July is not only Independence Day for the US, but it is also for Liberia. Liberia declared its independence on July 26, 1847. That was two days after Brigham Young and the early pioneers arrived in Utah. It is sobering to see how different Utah and Liberia are economically after 177 years. Liberia (43,000 sq. miles) is about half the geographical size as Utah (82,355 sq. miles).
For Liberia’s 2024 Independence Day, Nancy and I were invited to attend a special government celebration with the Liberian government and business leaders. Held at Centennial Pavilion (where Elder Christofferson spoke last year) and decked out in Liberia’s red, white and blue, the place was packed. All the “who’s who” of Liberia were in attendance.
The highlight (or lowlight) of the event was the national orator — a Liberian woman who was raised in the US and now teaches at a University in the UK. Her lengthy speech began by calling the day “In Defiance Day” instead of Independence Day. She spoke of liberal issues most Liberians aren’t concerned with, but also railed on the corruption of Liberia, calling the government lawmakers “lawbreakers.” That didn’t surprise us, but the tone of her message was getting weird as she was trying to incite a radical action. We were particularly uncomfortable when she started denouncing the US, claiming America has taken more than it has ever given to Liberia. (I found that odd since the US has given billions to Liberia in the last 20 years. The problem has been the financial donations rarely wind up in the right hands due to corruption and theft.) The orator went on to say Liberia is NOT the US’s stepchild, and Monrovia’s name should be changed, along with the design of the Liberian flag, and other national symbols. She urged Liberia to seek out other strategic partnerships. At that point, the interim US Ambassador got up and walked out with her security team, creating a commotion and causing whispers among the audience. As we were the only Americans left in the building, we sat uncomfortably. Though we disagreed with the orator’s views, we are here representing the Church, not the US. The sad part of this celebration was the speech missed the opportunity to build unity and set a vision for the country. Instead, we found it a downer of someone who doesn’t live here with complaining, and a reminder of the problems — how corruption, entitlement, and blame permeate the culture here.
The president’s speech followed, but he was brief and didn’t comment on the orator’s remarks. Following the lengthy event, many attendees crowded around us with exceptional friendliness, knowing we were the lone Americans. We attended a reception and met a number of dignitaries, including the ex-wife of warlord Charles Taylor, and other ambassadors and religious leaders.
The next day, we received word from Da Tarr, a Liberian church member who is the Chargé d’affaires from the DRC, that the Foreign Minister of Liberia invited us to dinner the following week. Sara Beysolow Nyanti is an impressive leader. I shared about her visit to Utah (click) last month.
The next Thursday, Mrs. Nyanti pulled up to the Mamba Point restaurant with her police escort and squad of bodyguards. Gov’t leaders here have to be vigilant at all times. She apologized for being late, but the president called her in for some urgent matters. It was pleasant getting to know her and hearing some of her experiences as UN Assistant Secretary General and her work with UNICEF. She had some fascinating experiences in Nepal, Nigeria, the Gambia and then three years in Yemen. Wow! Mrs. Nyanti is an ordained reverend in her Baptist church and a strong supporter of women’s rights. It was nice to visit with a bright, well-educated, experienced leader.
We shared with the Foreign Minister our purpose here with our missionaries in teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, and also the many humanitarian projects our church is doing — donating hundreds of wheelchairs, remodeling the neonatal ICU and surgical wards of JFK hospital and rebuilding the JFK Eye Center, building schools, installing dozens of wells, training farmers and giving farm supplies, and seed, providing medical equipment to hospitals, donating sanitation equipment, helping with other national disasters, etc.
Mrs. Nyanti told us how she learned on her visit to Utah that it was the Church who was donating hygiene kits, medical supplies, and clothes when she was working with UNICEF. She said, “I had no idea your Church was on on the other end, sending these supplies! I was so touched by the goodness to know where those came from.” Mrs. Nyanti said she hopes to visit Utah again.
Despite the “In Defiance Day” rhetoric from the previous week, it gave us hope to see such a thoughtful and intelligent government leader as Sara Beysolow Nyanti. It’s nice to build relationships with people like her and to have another ally in Liberia.
Sara Beysolow Nyanti
Hi Jeff and Nancy,
Your description of what happened at the Independence Day celebration was scary. Just goes to show what living in the US and then teaching in the UK can do to one. We (the USA) know how to raise up anarchists who sow hate and discontent! I’m sorry y’all were in that situation. It’s cool that you had an opportunity to meet with the Foreign Minister and that she told you about her finding out about the good works that the Church has done for Liberia. It’s awesome that you are rehabbing the hospital, digging wells and providing seeds to make life better and bring hope to communities. We are to be known by our love and good works. I’m proud of y’all! Be safe and continue your good works!
Jim
Hi Jim, Every day is an adventure. Always a challenge…but if we cant’ always do what we love, we love what we do! It’s amazing to be here and experience things we couldn’t learn in any other way. We certainly see how with freedom of speech comes great responsibility. Here, we see some of the weakness of humanity but we also get to see some of the best. My faith has increased more than I could have imagined. Thanks for your note!