...a sweet savour, an offering made by fire...

History was made this past week here in the Abomosu District. It was life changing to many of the saints, children, husbands, and even a Chief of the village. It is hard to believe we can be of such influence and to have been a small part of this mighty groundbreaking event. Sister Dalton has been lifted to a “Queen” status by so many that I must pinch myself to realize it is not a dream. The husbands worship the ground she walks on and the children squabble over who will carry her book bag to and from the car or meetings. Her fame has been spoken of in meetings, at family home evenings and even a fireside talk. One sister bore testimony in Relief Society meeting of how the Lord had blessed her family with goodness all because of Sister Dalton sharing her talents. Sister Dalton and I feel we have turned the corner on an eternal principle with the District here because of this week’s success. Our hearts are full!

There is a principle of truth that is manifested in the Church throughout the States that has not manifested it’s self here in Ghana- especially in the bush. Most “Obrunis” feel this is so important they have tried, with vain results, to convince the members of its eternal value. So determined to bless the life’s of these poor souls, Sister Dalton and I pondered for many days the solution to this dilemma. We first became aware of this challenge when attending a fireside we had organized for the Asunafo branch. It was a huge branch family home evening with all of the members attending. Great fun was had and many suggestions of improving our Family Home Evenings where taught. Handout suggestions and emphasis of the Church’s Family Home Evening manual was taken to heart by many of the fathers and a renewed determination was spoken by all. And then we were faced with the “Obruni” saving principle this people had not grasp in their minds. There were no treats! Nothing, notta, they just began walking home as families thinking they were fully nourished. How could this most precious principle be overlooked or heaven forbid, not adhered with exactness? We were shocked and even bewildered with the misunderstanding of this saving grace they did not live. We left that night dejected and felt as if the fullness of gospel truths had not penetrated our souls. This was a call to action we felt, as we drove home with empty stomachs discussing the nights events. How could we be a “full” programed district without living this portion of the handbook? (it must be in there somewhere, I’m sure, for I have never, and I mean never, attended a fireside, most ward or stake activities, and most important, family home evening without treats at the conclusion)

         Sister Dalton and I began an intense study of how we could gently move the saints towards fulfilling this truth. The big challenge was that no family here has a stove for cooking, no refrigerator for keeping leftover treats for the next day. All cooking is done over an open fire. All ingreediences used for cooking is freshly brought from their farm and there are never leftovers. Sister Dalton has taught dozen of sisters throughout the district how to bake cookies and breads at our home here but always was concerned with her effectiveness due to these challenges at their own homes. This past week we had a break through that we feel is pure inspiration and an answer to much prayer and pondering. How to cook cookies over an open fire without Dutch ovens? All cooking by the family is done in a large black pot. No one bakes or has a variety of meal selections. Soups and boiled corn or roasted fish is the diet for most families. They do boil rice, gari, cassava, and plantain for some variety but all cooking is done in that big pot. While visiting a family the other day, it dawned on me to how make that one and only pot, a huge oven to bake cookies and banana bread so these poor saints could live the principle of “no activity will be complete without treats”.

        Sister Deho, one of Sister Dalton’s cookie baking students, was contacted and a plan was devised to meet and experiment with our idea. The sisters of the branch were all in a tizzy for days as they mixed their cookie mixes just as Sister Dalton had taught them. Children were on “cookie alert” and husbands drooled with anticipation. Even one of the village Elders was informed and was invited for the occasion. Well, the big day came last Thursday and we all met at the Deho’s cook hut in force. There were 13 sisters and numerous children and even 6 fathers who came home from their farms early to witness this historical event- baking cookies over an open fire in a huge black pot. It was spectacular and Sister Dalton and I felt our hearts swell with pride as we witnessed the first batch of Sister Deho’s cookie dough made into cookie drops and placed on a homemade cookie sheet. With great care, I placed them in the big black pot. I had built a square cookie sheet out of an old washing machine lid I found, and it fit into the pot about 8” from the bottom. A pot lid was made from corrugated tin- flattened, and walla, an oven was created. The fire was stoked to get the temperature up and all 30 plus people waited in anticipation for the desired results. I felt moved to preach out of the “Dalton Good Book”, so quoted from Dalton 4 verse 16 that states “all family home evenings and many other meetings where we seek the “nourishment of the word” could not be fulfilled until the treats are devoured at the conclusion”. The brethren who were there all saluted that verse and I am sure it sank deep in their souls. After 15 agonizing minutes, the hut went silent and all eyes were on the pot lid. I reached down and removed the makeshift cookie sheet and brought out the most perfect baked Snickerdoodle cookies I had seen in years. There rose a shout from that hut I’m sure was heard throughout the bush. It was a time of dancing and singing and I even thought I had might have heard choirs of angels blend in to our excitement. Wow, the doctrine had been taught and the principle of living the doctrine was shown and now generations to come will be blessed. Oh happy days!!                      

