In The Arms of Heaven

As I write this letter I begin to weep for the sweet experiences we have had in just a short time. Surely we are in the arms of heaven here in Abomoso. We traveled here on Friday. It was a long 6 hour ride with all kinds of sights and sounds that are so different to our 60 years of living; bad roads, no road signs, no idea of direction, and following a couple who we had just met that morning. If this was the “celestial area” the President had testified of, it was well hidden and off the beaten path from the outside world. But as we entered into our little village, we were greeted with smiles and hand waves that brightened our whole souls with a love and respect for the couples who have all served in this choice area. Four men came from out of the bush, and helped with our luggage into our home. They were most friendly and happy to see us here. We had many neighbors come and greet us with handshakes and smiles that buoyed us up as accepted neighbors. No time to unpack, for we were to be at a baptism for 6 souls at the chapel. Off we went following the Bakers to the Abomoso chapel where they promptly hugged us and left for their home some 2hrs away before dark. On our own with only branch members, 6 people dressed in white and Elders Domonic & Edwards, we were folded into the love of these great saints, in a land, only a few days ago, we had no idea how we would fit in. That comforting spirit is truly a tender mercy we see and feel upon this area and people. As we knelt for prayer and thanked Father for our wonderful blessing of that day, we knew we had arrived in the arms of heaven. 

Sunday was a cherished day with the saints! We sang songs, prayed, bore our testimonies and shook hands with all of the faithful. It was marvelous to feel the love these saints shared with us. I will never forget that bond we all share as Fathers children- everywhere on His footstool. Most of the meeting was in Twi and so we depended upon the spirit for the gift of tongues, we decide we will need more practice and faith. I would hope to let this beautiful language as to more effectively teach the people. We counted 123 souls in attendance in the Abomosu Branch. It was thrilling to be a part of that counted number. I’m sure Heavenly Father was pleased with the powerful talks and the vibrant singing by all who attended. Afterwards there was not one person who didn’t shake our hand and the children were fascinated with Sister Dalton’s hair. They all wanted to run their hands through her hair and so didi some the sisters. The brothers were so kind and always translated  the spoken word for me in Priesthood mtg. They are thoughtful and respectful as to listen very careful to any comment I might make. I must be very accurate with all I say and do to carry the message of the gospel and the LDS culture. I felt that weight as I tried to participate in the conversations. Later that afternoon I had the privilege to interview the most humble man for baptism this week. He is a farmer and works from sun up to sun down in supplying for his family. He bore the sweetest testimony of why he knows the church in true and his earnest desire to be a part of the true church. He has lived a simple God fearing life, yet knows of the love Father in Heaven has for him. It was that sweet testimony that caused each of us, with tears streaming down our cheeks, to knell in prayer and thank Father for all we have been blessed with. I opened my eyes during his prayer to see the angels that must have attended us, yet here was this humble son of God pouring out his thanks for being lead to the saints in Abomosu who folded him into the arms of heaven. I shall truly be a changed man as I continue in this work because of this man. Sister Dalton and I left those services and interview as if we had been schooled by angels, yet we are to serve and support these people with their understanding of the gospel. We pray for the upmost guidance in our assignment. We feel even more humble and dependent upon the Spirit after our first Sabbath day in the bush.

