Remember when Daniel in the Bible was banned from praying loudly by Nebuchadnezzar’s men?better life following their faith, is now in the cross fire with law
enforcement. It’s all because the pastor’s wife is praying too loud on
city sidewalks.
After two court dates and paying $150 in fines for “unnecessary noise”, Martha Nagbe isn’t giving up sharing her faith.
“I can’t stop,” said Nagbe. “I’m trusting God.”
Nagbe said police told her to stop praying
downtown and in area neighborhoods. She moved from Liberia to this
country for opportunity, but feels that she’s being denied her rights.
“In the United States it’s one nation under God.”
In one hand Nagbe carries her bible, singing
versus of praise throughout the streets. Lisbon’s police chief told us
Nagbe’s loud praying is “disturbing the peace.”
“I mean, we all need prayers and great she’s out
there praying for all of us, but it’s just the volume of her voice,”
said Police Chief Jeanette Persons. “It’s not that she just walks by,
but she will stand out there for a lengthy period of time.”
But, the chief adds she’s only seen Nagbe pray outside during daylight hours.
“For them to antagonize her, to make her look
like a bad person, sometimes makes me angry,” said Pastor Juwle Nagbe.
“Somebody should give her the respect that she deserves.”
Police may see Nagbe as an obstacle that can’t be quieted. But, she intends to carry out her faith by making joyful noise.
Chief Persons said if Nagbe continues to pray
loudly in the streets, she will continue to get fined. But, Chief
Persons also comments if Nagbe lowered her voice the problems would go
away.
