March 2019: August 2018

August 2018

We, the missionaries of Ghana Africa are engaged in bringing souls unto Christ. This is our mission and the doctrine of our Savior to teach faith in Jesus Christ and his atonement, repentance, baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end.

Each Wednesday we meet in district council and recited scriptures we have memorized. 3 Ne 5:13 states our purpose for being on a mission to Africa and it is working. We have attended several baptisms at the Awutu Breku branch since we have been here. Faith is a way of life for the Africans living in Ghana. They read the Bible, they pray naturally, there are many Christian churches in our community. Gospel discussions are easy to come by here in our community. It is not just women and children but men will listen and participate in discussions. The last shall be first and the first shall be last and it is Africa’s turn to receive the gospel of Jesus Christ as restored by Joseph Smith.

Transfers! This week is transfer week. We took Elder Antwi to the mission home so he could join with 16 others on their way home. Elder Clawson, Cottle, Hall, Walton and many others we have known while here in Ghana West mission. It is busy time for us since we are assisting in the movement of elders and sisters. Elder Collins was the only missionary transferred from our district.

We have cleaned the house and getting ready for the Simpsons to stay with us this week on Thursday since he wants to stay over due to Winniba Stake conference. We enjoy hosting them whenever we can. A rousing game of dominos always brightens up their stay.

Construction on the 2^nd home adjacent to our living quarters is continuing to advance, but slowly. There was a great effort in getting started, as Bishop Heagan excitedly told us they would have the house finished in 3-5 months. This is the fifth month since construction began and the first level is still incomplete.

Last week we returned from Sunday worship to find a fractured pvc pipe for the fourth time. The poly tank (13,000liters) emptied again. As a result I purchased 40’ of heavy duty ¾” pvc pipe and replaced any inferior pipe.

This week I have contacted my mother several times by Skype because she had an ablation of her atria to prevent atrial fibrillation. She came through the procedure fine and seems to be doing better.

We took Elder Antwi and his luggage and Sister Awgu luggage to the mission home. They are going home after finishing their mission. There were 17 missionaries leaving this week for home. Then again another 16 are slated to arrive for this transfer.

President and Sister Simpson have been staying with us for the last three days. He is involved with selecting leadership for the Winneba district. Elder Nash and Quasie are also in Winneba selecting the stake presidency for the new Swedru stake. Pres. Simpson will be the ecclesiastic leader for the Winneba district. We will be in the new district under Pres. Simpson.

We are heavily involved with supplying materials for our missionaries within the three zones (Buduburam, Kasoa, Kanishie) assigned to us. In addition, both Dawn and I prepare lessons for the primary and priesthood each week. All this keeps us busy.

Today we spent time with Elder Orton and Dzah at Borteanor and after we covered their table in new plastic and installed a cook stove we went to the beach. I took them and the ward mission leader (David) to Big Millies beach resort for lunch. We had a good lunch and pleasant conversation in a relaxed atmosphere. I met three ladies from Germany that were just back from surfing for the first time. They said their stay was pleasant and inexpensive. We hope to invite the Hills to stay with us on an occasion that we can take them to Big Millies.

Samuel, Olivia and their mother Sarah were here today visiting. Samuel is working for us to earn money for a bicycle. I also took Dennis to buy him shoes for his birthday while little Ivy stayed behind with those in the house.

This week I drove to Swedru for a special interview with a man named Isaac. His brother, from Spain, referred him to Elder Baumbrough and Elder Dawson. He was exceptional. Not to mention his sincere repentance but his eagerness to become a member of the Christ’s church. He is a working man and has a good family. His son, Junior will also be baptized this coming Saturday.

We drove to Accra today with three elders (Tuituvuki, Sakato and Adizkaka). Our elder Tui’ is transferred to Asimakesea. He has been with us since we got here.

I picked up 5 bicycles and delivered 4 to elders on our way home. Oh, by the way, today was very pleasant driving to Accra. It was a national holiday (Moslim) Eid al Adah and there was very light traffic!

Tomorrow we are having our Wednesday district council meeting. Sister Russell leads the music and then we do recitations (Missionary Purpose, The Standard of Truth, 3 Ne 5:13, 3 Ne 27: 13-16, DC 20:37, DC section 4 and DC 121: 34-46). Then a selected elder gives a review in the Missionary Handbook. Following that are announcements from our district leader and then Roll Play on PMG standard of TTIFP. Lastly, are the companion reports for the week on Baptisms, Baptismal Dates, Sacrament Meeting Attendance and teaching New People.

This week I took Daniel, Eric and his sister Linda to Kantanka manufacturing. The industry is unique for several reasons. The founder since 1988 has developed manufacturing of cars both electric and fuel driven. There were solar energy systems as well as electrical sensor devices for fire warning and voltage regulators. All the equipment was very old and everything was hand developed and rough cut. The vehicles were built individually and custom designed. Rather unique place not to mention the personal zoo.

Today we attended sacrament meeting and then I taught the Teacher’s Quorum age young men. The boys want to become Priests and are attentive during the lesson presentation. Each meeting I give a 5 point quiz, more for attendance than score. Some boys do not speak English so it is hard for them to understand the questions.

The last day of this month 31 August 2018, Sister Russell and I spent delivering supplies to our missionaries and then did shopping at the Kasoa market. We bought light bulbs, broom, mop, padlock and a light blanket as supplies for the mission. It was very crowded since it is a national holiday (for what, I do not know)! Once we got home I was exhausted driving in heavy traffic. An oncoming vehicle hit my mirror while coming toward me. Then having to crawl with traffic through the Liberia junction for one hour, I was glad to turn off the Mitsubishi and unload the car and long for a nap. Good by August!