Three weeks ago President Judd
spoke to me about an assignment he wanted me to attend to right away. I
listened intently as he told me the story. He was in Asamankase presiding at a
District Conference and he met a fellow who was there as a delegate for his
towns Electoral Board also using the building as a meeting place for many surrounding
delegates. President felt impressed to tell the non member fellow he was wanted
by the Lord for a wondrous purpose, and the fellow responded well to his
boldness. President Judd went on his way
and the fellow also went to his meeting and they never met again that day. On
the way home the next day from that District Conference, President Judd
reflected on the weekend’s events and remembered of this young man and how
impressed he was with his spirit. In his haste he forgot to get the fellows
name and phone number so a referral could be given to the local elders. He had
only two clues of this man whereabouts or employment.
As I sat listening to his account
of this man, I began to realize the depth of this assignment- “Elder Dalton, I
want you to find this man for he is most important to the branch he will
attend. I do not know his name or where he lives for sure and I don’t know
exactly what his affiliation is with the Electoral Board, but you must find him
and teach him the Gospel and baptize him. We need him in the Kade Branch.” I
was at a loss, but knew the Lord would direct me if I put forth the faith. So armed with only two clues President had
given, I drove home from Accra that night with a constant prayer for help from
on high. Three days passed and I was called to assist with an interview in
Kade. I was to be there at 3PM sharp and the elders would take me to the
interview. Promptly at 3PM the elders and I were together, but the candidate was
nowhere to be found. After a call or two, she was still at the market and would
not be home until 5PM, could we please come then? We agreed and the time was
adjusted. “Elders, when is your next appointment?” “At 4PM” said the elder. “Call
him and ask him we can come early.” After contacting the investigator, he said
come right over, he had gotten off of work early and would love a visit. I was
prompted to approach this new investigator before the elders so walked into the
housing compound first and extended my hand to him in fellowship. “What is your
name, sir?” I said to him shaking his hand. “Richard” he said as I looked up to
his 6’3” stature. “Richard, I am here today because I need your help in finding
a man in this town of Kade, who I do not know his name or his home address. I
do know two things, this man may be a teacher and he is a member of the town Electoral
Board. Richard, who do you know fits this description?” Now by this time, the
poor elders did not know what they had gotten into with this grey haired old
missionary, and were a bit shocked I was so bold and forward with their tender
investigator. Richard thought for a moment and said he had two friends that
were teachers that could be the fellow I was searching. He gave me the two names
and their phone numbers, and we sat and began the discussion. It was a
marvelously taught discussion by the two elders and Richard was committed to
attend church the following Sunday, with his family. It was a true pleasure to
add my voice with these well prepared missionaries of the truthfulness of our
message.
At the conclusion of our
appointment, I asked Richard if he would direct us to the first name he gave us.
In fact, it was right behind his home, so he escorted us to Emmanuel Odiah’s
home. We found no one home, but a neighbor woman saw us walk up the drive and I
greeted her as we passed by her stool. Turning around, I spoke to the woman and
asked if she knew who these fine young missionaries were? “I do not, sir” she
said. I bore testimony of their most important message of the Savior and asked
her if they could come to her once again and share their message. She spoke
favorable about her wanting to visit with them later on the week. An
appointment was set and the missionaries have set a date of baptism in
December. She is progressing well, they report.
But what of this young man who I
still had not found for President Judd? As we sat in the truck ready to leave
and meet our appointment at 5PM, I asked the elders if they would pray for help
from above to guide us to find and contact him and fulfill my assignment.
Humbly we bowed our heads and a prayer was offered that plead with Father for
this man we needed to find and give us direction as to what to do or where to
go. I shall never forget the feeling of calm that entered my mind and the Spirit
whispered to call the next name Richard had given us. “Osie, this is Elder
Dalton from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-days Saints and I have been
looking for you. Osie, President Judd, who you met a week ago, has sent me to
find you and teach you the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. May we meet with you
tonight?” I said. He hesitated and said “where did I meet this President?” “Last
week, in Asamankase, when you were at the Electoral Board training session; he
was the white man that shared with you a wondrous purpose in the Saviors Church
was awaiting you.” “O, yes”, he said. “I am busy tonight with Board issues but
will you come next Monday and begin the teachings? I want to know of your
church.” The time was set and greeting extended until we meet again.
I testify of the hand of the Lord
in the souls of those He has prepared to become his Elect. I know of no other
influence or guidance that can direct missionaries to even those that we do not
know their names or where they live. Kade is a town of 45,000 people and to
find the one is only by heavenly help.
Denkyere Osei is on his way to baptism and truly will be a blessing to the Kade
Branch. I know of Father’s guidance and blessing to our souls when we trust in
his promptings and walk with faith.
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