....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!