Monrovia – During a morning devotional prayer service at the Apostolic Pentecostal Church International on June 10, 2025, Bishop Kortu Brown, former president of the Liberia Council of Churches, likened Liberia’s current situation to “a seed without soil,” attributing this metaphor to the attitudes of its leaders and citizens.
Bishop Brown drew parallels to scripture, specifically referencing the Book of St. Matthew (13:14-15), which speaks of people who are unable or unwilling to understand divine messages. He interpreted this as a manifestation of “willful deafness, blindness, and dullness,” suggesting that the nation is failing to heed spiritual guidance.
He expressed concern that despite the blessings bestowed upon Liberia, the nation’s heart is hardened. Quoting verse 15, he noted, “Their hearts are waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing.” Bishop Brown emphasized that without a genuine transformation of hearts and minds, national progress remains unattainable. He questioned where the fertile soil for God’s seed—symbolizing reconciliation, peace, and unity—might be found amidst widespread rejection and negativity among Liberians.
The Bishop lamented the spiritual state of the nation, indicating that approximately seventy-five percent of the country’s “soil” is akin to hard ground, preventing the growth of essential virtues like patriotism and forgiveness. He criticized the pervasive atmosphere of division, hatred, and chaos that permeates various aspects of national life, from politics to civil society, underscoring the urgent need for change in the hearts of the people for the country to thrive.
In his address, Bishop Kortu Brown highlighted the parable of the sower from St. Matthew 13:18-23, emphasizing its significance in understanding God’s kingdom and the response of individuals to His message. He explained that the sower symbolizes God’s messengers, the seed represents the Word of God, and the different types of soil—wayside, stony, thorny, and good—reflect the varied conditions of people’s hearts.
Bishop Brown expressed hope that the people of Liberia would embody “good soil”, capable of nurturing positive initiatives for the country’s advancement instead of being hardened or obstructed. He urged for a collective effort towards a “good harvest” of divine teachings, calling for love, harmony, and a balanced approach to justice.
He advocated for a culture that celebrates Liberia’s accomplishments and constructively critiques its failures. Concluding his message, Bishop Brown prayed for hearts fertile enough to receive God’s seeds of love, forgiveness, and unity, asserting that without such soil, a seed would only decay and yield no benefit to the people.
