-Finance Minister Credits Faith, Family and Prayer for His Journey from Church Volunteer to National Leadership
TOPOE VILLAGE, MONROVIA, Liberia – Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan has been honored as “Father of the Year” by Trinity Healing Temple (THT) Central Church in Topoe Village, Gardnersville, in recognition of his commitment to fatherhood, Christian service, family values, and national leadership.
The honor was bestowed during the church’s Father’s Day observance, where church leaders, members of the congregation, relatives, friends, and well-wishers gathered to celebrate fathers and recognize individuals whose lives have positively impacted families, communities, and the nation.
For Ngafuan, however, the recognition was more than an award. It was a moment of reflection on a life journey that began in the church long before he rose to become one of Liberia’s most prominent public servants.
Speaking after receiving the honor, the Finance Minister recalled his early years in the ministry and expressed gratitude to the church for helping shape the values and principles that have guided his life.
“We are the veterans,” Ngafuan told the congregation as he reflected on the church’s formative years. “I was here before I became Budget Director. I was here before I became Finance Minister. All the other things that have been added unto me are because I sought first the Kingdom of God.”
The minister said that while many people identify him today by the high offices he has occupied in government, his foundation was built through faith, prayer, humility, and service to God.
Describing himself as “a humble man” with human weaknesses and imperfections, Ngafuan credited the church with molding his character and preparing him for the responsibilities he would later shoulder in public life.
“I am a normal person with all my sins and frailties, but this church has molded me,” he said.
Faith Through Difficult Times
Ngafuan used the occasion to reflect on some of the personal and professional challenges he has encountered throughout his life and career.
Without going into specifics, he said he had passed through periods of adversity and uncertainty but remained steadfast because of his faith in God and the support of family, church leaders, and friends.
“I have gone through the valley and the shadow of death, and I fear no evil because I depend on the strongest army,” he declared.
The Finance Minister paid tribute to the pastors, church mothers, family members, and well-wishers who have stood by him throughout his journey.
He particularly acknowledged his mother, whom he noted was the first recipient of the church’s Mother of the Year honor, as well as his wife, Massa Ngafuan, whom he described as a committed member of the church’s Women’s Ministry.
According to him, the support of family and the prayers of fellow believers have remained among his greatest sources of strength.
Proud to Be a ‘Prayer Band Economist’
One of the most memorable moments of Ngafuan’s remarks came when he revisited criticism he faced during a difficult period in Liberia’s economic management.
The minister recalled being labeled a “prayer band economist” by critics after publicly emphasizing the role of faith while discussing economic challenges confronting the country.
Rather than being offended, he said he embraced the description.
“And the detractors labeled me a ‘prayer band economist.’ But I was so happy because they were right,” Ngafuan said to laughter and applause from the congregation.
He explained that his spiritual formation began in the Burning Bush Tabernacle Prayer Band in Logan Town, where many of the values that continue to guide him today were first instilled.
“As you heard, I really began in the prayer band. The Burning Bush Tabernacle Prayer Band. Many of my values were concretized there,” he said.
Ngafuan added that he has never been ashamed to publicly acknowledge his faith and reliance on God, especially during periods of national difficulty.
According to him, prayer and hard work are complementary rather than contradictory.
“I’m a man who works hard, but I’m a man who also prays hard,” he told the congregation.
The Meaning of Fatherhood
Turning to the significance of the award itself, Ngafuan described fatherhood as one of life’s greatest honors and responsibilities.
He stressed that being a father involves far more than biological parenthood, arguing that true fatherhood requires guidance, sacrifice, mentorship, and commitment to the wellbeing of children.
“To be called father is a mark of honor,” he said. “But we must fulfill God’s mandate.”
According to the minister, the responsibility of parents does not end with bringing children into the world.
“Our duty is not only to bring children to earth, but to make sure we guide and promote good fathers and good human beings too,” he said.
He warned against child abandonment and called on all adults to take responsibility for helping shape the next generation.
“Abandoning the child is one of the worst things we can do to God’s children,” Ngafuan emphasized.
The minister also paid tribute to adoptive parents, guardians, and caregivers who devote their lives to raising children who are not biologically theirs.
Likewise, he praised mothers who often shoulder both maternal and paternal responsibilities under difficult circumstances.
“I honor mothers who are the fathers in the lives of their children,” he said.
A Life of Service
Church leaders described Ngafuan as a deserving recipient of the award, citing his longstanding commitment to the ministry and his service to the nation.
Over the years, Ngafuan has held several high-profile public positions, including Budget Director, Minister of Finance, and currently Minister of Finance and Development Planning under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration.
Despite his rise through the ranks of public service, church leaders said he has remained connected to the faith community that helped shape his early years.
They praised his dedication to family, humility, and willingness to remain active in church life despite the demands of public office.
Renewed Strength for the Journey Ahead
As the ceremony drew to a close, Ngafuan expressed appreciation to the church for what he described as a source of renewed inspiration and encouragement.
He thanked the congregation for recognizing his efforts and pledged to continue serving both God and country with humility and dedication.
“Thank you for giving me more gas in my tank,” he said. “I feel empowered, and I feel strengthened. May God continue to richly bless you.”
For many members of Trinity Healing Temple, the award was not merely a celebration of fatherhood. It was recognition of a man whose journey from church volunteer and prayer band member to national leader has remained deeply rooted in faith, family, perseverance, and service.
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