This day, June 6th
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 1st 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!
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