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.
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