....prepare your mind for the morrow...

Brother Stephen Abu has 2 brothers, the oldest is George Appiene, or most commonly known by his nickname “wicked George”. During the Freeze here in Ghana in 1989- 1990 the Government was told that Mormons were not Christians by other churches who feared our growth in Ghana and there is a law that only Christian faiths can be in Ghana. It was the farthest from the truth but wicked George was instrumental in having his own brother, Stephen Abu, imprisoned for a number of months because he held Family Home Evening in his own home and had not denounced the Church truths. That’s another story I will tell later. Stephen’s younger brother is George Annor. Our visit today is with this pioneer of the faith. George was the youngest of the 13 children. He was 4 when he contracted polio. He is the music director for the Abomosu Branch and is also the Seminary teacher for the branch. He walks with a cane and sometimes a crutch. He is married with 4 children. He farms and raises Cocoa and food stuffs for his family support. He was baptized into the church in 1985 by Stephen and has ever been faithful since that time. He manages with his polio stricken leg to walk most places in the village and is respected as an honest man. I have witnessed some of the pain he struggles with while walking to his farm, and the number of times he must stop to rest his leg, but no complaints to me or the Lord for his condition. For years, he has loved music and continually sings the praises of the Lord everywhere he goes. Other than being the music director for the branch, he has not held another position. One day while visiting the Sunday services at Abomosu, I was impressed to extend a call to Brother Annor as the Seminary teacher for the 42 students. The impression was deep and distinct and I began the process at the conclusion of that very meeting. I met with the branch presidency and asked if Brother Annor had ever taught as a teacher in the branch. “No, he can’t do that he is a cripple” was the response. When asked why, in unison three men said “he had a bad leg and could not stand or do normal things a whole man could do. Besides he is a cripple and cannot perform the duties of a teacher.” This concept is very prevalent in this area. If you were to have a physical challenge of some type you would not be asked, allowed, or considered for a calling. You would just be a member without a calling. I have seen this in all of the branches as well as the community. With an outward appearance of a physical challenge, you are called and known throughout the village as the man who is crippled or without an arm or does not see or is in the wheelchair. Many will not know your name but will know who you are by your disability. It carries over in the Church too, only because of the traditions of the fathers. In the Lords Church, no one is without a calling with the promise the Savior will sustain you when you are called by the presiding officer who is acting for the Lord. It is a truth fortified in the scripture. After clearing George’s name through the District Council and the Presidency, I had the privilege of setting with George as I issued the calling to serve as the Seminary teacher for the Abomosu Branch, great tears of joy dropped from his eyes and a humble “yes” was uttered. I listened as he rehearsed his desire to be a great teacher as his brother Stephen, and one who could serve with all of his might in bringing others to the truths found within the scriptures. But he always felt like he was overlooked. He spoke of studying the Book of Mormon every single day since his baptism in preparation for a call by the Lord. He would weekly read the Sunday School lesson and his Priesthood lesson to be prepared to comment as directed by the Spirit. His scriptures are worn and tattered due to carrying them for years to his farm and feasting upon the good word of God as he bore witness to me of his 27 year spiritual preparation for this calling. We wept openly as we embraced knowing he would be sustained physically and spiritually for this most important service in the Lord’s vineyard. Only the Lord knows of George’s sacrifice to prepare for this call and has blessed these 42 youth with one so prepared to witness of His gospel. A true blessing for our youth!

..and seek out the righteous where e'er they may be...

This day, June 6^th 2012 is a special day for Sister Dalton and me, it is “hump-day” as missionaries worldwide know it. We are thankful and a bit sad, but are full of love for the work and will dedicate ourselves even greater for this coming year. Oh, what blessing we have felt and witnessed in our service.

Daniel Achampong and his wife Florence Oforiwaa were baptized September 1, 1984 here in Abomosu in the river. Their personal story is of faith and dedication since that blessed event over 28 years ago. Daniel and Florence were both teachers when to two met and married shortly afterwards. Daniel taught at the Presby School alongside Stephen Abu. They were friends and Stephen was older and had been in the teacher’s service for some time now so took Daniel under his wing. Stephen was baptized January 1983 by his brother in Accra and was the first member in the bush of Abomosu. Stephen’s wife, Margaret, and Florence were friends in this small village. Over the months that followed Stephen’s baptism, he gently bore witness of his new found faith and worship through example and service to all the community. Daniel and Florence’s first born was delivered by Margaret in the family home. Soon enough, there was an Elder who visited Abomosu upon Stephens request. A number of people had expressed interest in the Church and it’s teaching of the Savior. Stephen’s wife Margaret, Daniel and Florence were one of those truly seeking the truth. Though a little skeptical, the Elder reported back to the Mission President about his findings of a number of farmers, teachers, and children who sincerely wanted the blessings of baptism into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints- they just needed to be taught the Gospel through the missionary lessons before baptism. A plan was devised to be a “sieve” of sort, with these investigators. They must come once a week to Accra and meet with the Mission President and others to receive the lessons designed to bring the witnessing spirit into their lives. This was most difficult for no bus or taxi traveled to Abomosu for passengers desiring travel to Accra. The nearest passenger pick up was a six hour walk to Anyium on the Kumasi- Accra thoroughfare. They must also read assigned sections of the scriptures before coming to each missionary lesson, and one must be in attendance for all 12 visits and lessons in Accra. Most of these humble farmers were not able to read, and more challenging to them was that the Book of Mormon was only in English in those days, so Stephen, Daniel, Florence and Margaret read each week to each member of that group the words from the scriptures. This was truly a great sieve for the humble and honest in heart. Every Friday for twelve weeks, Daniel, Florence and Margaret along with 19 others walked the six hours to Anyium and caught an overcrowded old bus or open truck for the three and a half hour ride to be at the appointed spot for another lesson by 11AM. All 22 souls were baptized on September 1^st 1984 by Stephen Abu himself. These became the “Pioneers” of the Church here in the bush of Ghana and most remain dedicated and stalwarts of the faith.

Daniel related to me of the struggles they endured as they made the weekly trek to Accra. Rainstorms, hot unseasonal temperatures, illnesses of the body, and persecution by other village churches, caused much suffering among the small group of dedicated believers. He refers to it as “their refiner’s fire” and humbly acknowledges the hand of the Lord in their deep rooted conversion. Not a disheartening word was uttered by any of the group even to this day they thank their God for this great witness they carry in their hearts.  I testify to those tearful words of Daniel’s. He has served as an Elders Quorum President for 7 years, Branch President for 9 years, in the District Presidency for over 8 years and was instrumental in baptizing over 100 people because of his faith and example. He presently is a District Councilman assigned to strengthen and shore-up the Asuom Branch. He is a leader among men and wants only to please the Lord and further His cause.

Daniel Achampong is truly the “elect of God” and I love him as my friend.

The picture above is of Daniel and Florence at last Sundays meetings. What a celestial couple!