I can hardly believe that tomorrow will be our half-way point! We have been on our mission for 9 months! It seems like forever, but also like yesterday that we arrived in Ghana. The days are so busy and crammed full of work that they pass quickly, and before we know it Friday has arrived again. But also, when we think of our family back home, it seems like we have been gone an eternity!! We surely miss them and our interaction with them in person. "We so much appreciate" (this phrase is used often here to express gratitude and I've come to love it!) the support we have received from family and friends while we are out here! We are doing our best to represent Jesus Christ and all of you the best we can!!
ZONE CONFERENCE - Accra Ghana Mission
We had a great Zone Conference this week. Some of the messages we heard:
Elder Fabrizio (young elder - assistant to mission leaders): Be anxiously engaged in the work, ready to share the gospel at all times. Just Open Your Mouth (D&C 30:5, D&C 33:8, D&C 24:12, D&C 28:16 & Moses 6:32) and share your thoughts about the gospel with those you encounter. Share the message of the Restoration - power comes from sharing this great message.
What can I do today to love, share and invite others to Come Unto Christ?
Elder Amani (young elder from Ghana - assistant to mission leaders): The Gathering of Israel is like fishing. Fishing happens all over Ghana. Fishermen go out and catch the fish, skilled workers then process the fish for consumption.
Fishermen = Missionaries who find those who are searching for truth.
Skilled workers = Branches, Wards, Stakes, senior missionaries. These units and people are all vital in the process of helping new converts come into the fold of the gospel of Jesus Christ and eventually to receive the great blessings of the temple.
Sister Beeson (Accra Ghana Mission Leader): Do your best and always strive for the ideal. However, remember that we all have weakness. The Lord gives us His Grace to make all things possible. It is God who helps us prevail! We prevail and persevere with God!
Elder Beeson (Accra Ghana Mission Leader): Nothing elevates individuals more than making and keeping sacred covenants with the Lord.
Contracts vs. Agreements: Agreements aren't always legally binding. Contracts if executed properly, can be legally binding. In a contract, something is offered and something is accepted. Depending on how we stay within the covenant contract we make with God, these choices will determine the outcome.
NIL (name, image, likeness) agreements are used to promote products by linking a famous face or name with the product. For example, the Built protein bar is officially linked with NASCAR. Corey LaJoie drives the car with the logo "Built" plastered on it. What he does and how he lives his life, can reflect on the image of this product.
After a frightening and serious Daytona crash in 2020, Corey Lajoie was seen out of the wreckage, kneeling beside his car. People made assumptions, likely based on his personal character they had come to know over time. Although the assumptions were only in part correct, isn't it great that the initial thought was that Corey was kneeling in prayer for those affected in the crash. The full truth is below in his own words.
“They say a picture is worth 1000 words,” Corey LaJoie opened in an instagram post. “A lot of speculation as to what was going through my little noggin here.”
“Here’s the facts. The wind was knocked out of me so I was catching my breath, I was wiggling my fingers and toes to make sure they were still connected.”
“I was confused as my brain tried to process what my body just went through and I was hurting from the sub straps containing the force of the frontal impact.”
“While I was down there I did send up a “thank you Jesus for your hand of protection” prayer and at that moment I had no idea who I hit or the severity of it. I’m hearing very optimistic things on Ryan’s condition so your prayers are working guys, keep it rolling.”
Covenants are like NIL (name, image, likeness) agreements. When we enter into covenants with Jesus Christ, we take His name upon us, we strive to perfect our image, to be like Christ.
CHILDREN
Today in Sacrament Meeting, we had the Primary Program presentation. This is always one of my favorite meetings of the year. This was no exception. I was so impressed with these young children, ages 3-11. The children came into the chapel all together, with such great enthusiasm for what was to take place that they were squealing with joy! After partaking of the sacrament, the program began.
One by one the children came to the microphone and with confidence and joy, boldly stated their "part" and afterwards recited a full scripture that drove the point home, then ended with "Amen!" To which, the entire congregation said, "Amen!" Each song was sung without piano accompaniment and led by a little 6 yr old girl. She was filled with confidence to lead the "choir" of voices. There were no adults prompting forgotten parts or stage fright, the children calmly stood until their minds quieted and they remembered their part. What a great lesson to learn!
Our dear bishop Dogby then stood and praised the children and the parents for their great efforts to prepare and memorize and present what they had practiced. He expressed love for each of them and the spirit they brought to the members of Trade Fair Ward.
We love this humble and amazing ward. They have very little in the way of life possessions, but they have everything they need and are so grateful to be alive.
I love what I am learning here in Ghana!!
Much love to you all!
💓💛💚
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