As I have stated before, we have been called to be advisers to the Young Single Adults in the Ho branch. There are 163 of them with about 20 or so that come to either the SA (they don't liked to be called "Young") Family Home Evening or the Institute class. So, that leaves about 143 that we need to account for. We have had the help of William, the Ward Mission Leader and Patrick, the Young Single Adult leader, in going through the list of names we have. Some of them are "out of town", meaning they have moved, and some are in school, that means they are in boarding school somewhere else, or they are "traveling", meaning they are out of town for now. There are also many that people don't even know, because sometimes a person joins the church and their family prohibits them from coming back and here the parents really have a hold on the children until they leave home and sometimes that isn't until they're in their late 20's or early 30's. Along with very few places that have addresses, we really have our work cut out for us.
We have started visiting the SA's that are less active or those going to boarding school. We visited a girl named Beatrice who is going to a boarding school. She is very shy, as it seems most Ghanaians are. So sometimes it's hard to talk to them. But she wants us to come back because she has some friends there at school who are interested in hearing about the Book of Mormon. We also visited Rita, who is more shy that Beatrice, if you can believe that. She has stopped coming, even though at one time she was one of the best Seminary students, according to William. We have encouraged her to come back and wanted her to know how much Heavenly Fadda (have to say it the way they do) loves her and is concerned for her. These are special sisters and prayers on their behalf would be greatly encouraged. The Lord loves each and everyone of us. The fun part about this is we have been teaching outside under some trees or a grass shelter. We are definitely in Africa!
We have also helped the Elders teach a few lessons to investigators and to a less active sister named Doris. Her family was also there. Both times we have helped, there needed to be an interpreter there because some of them didn't speak English, only Ewe. We asked the Elders if that happened often and they said, only when we are with you. Boy are we ever the lucky ones. The investigators are a little family who has a daughter Shepard who is 15 and wants to join the church, but her father and mother are unsure whether they want to be baptized. We challenged the father to set the example to his daughter by being baptized first. He said he would try to be worthy. They have been to church the last two weeks and really enjoy being there and feeling the Spirit. It was kind of funny though, because when we were teaching Faustina, the mother, I asked her the question through Miriam, our Relief Society President, who was interpreting, "Do you have faith that Heavenly Father will bless you if you keep his commandments"? She was concerned because she has a business that sell products and her best customers are those that go to the church she does and she does most of her business on Sunday after church. Well, when Miriam posed the question to her, she went on and on and on for a few minutes. When she was done, Faustina gave her answer and she went on and on and on. When she was done, Miriam turned to me and said, "She says Yes". I think there was a lot more said than that, but I could be wrong.
We were so excited this Sunday when Doris came back to church ...she even made a point of introducing her two boys to us. We are having a great experience getting to know these wonderful people. They are very open, warm, friendly and welcoming. The General Authorities say that this is Africa's time. It truly is! We are glad to be here and do what we can to help.
Elder Lyon did his first baptismal interview this last Sunday for Frank a 13 year old young man who came to church with some of his friends, and his uncle is also a member. He was very impressed with his gospel knowledge and readiness to be baptized. Most of the African youth we have observed are very gospel oriented, love the scriptures and STUDY them. They have great insight, great questions, and are inspiring! Amazing what can be learned when you have very few distractions ... no TV or Internet or Play Stations or any other electronics in most homes. Very few outside activities other than school or work, and the sun sets and rises at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. everyday. We could learn a lot from their humble examples.
Baptismal Font in the Courtyard of the Church.
Our Branch President, President Reck.
Amelia, one of our Single Adult members, who is a Community Health Nurse, way out in a very small village in the bush an hour from Ho.
William our Ward Mission Leader helping us figure out the long list of Single Adults in our dining room.
Young man making Fufu with his little brother trying to help while we are talking to his sister, Rita.
The area where we taught a discussion to Shepard, and Faustina.
We are learning to be missionaries, we are enjoying the experience, and hoping to find many meaningful ways to contribute while serving here in Africa.
Keep us in your prayers!
We copied off your blog, pictures and all and gave it in a binder to Grandma Lyon! Keep 'em coming!!! We'll keep doing that for her... :o)
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