Rev. Paula White-Cain, Senior Advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump for the White House Faith Office, declared that Liberia’s story is “far from over,” telling thousands gathered for the country’s 179th Independence Day Thanksgiving and Intercessory Service that the nation has been divinely preserved for a greater purpose and is destined to become a beacon of hope and freedom across Africa.
Delivering the keynote sermon at the First United Methodist Church in Buchanan on Sunday, July 26, 2026, White-Cain said Liberia’s survival through civil wars, political instability, economic hardship, disease outbreaks and other national crises demonstrated God’s sustaining hand upon the nation.
“History says Liberia survived. Faith declares Liberia has been preserved. That is testimony. It is evidence that the preserving hand of Almighty God remains upon this nation,” she added.
The American televangelist and White House faith adviser said she believes Liberia is entering a new season of restoration and national renewal. “I believe this is a rebuilding season for your nation, a season that will become your greatest testimony. I believe Liberia is entering its best chapter yet,” she narrated.
Speaking under the national Independence Day theme, “Strengthening National Identity Through Liberia-Led Historical Leadership,” White-Cain urged Liberians to embrace their history while remaining focused on the future, arguing that a nation’s identity is rooted in remembering its past.
According to her, “You cannot know your destiny if you do not know your history. History shapes identity, but faith shapes destiny.” Drawing extensively from the biblical account of Nehemiah, she likened Liberia’s journey to the rebuilding of ancient Jerusalem, saying the country has the opportunity to restore not only its institutions but also its confidence, unity and sense of national purpose.
She said, “Nehemiah rebuilt far more than walls. He rebuilt confidence. He restored identity. He renewed hope. He reminded discouraged people that God’s promises remained greater than their painful past.”
Encouraging Liberians not to allow previous hardships to define the nation’s future, White-Cain added, “Where you have been does not determine where God intends to take you. God’s promises remain greater than your past.” White-Cain also praised President Joseph N. Boakai, describing him as more than a foreign leader she had encountered during her international engagements.
“I have traveled to more than 140 countries,” she said. “When I completed my official disclosure documents, your name required special detail, not because you are simply a president I have met, but because you are someone I consider a genuine friend.”
She thanked President Boakai for what she described as his faithful leadership and unwavering commitment to Liberia, while also commending First Lady Kartumu Yarta Boakai for her humility, kindness and compassion.
Highlighting Liberia’s unique place in African history as the continent’s first independent republic, White-Cain said the nation’s founding carries a responsibility that extends beyond its borders.
“The very name ‘Liberia’ speaks of liberty, freedom and deliverance. I believe God has preserved Liberia because His purposes for this nation are not yet complete,” she stated. Moreover, the U.S Spiritual Advisor argued that Liberia’s greatest asset is not its natural resources but its citizens. “Your greatest wealth is not your minerals. It is not your forests. It is not your agriculture. It is your people,” she noted.
Calling for servant leadership, national unity and spiritual renewal, White-Cain urged Liberians to reject division and embrace a shared commitment to rebuilding the nation. “Building a nation requires unity. It requires covenant. It requires every citizen strengthening one another’s hands. History should never imprison us. It should prepare us for the future,” she added.
Concluding her message with prayers for revival and national transformation, White-Cain declared that Liberia’s future is filled with promise.
“I believe favor is coming to Liberia. Opportunity is coming to Liberia. Greatness is coming to Liberia,” she proclaimed. “Liberia, your destiny will no longer be delayed.” Her address was one of the highlights of the 179th Independence Day Thanksgiving and Intercessory Service, attended by President Boakai, Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, senior government officials, members of the Legislature and Judiciary, diplomats, traditional leaders, clergy and citizens from across the country.
