in the same place, attacking and ignoring others who don’t agree with us,” Bishop Brown warned.
He urged the government to seek out qualified and competent individuals, regardless of their political affiliations, to help promote its agenda and move the country forward. “At 177, Liberia is still a backward country. We can’t afford to ignore the potential God has given us to succeed,” Bishop Brown asserted.
The former Liberia Council of Churches President highlighted that the government is neglecting leaders in the church and other key societal areas who could significantly contribute to the country’s future.
Bishop Brown made these remarks during a thanksgiving and intercessory prayer service organized by New Water in the Desert Assembly in Brewerville, following Liberia’s 177th Independence Anniversary.
He described the exclusion of capable Liberians as a threat to the country’s future growth. “It’s a failed policy to ignore people who could help you succeed,” he stressed. “Liberia has a lot of talent and skilled potential. Some people can help us address many of the economic, political, social, cultural, and religious challenges we face as a nation.”
Bishop Brown further noted that for Liberia to succeed, the expertise of its citizens must be sufficiently utilized rather than ignored.
While cautioning the government, Bishop Brown also highlighted the importance of citizens valuing the capabilities of others who can help them achieve their goals. “Many Liberians find it difficult to succeed,” he said, “because they ignore people in their lives who could help them succeed. A lot of Liberians and institutions suffer because they deliberately ignore people who could help them succeed or overcome whatever challenges they’re faced with,” he maintained.
The Pentecostal cleric, who is the presiding overseer of the Apostolic Pentecostal Church International, referenced how King Ahab, during his rule over Israel, ignored people designated by God to help him succeed. Bishop Brown noted that this should serve as a lesson for all.
He added, “Because of the ignorance of the king, the nation suffered hardship through the Divine withholding of dew or rain that made it impossible for the agriculture program, which King Ahab depended on, to thrive as expected.”
“There was a drought in the land,” he said, “and the people suffered from famine or hunger,” adding that the situation forced King Ahab to send his people “into the land, unto all fountains of water, and all brooks: peradventure we may find grass to save the horses and mules alive, that we lose not all the beasts.”