Armed with a determination to be of assistance to our Asunafo  Branch President, we visited nine humble homes he had assigned us. We hiked, navigated mud holes, fought off lizards and found all of them. We met pioneers of the faith here, newly married, and new mothers who had just given birth; Relief Society President, Primary President and Sunday School President; less active, most active and some in between. All committed servants who have made covenants to their Lord. We feel there is a need to remind them of the story of Jonah. They need to feel that their word is their bond to the Lord. Many have let go of the Iron Rod for some reason or another and we gently tried to bring the spirit back to their remembrance, by bearing testimony we loved them and miss them at church. Life is hard here and demands fulltime attention to the survival ways. Yet I know they will be blessed to “bear their burdens lightly” if only they will test the Lord. His promise is sure and we will continue to work with these folks. The branch clerk was our guide and translator. He is a young man of 31yrs. Who bore fervent testimony of his conversion. He has a burning desire to see all of his branch family bask in the warmth of the fellowship of his people. On the way home he told us of his desire to find a worthy woman to marry. His determination to marry in the Temple was remarkable for this area. He is attending BYU-Idaho on line and hopes to finish schooling in 3 years. He takes a taxi to Accra every two weeks to take his tests online and then returns to work in the fields as a laborer. He will one day be a great leader in this branch and even now is depended upon by the leaders of the branch. We attended a baptism in Sankubenase that was again choice above all. As the father tried so hard to pronounce all of the words accurately, I teared up with emotion as I have taken for granite over the years those simple words. Words that unlock the eternities and everlasting life with Father, yet here was a priesthood holder who was saying these most powerful words for the first time to his 10 yr. old son. It was most precious for Sister Dalton and I. Concluding our day was a gathering of young single adults eager to be taught from Sister Dalton and I. They are bright minded and filled with dedication to the teachings of the church. We taught of the “unspeakable gift” in D&C 121 and how it will be a sure thing to their lives. We bore testimony of this truth in our life and the comfort it gives to all. We thank Father in Heaven so much for this portion of His vineyard we have privileged to serve. We love the work!

We drove to Oda and did a baptism interview for the Elders in that district. It was again one of our highlights of the week. They have taught a young lady about the truth and she was so excited to be able to be baptised into the true church she had dreamed of. Her testimony brought tears to our eyes as she bore her soul out to the Lord. I have often felt fervent testimony but realise these people are feeling the Holy Ghost for the first time and it has moved them to great love for the gift they are now going to receive. All sin can be made clean and once again be as a little child. What a wonderful blessing baptism has for us all!
The 3 hour drive was all done by the Spirit for we truly had no map to read or follow. It was a few road markers and a couple of asking directions but we arrived on time and within walking distance of the Elders. We went through many villages along the way and waved to about everyone in Ghana we think. The children are the most fascinated with our pasty faces- they just want to touch our skin to see what it feels like. We have loved their bright eyes and their smiling faces and just want to grab them all and give them big hugs! It is truly a treat to Sister Dalton and I. While driving back to Abomosu, there arose a ferocious rain storm. It came down as if we were under a waterfall. In fact, our windshield wipers just did nothing so we pulled off the road for about and hour while the storm pasted. Even the people took cover and went to higher ground. The road was totally flooded and the villages had running water everywhere. After a few hours, all was back to normal and life was back as usual as if nothing had happened. It was just part of mother earth the folks say and they accept it as it comes. Sister Dalton and I have ventured into Nkowkow city market yesterday and it was a bit scary being the couple who stand out. Yet all of the people where so nice and friendly. They wanted to help with our shopping so we had to keep letting them know we were just fine with what we had chosen. It became fun as we haggled with the vendors and afterwards shook hands and smiled to each other. Most of the folks had no idea what we were saying so most of our conversation was with hand gestures. It was alot of effort on both of our parts but was fun and exciting. It is hard to picture this seen of thousands of people all bargaining and shopping down a road through the town. I will try to take a picture next time we go. We have seen it all at that market- live chickens, snail, snake, and even rats. All of the dry goods are different than what we are use to but we have adapted to the makes and tastes of this wonderful land.
Sister Dalton and I attended the Kwabeng Branch with President Sekyere of the Mission Presidency. He is a skilled man of Accra who is looked upon as a man of God to these saints. There was only 66 people there and that was a good day for the branch. We bore testimony and heard the word of God taught by all who participated. It was another uplifting meeting with the saints. We are coming later this week to visit 7 less active families the Branch President has assigned us. That is the most humbling part of our experiences here is to go into the members home and feel of their spirit. To find some of these homes is a challenge but all of the neighbors direct us when we are lost. Another busy week ahead of us and we are so thankful for this assignment. Life will never be the same as we have known it in America, but oh how grateful we are to be living this experience.