By Grace Q. Bryant
The Acting Chaplain of the Liberian Senate, Sagacious A. Jallah, has called on individuals to reflect on their lives and prioritize a relationship with God.
Rev. Jallah spoke on January 14, at the program commemorating the lying in State of the late Senator Prince Yormie Johnson held on the grounds of the Capitol Building, Monrovia.
The sermon, grounded in Deuteronomy 30:19, under the theme: Escape For Your Life” emphasized the urgency of choosing life and turning to God for true purpose and salvation.
“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live,” he quoted.
Rev. Jallah’s address highlighted the transformative power of faith, the importance of living with purpose, and the necessity of focusing on eternity.
The preacher used the example of Apostle Paul, a figure in the Bible who transitioned from being a persecutor of Christians to one of the most influential apostles.
“Paul’s life was a testament to the power of transformation. He was once a destroyer, but when he turned to God, he became an instrument for revival and wrote many of the epistles that continue to guide the Church today,” Rev. Jallah explained.
He added, “Our God is a God of second chances. No matter what mistakes you’ve made, it’s never too late to escape your past and embrace a life in Christ.”
Rev. Jallah urged the audience to evaluate their current paths, turn away from destructive habits, and commit to a life that glorifies God, emphasizing that life outside God offers no guarantees.
“Let the second half of your life have an impact, just as the second half of Apostle Paul’s life did. Make a difference that will be remembered in your family, community, and nation,”he urged.
He emphasized that God is ready to give everyone a second chance and called on individuals to escape their current conditions and embrace a renewed life in Christ.
Rev. Jallah likened life to a stage where everyone has the freedom to perform, stressing that while individuals have the autonomy to make choices, they must remain mindful of their eternal destination.
“Life is a gift from God. Use it wisely. Don’t live a life of gossip or aimless pursuits. Instead, live with purpose, glorifying Jesus in all you do,” he urged.
He emphasized that the choices people make today will determine their future, both in this world and beyond.
The preacher outlined actionable steps to align one’s life with God’s purpose; develop a relationship with God
Rev. Jallah also quoted John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” He stressed that developing a personal relationship with God is the foundation for escaping life’s challenges and living with purpose.
He encouraged leaders, individuals, and the nation at large to turn to Jesus for guidance and transformation.
He reminded the audience that this life is temporary and urged them to focus on eternity.“When your heart is set on eternity, it changes how you treat others and approach your responsibilities.”
Rev. Jallah described life as both a gift and a responsibility. “Don’t waste your life on meaningless pursuits. Live intentionally, knowing that God has a plan for you,” he added.
Rev. Jallah called for collective unity, quoting Psalm 133:1: “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.”
He urged Liberians to work together to advance the nation while keeping God at the center. “Let us unite as a people, guided by God’s principles, to build a nation that glorifies Him,” he said.
“Father, we commit ourselves to you. Erase the mistakes of our past and help us to live purposeful lives that glorify your name. Let the second half of our lives be impactful, both for ourselves and for the generations to come. Amen,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, paying tribute, the Vice President Jeremiah Koung highlighting the pivotal role played by his mentor, the late Senator Prince Y. Johnson.
According to him, in 2010, he was approached by friends encouraging him to run for a representative seat. Despite initial reservations from his family, particularly his mother who feared for his safety, he decided to pursue the opportunity.
During an early campaign meeting in Nimba County, Senator Johnson noticed the gathering and summoned Koung. At their first meeting in a room at the Avino Hotel, Johnson expressed an immediate spiritual connection, stating, “I’m running for president, and I want you to run on my party ticket.”
With Johnson’s endorsement, Koung won the election overwhelmingly and began his tenure in the capital. Reflecting on this period, he acknowledged, “If it wasn’t for him, I would not reach here.”
In 2017, Johnson once again supported Koung, leading to his re-election as a representative. After this term, Koung considered leaving politics for the private sector. However, during a conference, discussions emerged about him running for the Senate. Johnson publicly declared Koung as his successor, stating,” Jerry is my next senator.”
Koung won the senatorial seat and planned to focus on his nine-year term. Yet, in late 2020, Johnson urged him to prepare for the presidency, expressing his intention to step down and have Koung lead the party. Despite initial disbelief, Koung accepted the role, becoming the political leader and standard-bearer of the party.
Vice President Koung attributes his political ascent to Senator Johnson’s mentorship and guidance, stating, “You brought me far. Thank you.”
Senator Prince Y. Johnson passed away on November 28, 2024, leaving behind a complex legacy in Liberian politics.
Also paying tribute was Senator Gbleh Bo Brown, Chair of the Committee on Rules and Orders, who began by acknowledging the profound sorrow enveloping the Senate and the nation, noting that comfort could only be found “at the cross of Jesus.”
He emphasized the significant roles Senator Johnson held, including Chair of the Committee on Defense, National Security, and Veteran Affairs, and his representation of Liberia at the ECOWAS Parliament, where he served with distinction.
Reflecting on their collaboration, Senator Brown recounted their joint efforts on a bill to establish the Ministry of Local Government.
Senator Johnson led the delegation to Gbarnga, where they presented the bill alongside colleagues from the House of Representatives and officials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Upon returning, they planned public hearings, with Senator Johnson authorizing invitations to key stakeholders. Tragically, before these plans could materialize, Senator Johnson passed away.
The news of his death was a shock to the Senate. Senator Brown described the moment he learned of the passing from the President Pro Tempore and the subsequent confirmation at the hospital.
He highlighted Senator Johnson’s status as the longest-serving senator and a staunch advocate for the people of Nimba County.
He called upon Vice President Jeremiah Koung to provide leadership and guidance to the grieving citizens of Nimba County and the nation during this period of mourning.
The House of Representatives described Senator Johnson as the father of Nimba and a savior of political dispensation.