....a way to heal the soul...

Elder and Sister Fife are the Area doctors for all of Western Africa. They have an assignment of “healing” the missionaries for several missions throughout Africa. No P-days here for these servants. Their travels include visiting hospitals, medical centers and even medicine men. We have grown to love these dear people, for they were our lifeline when the flood occurred some weeks ago. Their advice to the saints and villagers was lifesaving. With some planning and prayers, Elder and Sister Fife were guests at our home for two days. It was a wonderful time much needed by both couples. They were shown the challenges, environment, beauties, and felt the gracious spirits of the people here in Abomosu during their visit. Elder and Sister Fife are skilled doctors with years of experience, they have seen many wonders and miracles throughout their careers, yet I saw the tender hearts of these fine ministers of faith. We visited a small village that has a strong pioneer history of the Church here in Ghana. One of these pioneer women who has been so faithful to her covenants is now older and has a large growth on her neck that has caused some to make fun of her looks. As we walked down a small path to her home I shared with the good doctors her story and her physical challenge she now bears. Alice was there holding her precious granddaughter in front of the home. She was dressed in a wrap around and a head wrap that showed her beauty and grace. She knew not of our coming, or did she know through her heartfelt prayers? Humble introductions were exchanged and then with such gentle kindness and an angel’s touch, Elder Fife examined the growth on her neck. It was there in a small village in the bush of Ghana far far away from medical offices and physical instruments of healings, I felt the healing love of a brother to his sister. Language cannot describe that tender moment we were enveloped in.  Elder Fife asked questions with a reverent voice as if he was in the presences of royalty. She answered in a soft voice as if she was with the great Healer herself. This humble servant, who knows where all blessings come, was even moved to tears as he spoke words of comfort and peace to her heart. A surgery that would never happen and a condition that will be endured until her passing, was relayed as we all felt those precious moments together on a small porch that sunny day. It was not life threatening yet discomfort and ridicule will be part of her enduring. My eyes were full and so was Elders Fifes as we embraced with this wonderful woman of God. We lingered a few minutes just to soak every drop of that heavenly encounter. Once again embraces of love and thankfulness were shared, but as we walked away I marveled how we all were brought together for a brief glimpse of heaven between sons and daughters of Father, the greatest Healer of all.  

Though the physical body is sometimes plagued with earthly afflictions, we all must endure, our souls can be healed by He who suffered all. I was once again reminded of that blessing as we hosted a fireside for the Abomosu Branch on Wednesday evening. It was a gathering of 90 some saints who came to feel and move the Word of God along. Sister Fife was the “fire” for this event and her rendition of “Called To Serve” was truly exciting and hand raising. All were blessed with her enthusiasm. Together Elder and Sister Fife testified of the Redeemers love and soul healing power freely given to all. The members felt the love expressed by the Fifes and went away with the surety that the Savior is mindful of all of his children especially here in the bush of Ghana. The scriptures teach “signs will follow the Lord’s servants”, we have felt and witnessed the signs of the Healers servants in this part of His great vineyard.

...that ye may stand blameless before God...

I, just like you, have rendered to “Caesar what is Caesar’s”, but until one serves without regulations or law, do we render our hearts to the Savior’s admonition “…everything which invites to serve God is inspired of God.” August 20^th is a call to saints in Africa for a day of service to our communities. It is called All Africa Service Day. All saints in Africa have been called by our prophet to commit that day to a service project that will improve and enlighten the community they live. This is a huge undertaking for this people- where should we start? The call was felt to our hearts and we will witness the blessings of service this coming Saturday. There are 5 branches in this region, each with challenges you have ever witnessed before in your life; some of the environment, some of the traditions of their fathers, and some of government making. Yet not a word was heard of complaint, contention, or discouragement from the body of the saints when this was announced. “The world has need of willing men, who wear the worker’s seal. Come help the good work move along; put your shoulder to the wheel” is the anthem to our march.

