Yet Another Independence Day - Liberia

Yet another Independence Day. The 26th of July is the date of this special holiday for Liberia, which celebrated the 162nd year of its Declaration of Independence this year. One of the fascinating things about living in Paris for a while is the opportunity to mix with folks of a multitude of cultures. Because of my position as one of the pastors of The American Church in Paris, I have the opportunity to be right in the middle of this mixture, and it often includes Nancy.
Nancy and were invited to attend an all night party sponsored by the Liberian Association of Paris on Saturday evening, 25 July. No, we did not stay all night as I was scheduled for preaching at 3 services on Sunday.
It was very interesting. I was actually invited to the event so that I could give the opening prayer for the program. The man from the Liberian Embassy (and a member of the American Church) who invited us said that he hoped that I could offer a “powerful prayer” on behalf of his people and his nation. Well, I tried my best. Even so, it was much shorter than the following speeches.
The actual program was late in starting (not unusual in France and certainly not unusual for Africans). By the time that the program started an hour late, about 10 p.m., the large room where the celebration was held was full, mostly with people from Liberia. We were about the only “white” folks there. The Ambassador was the main speaker, and he did a good job of speaking to the history of his country, including what he called the senseless civil war of recent years. His main emphasis was on the courage needed for his people to overcome the problems and challenges that face their country. He reminded his listeners that Africans have as much ability to organize and manage their affairs as any other people on earth. I would agree with that. Of course, having the ability and actually doing it can be two different things!
Later in the evening the Ambassador came over and talked with me for several minutes. One thing I learned is that he was an architect for many years, and he lived and worked in Oklahoma City, OK for a long time. I was born in Chickasha, Oklahoma, not far from Oklahoma City, so this common experience of geography broke the ice for our conversation. The most interesting thing is that he went through my prayer almost line for line. He talked of the fact that Liberia, initially settled by former slaves from the U.S., was based on Christian teachings and principles. The national anthem, which was later sung, has several references to God including “Long live Liberia, happy land, a home of glorious liberty by God’s command” and “In union strong success is sure. We cannot fail with God above….”
We were served an authentic (as possible in Paris) Liberian dinner with roasted chicken, fried fish heads, three rice dishes of varying “heats”, salads, and honey cakes for dessert. There were several sauces to add to the dishes starting with hot and ending with “smoke comes out your ears”. I finally met my match after trying the last one!!!
We joined the parade of dancers for a while as the music from Liberia overcame most of our ability to converse. About 1:30 a.m., one of the ambassador’s personal drivers gave us a ride home. I set two alarm clocks to make sure that I got up for my first preaching opportunity at 9 a.m. Actually, I awoke before the alarm clocks went off.
[Pictures: Liberian Ambassador to France: (1) talking with Don (2) with Liberian flag]