Week 22 - An Apostle's Visit - Elder Gong Week & A Giant Nest

ELDER & SISTER GONG

We had a very full week!  Elder Gerrit W. Gong and his wife Susan have been in Africa West Area all week.  It all started Sunday with a youth fireside.  Our Trade Fair Ward invited anyone interested to attend so we decided to head over Sunday afternoon to listen in.  But once we arrived, it was clear there would be NO room for anyone, including a large portion of youth who stood in overflow areas to listen while standing.  It was quite a sight to behold!  Youth arrived in vans and vehicles loaded to the gills. And they just kept coming!  It was so beautiful to watch these faithful youth, many of whom had traveled for hours and hours, to come and listen to an apostle of God.  My heart was full just watching this scene from a distance.  

Elder Gong Missionary Gathering

400+ Missionaries from Accra Mission and Accra West Mission gathered to hear Elder Gong this week.  Because we fall under the Accra Mission, all the senior couples were also invited.  Messages from this meeting:

I am a disciple of Jesus Christ - 3 Nephi 5:13; 2 Nephi 24: 23 & 26  

Priorities are key!  We must put things in order.  Put first things first! We must put Christ first in all we do.  Our most important relationships should be first!

Elder Gong told a story about Elder Holland and Elder Cook being mission companions long ago.  They still care for and take care of each other.  

We should learn to love things our "companions" and those around us love.  

Be generous in being your best self!  Give your best to others!

I fulfill prophecy every day - Jospeh Smith History 1:33

He called me by name... and said God had a work for me to do.

37 countries are represented in this gathering of missionaries.

Every day, the work rolls forward!  The missionaries fulfill prophecy!

We boldly, but humbly, share the gospel! 

I stand in holy places - D&C 87:8; D&C 119 & 120

Be not moved!  Surround yourself with goodness.  Pray for guidance every day. Become the temple - holy.  The temple isn't just a place to go, it is a place to meet God.  Heaven meets earth in the temple!

After this missionary devotional, Elder & Sister Gong had pictures taken with every group of missionaries.  We all lined up on the temple steps, one group after another. 

Elder Gong Employee Devotional

Jordan's observations led him to say, "Elder Gong is the people's apostle!"  It's true!  Before every gathering, Elder Gong spent time shaking everyone's hand and talking with them.  He wanders around, engaging with everyone before, during, and after the meeting. 

To the employess of the church who were gathered at this devotional (and us senior missionaries were invited to this one also), he said:

"We have a great admiration and respect for the work you do for the church.  There is unity in diversity, and diversity in unity.

The greatest contribution we can make in this life, comes from our character.

Thank you for your heart, soul, might and strength.  For everything you bring to the Lord in your service here." 

A GIANT NEST 

There is a giant nest outside our office window on the 3rd floor.  Huge birds fly in and out of it all day long.  I'm waiting to see baby birds poking their heads up any day!  There is such beauty in nature.  Here is a look from a couple of different views:

We love our mission!  We are learning and hopefully growing, each and every day.