There will be some that will paint jail cells, others that will clean gutters along the roads of the villages, and even others that will clean village medical centers. There is one branch that will fill potholes of the road that precedes their village and another that will clean the only play field in the village. With small square nose shovels, wooden rakes, handmade broom bristles, make shift paint brushes, plastic sacks, machetes, and large aluminum bowls on their heads, they will walk some 3 to 4 Km., many barefoot, and others with baby on her back, to heed the call of a prophet and serve their fellowman with brotherly kindness. They are lovers of God and his will to do good to all sons and daughters of Father. The monetary value of some 300 saints preforming these kinds of labors is un-measurable, but the heartfelt joy and satisfaction of doing what is right, truly is priceless.

This is not unique to Africa for the prophet of us all has beaconed us to set our sights upon service to our fellowmen during this month. I hesitate to mention one such act of kindness and call to service, for it is tender to our hearts, but with eyes swollen with tears, I will share this joy. There are those that seek fame and fortune for service rendered. They have received their reward. Others are under the shadows of Fathers infinite love for all mankind. They have carried the service kindness of Him, to children who will know them not. 10,000 Kilometers away, faithful saints have harkened to the same prophet’s voice. They know little of the life that exist in the bush; they will probably never visit this region or see the results of their service offering, but Sister Dalton and I will ever be changed to grace these precious children with the earned gifts sent with love from 10,000 Kilometers away.   

“..thus saith the Lord, I delight to honor those who serve my children…” it rings in our ears as we feel the charity of our ward brothers and sisters we love at home. We know “ye will stand blameless before the Lord” for this simple, loving, act of service few but angels will know or will witness.

We love you all- Elder & Sister Dalton

...that ye could feel the word...

We all have responsibility for the spiritual progress of our neighbor. We cannot shirk that duty or give it to someone else. In the Grand Council in Heaven, each of us embraced the privilege to be our brother’s keeper; yet through the cunning of Satan and his followers that honor and duty has dimmed our senses towards spiritual security for all of Fathers sons and daughters. At time we get a glimpse of that wonderful experience still resting on our shoulders today.

While visiting a branch in the bush, I witnessed the sweet power of the word of God. For months this older lady attended the entire branch meeting on Sunday and even some of the meetings held during the week. She has been faithful in paying her tithes and offerings and serving others less fortunate than her. She is a widow and had no children. Born and lived her life in this small village so her education was very limited. Yet she experienced the spiritual witness needed to be one of Fathers elect. She has worked hard on a small farm left to her by her husband and lives meagerly with what she can raise. I gazed into the woman’s eyes as she shook my hand and whispered “Ma chee”. (Good morning) They were clear with the light of Christ and I felt as if she loved me though we had only just met. Dressed in the traditional beautiful gown of a stately woman with a head wrap to match, I marveled at her striking beauty both outwardly and inwardly. It was at that brief moment in time that soul to soul bonded in the love for another son or daughter of Heavenly Father. She bowed her head as I stated “Ye be hwia” (we meet again). Somehow in a small branch in Ghana a spiritual witness of our pre-earthly life’s responsibility was opened to my eyes through the eyes of a woman who felt the same. We had met before and she knew that as she raised her head and answered “Ma hou ya, mi noebayin”. (I am fine, my brother) Her story is marvelous about her conversion and the testimony she shares with all. She has always worked on a farm and it consumes most of her waking hours. The work is long and hard even for men in the field. She attended no schooling during her life. She was abandoned while yet a young girl. Somehow she met and married a man who honored her womanhood and respected her as a daughter of God. He was a God fearing man who introduce his wife to the belief in a supreme being who all of us must love and follow. They worked side by side in carving out a life in the bush. Over the years she was shamed by other women of the village because she could not bear children for her husband. Together they prayed to almighty God for offspring but to no results. Time passed and one day a few years ago her husband who had loved her and cherished the helpmate he had, died from some unknown cause. This woman mourned to die with him for all she knew of goodness, revolved around this man she now held lifeless in her arms. Time passed and two missionaries approached this woman’s home. “Agu” (hello) was their greeting and “akwaaba” (welcome) was her response. The gospel enriches her life. Since that day some years ago, she is a spiritual witness of Father in Heavens tender mercies to the branch and all its members. She is a living testimony of the love Father has for all of his children. She comes to church with a copy of the Book of Mormon in English. Dog eared and dirty from callused hands of a working farmer, yet it is held close to her breast in reverent dignity. I asked through an interpreter if she had read the book she holds so dear. I was a bit taken back when I learned she could not read, and only caresses the book given to her years ago by those faithful missionaries. How could that be I thought? The words of that book are the foundation of our religion and if you have not read them how could you know them to be true? It was there in that setting, again the spirit entered my mind. I remembered the words of Nephi to his brothers “ …ye could not feel His words, wherefore, he has spoken unto you..” She feels the word of God in the Book of Mormon. I wondered of my feeling of the Word? Has it pierced the innermost part of my soul and caused me to bring souls unto Christ and to secure them with a spiritual witness and testimony? Or has my preexistence charge dimmed because of the distractions of the things of the world that block out the influence of the Holy Ghost? Elder Worthlin said, “Some are spiritually deadened and past feeling because of their choices to commit sin. Others simply hover in spiritual complacency with no desire to rise above themselves and commune with the Infinite. …they could know for themselves things of the Spirit that are choice, precious, and capable of enlarging the soul, expanding the mind, and filling the heart within expressible joy.” I testify this humble woman of the bush has taught me and others with her countenance and divine spiritual witness in testimony, in service and in love. That we all may be so blessed is my prayer.   

