Sister Dalton has been asked to further the Family History work here in the district. She follows Elder and Sister Terry, the previous couple missionaries who served so well. This is an assignment that has enlightened Sister Dalton as to the meaning of “perfecting of the saints”. Much progress was accomplished by Sister Terry and her diligence to fulfill her assignment as well as for the blessing bestowed on the saints who participated. It is a divine work that all of us have stewardship, yet most fellow citizens would not realize the challenge these faithful families have to extract and prepare their ancestors for temple blessings.
I start by saying with the help of Elder and Sister Borden of the Area Office, this sacred work is blooming throughout our entire district. Elder and Sister Borden have been so supportive and have made wonderful suggestions that have helped with the Family History spirit. They will be going home soon so we wish them well. Under their gentle suggestions, truly the hearts of the children began to turn to their fathers for the saints here in Abomosu. The power of the temple ordnances, now give substance and eternal permanence for both the living and the dead with each member who performs a service for a beloved ancestor. It is marvelous to witness the spiritual experiences of members in our district who bear testimony of this truth. Yesterday as we attended the Asunafo Branch meetings, we truly felt the spirit of Family History service. Our speaker in Sacrament meeting was prepared and had recently attended a temple session for a family name. Brother Frempong has worked with Sister Dalton for a number of months and now has the vision of this most important work. He is a farmer who works very hard at his farm along with his wife, Adoma. They have raised 7 children with only 2 left at home now. I remember one evening as Sister Dalton and I were driving home, how she could not keep the family members straite in her mind because of their lack of sir name pattern. Kwaku Charles Frempong- father, Adoma Janet Darkoa- mother, Johnson Frempong Adomako- eldest son, Afua Josephine Owusuaa- daughter, Yaa Mollis Marfoa- daughter, Thurker Elizabeth Boaduwa- daughter, Dora Owusuaa- daughter and Rockson Quesi Owusu- son. They are all from the same father and mother, Kwaku and Adoma. The sir name is not used most of the time here in Africa and you now can see the challenge facing a Family History consultant from Provo and the family member trying to fill out group sheets. At one time, we took Adoma to a neighboring village to speak to her Auntie to be clear on the name and spelling of her grandmother on her mother’s side. It was fascinating to listen as they conversed about family names and dates. Most of the records here in the bush of Ghana are passed down from generation to generation by word of mouth so families are very free with the stories of “family members gone home to God” as they say. The experiences of one family member are spoken of by generations because it was used as a link for children to understand their traditions and culture. I understood Sister Dalton’s frustration in trying to fill out a family history sheet with Brother Frempong, they do not follow sir names as we do in most of the world. Each name is very carefully chosen for the son or daughter. It is an honor to name your child after someone who has been influential in the father or mothers life. It may be a family member or even a missionary as was Elder Terry who had a baby named after him in Sankubenase Branch. Yet the spirit of Brother Frempong to do the temple work of his ancestors pumped through his veins. He fulfilled his goal of sealing his father and mother in the Accra Temple two weeks ago. He was so pleased and his spirit shown with brightness as he bore testimony of his sweet experience. We were all touched and especially Sister Dalton who had worked so hard with his family.
We have also implemented a very successful practice with the newly baptized members of our district. Sister Dalton has asked the branch Family History consultants to visit with the newly baptized member and help them to fill out a 4 generation group sheet. The success of this simple activity has strengthened these new members with the spirit of Elijah and the desire to attend the temple with their own family names. The goal of all of the branch and district leaders is to retain these “tender plants” in the fold and if they “feast of the Spirit” within the walls of the temple, within two months, to do baptisms for family members, they feel the spirit of the temple and the love Father has for all of His children. They are then asked to fully participate in the great family history work of the church. It is wonderful to attend with these new members and see their eyes as they perform an eternal ordinance for their own loved one. On December 17th, we are attending the temple as a whole district with 200 members and 26 newly baptized members and their own extracted family names. No work is more of a protection to these young “tender plants” than the temple work and the family history work which supports it. No work we do gives us more power to unlock the path for other who cannot unlock the gate for themselves. Our labor in the walls of the temple covers us with a shield and a protection, both individually and as a people. I testify to the wonderful plan of redemption for all of Fathers children, even those families here in Ghana with different family names. The Shepard will gather all of his sheep to his side and encompass them in His abundant love, with Brother Frempong leading the Asunafo Branch.
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