Ivory Coast update...
Well, we last left off whilst sitting in our apartment on Mother's Day after our legal group headed off to Ivory Coast for the Africa Religious Freedoms Conference. Throughout the day, the travel department at the area offices went to work. By 9 pm they had solid confirmation that our visas had been corrected by the embassy and we would be on a flight out the next morning. Other than trying to catch a taxi in the deluge of rain that greeted us outside, we were once again on our way. Instead of flying Emirates, we flew Air Cote d'Ivoire, a turboprop plane. The ride was bumpy and crazy and at one particularly severe drop, the passengers let out audible screams. We've had worse than that coming into SLC from time to time, so it didn't phase us! Everyone else thought it was possibly their last breath. The flight home on Emirates was much less adventurous.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOMS CONFERENCE
Our conference was interesting. Lots of classes. Lots of comments. Classes consisted of people sharing their studies, findings and opinions on various topics, all centered around RELIGION & RECONCILIATION. Elder Klebingat from our Area Presidency here in Accra was a guest speaker.
Elder Klebingat taught, "Three things are essential for social harmony to prevail-- The first is respect for religious freedom of all faiths. The second is that all faiths must feel free from fear of persecution. The third is that freedom of worship and religious expression should be encouraged both in public and in the home. God is watching over the nations of Africa. God is our Father and He aches when we suffer. The Lord has His hand over Africa."
Conference-on-african-law-religion-and-reconciliation-in-abidjan-ivory-coast
I believe, looking for opportunities of reconciliation in everything we do with and for others, is essential. This effort helps us to repair fractures caused by an absence of trust. We must be willing to take the time necessary to build bank accounts of trust with those we have the privilege to associate.
Respecting differences is the answer. It is the key to creating a peaceful existence. Differences are good. I love learning from all people, all cultures, all experiences. 💙
A few pics from our weekend in African dress...
ABIDJAN, IVORY COAST TEMPLE & SILVER MORONI
On our way out of Ivory Coast, we rented a large passenger van and crammed all of us and our luggage inside. We drove to the construction site of the Abidjan, Ivory Coast temple, scheduled to be finished some time in 2024. Ever seen a silver angel Moroni? This was definitely a first for us! Palladium! The temple in Abidjan is the only temple to have a palladium-leafed statue of Moroni instead of the traditional gold leaf. And, just in case you are wondering, palladium leaf is a pure alloy - a silver colored metal. Since it is very resistant to corrosives in the air, it is often substituted for silver or white gold, for exterior gilding - a perfect choice for a temple in the humid climate of West Africa!
I love how everyone in Ghana begins their testimonies, talks or conducting with, "Good morning, my dear brothers and sisters in the gospel!" And they expect a hearty reply!
A darling young woman named Liberty spoke in our Trade Fair Ward today. She spoke with such confidence and conviction. She can't be more than 14 yrs old, but her spirit soared with that of a fully mature adult in the gospel of Jesus Christ. I was so touched. A few of her thoughts:
"Walk in God's Light. The divine influence from God gives light and life to all things. The Holy Ghost helps us see clearly. Covenants strengthen our connection to God. Pray, study & live by what you learn. Your worth comes from being a child of God, not from social media. Walk with God every day! Walk in His Light! He will comfort, guide, warn and sanctify us. Practice listening and hearing His voice. Look for opportunities to feel God's light. Love, joy and peace all come from walking in God's light."
This was also our week to attend the Young Single Adults (YSA) gospel doctrine class. We are so impressed with these young single adults. They have strong testimonies of faith and are not shy about sharing their beliefs. Their comments are thoughtful and sincere. One of the YSA less active men named Richard Mensah, came to church today for the first time in over a year. We were able to meet him in his humble home a couple of months ago, not far from the church. As we walked between sheds and make-shift shelters, which are their homes, we were humbled at the conditions they see as daily life. We sat with Richard and just talked, encouraging him to return to church where he would have support of friends. He was struggling with sadness and depression. We gave him a blessing. We have kept in touch with him and continued to invite him to join us. Last week he let us know that he felt ashamed he didn't have proper clothing for church. Jordan took one of his white shirts over immediately and Richard was very happy. Not that he needed a white shirt to attend and we had made that clear long ago. But today, as he walked into church for the first time in a very long time, he was greeted with love and acceptance, encouragement and friendship. The ward members and YSA embraced him and welcomed him warmly. I believe and hope he will continue to join us. We could see the light returning in his countenance. Sharing the gospel is a beautiful thing. We love our time and experiences here!
LAST BUT NOT LEAST...
While taking a taxi from the Abidjan airport to our hotel in Ivory Coast, we actually saw what everyone jokes about! Goats in a Tro-tro! Proof below!
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