...and drink of the water and live...

Several generations ago, there was a tribe that lived in the northern part of Ghana. They were peaceful farmers who worked the land for their needs. The tribe was very mindful of their need for water. Throughout the region there had been droughts that drove others to leave this part of Africa. Seeing their water source diminishing because of that season’s drought, the chief chose the most skilled trusted hunter to search for water to sustain his people and their crops. Abo was that man who the entire tribe’s future depended upon his successful search. For several days Abo searched for the clear life-giving water his tribe needed. Through strange and distant valleys and over deserts Abo walked alone to find water. He came upon a rich valley, lush with growth and a free flowing river with sweet clear water reverently flowing. He drank of the cool water that tasted almost heavenly to his lips and parched throat. He had found a place that could be a refuse for his tribe. Carefully marking the place, he set out to return to his people. After several days he once again was united with his tribe and the people he loved. He reported to his beloved chief that he indeed had found the flowing water the chief had instructed him to find. A tribal council was held and immediately the tribe moved to this oases Abo had found. It was truly a saving event in the tribe’s existence. This tribe has lived next to that river ever since Abo brought his people to its lush riverbanks, several generations ago.  The chief and people named this place Abomosu. “Abo” after the trusted scout who found this cherish spot; “mo” which means far, far away; and “su” which means flowing water.

Brother Stephen Abu shared this story which has been passed down through generations, with me as we sat by the river one evening last month. I have pondered his passion in telling me this story and the understanding he wanted me to feel that night about the love he has for the river which reverently flows and his heritage. It was an evening I shall never forget. I felt honored to be included in this heritage with such tender feelings in his portrayal. His words even had a pleading to cherish the history of where we live and serve the people we have learned to love.

My mind reflects on the teaching I have learned from this simple but poignant story. The chief had great insight to search for that living water his people dearly needed; the chief’s inward gaze into the soul of Abo who would shoulder this duty for his people; and the resolve Abo kept to his family and tribe. The scriptures share with us stories of Kings who pledged all their kingdom to the Lord if but they could drink of the life-giving water offered by Jesus. The Anti- Nephi-Lehies were of this example to us. We read “…and also that he has forgiven us of our many sins and taken away the guilt from our hearts, through the merits of the Son.” What a delight to read of this gift extended to all of Fathers sons and daughters. I am blessed by His love he freely gives me. Brother Joseph’s heart was gazed into by Father above and found clean and pure for the work he had to perform. I have often wept from the stories of his dedication and resolve to do all that he could for the Lord and the small band of faithful saints that stood by his side. Even while suffering in Liberty Jail, beyond my capability to fully understand, he asked his Father in Heaven “How long shall thy hand be stayed, and thy eye behold from the eternal heavens the wrongs of thy people and of thy servants, and thine ears be penetrated with their cries? Yea, Oh Lord, how long shall they suffer these wrongs and unlawful oppressions, before thine heart shall be softened towards them…” Oh how the prophet wanted nothing for himself in his condition, but only for his beloved saints the relief that only God could quench. His soul was gazed upon from on high and found to be pure. Brother Stephen Abu kept to his faith during the “freeze” in Ghana from June 1989 to October 1990, never to deny his faith or stand as a witness for the Lord. After being beaten, dragged out of his home in front of his family and friends, imprisoned, and falsely accused by his own brother of devil worshipping, Stephen stated in his own words, “I was in bed with a radio receiver set by my bedside. I heard the announcement that the freeze was over. My eyes were filled with tears, which ran down my face for a season. When I became of myself, I came out of bed shouting and rejoicing and praising God for what had happened. Victory had been won.”

Oh, that I might always remember the story of Abomosu and drink of the everlasting water that Jesus offers freely to me.