Mission Tour - Accra Zones

On Friday, September 13, 2013, we had our second Mission Tour conference with our 3 Zones in Accra - Tesano, Kaneshie, and Kasoa -  at the Kaneshie Stake Center.  When we drove up with Elder and Sister Vinson our missionaries were gathered outside the building waiting to greet us.

 

 

Out of respect for Elder Vinson, two of our Elders wore their suits.

Assembling in the chapel, getting ready for the conference to start.

Music is ready.

President Hill instructs our missionaries.

President Hill and Elder Vinson with final instructions.
 

             

Among other things, Elder Vinson reminded the missionaries of the principle of obedience.  He shared the story of Joshua and Kaleb, of the Old Testament, who faithfully served the Lord "for they have wholly followed the Lord." (Numbers 33:12) and were allowed to inherit the promised land. He emphasized there are great blessing for those who "wholly follow the Lord."  He encouraged the missionaries, as well, to read the Bible dictionary definition of Prayer and ponder the meaning.  Thanks, Elder Vinson, for your inspiration!

Dr. Emmanuel Abu Kissi with President Hill (above) was a guest speaker at our conference.  Dr. Kissi, the author of the book "Walking in the Sand" which chronicles the history of the church in Ghana, shared his story of conversion and challenges as the church sought acceptance.  His brother, Stephen Abu, spoke at our conference in Asamankese.  Dr. Kissi, currently the Stake Patriarch in the Kasoa Stake, has been an influential leader of the church here, including acting as the Mission President during the freeze.   He shared, that he never planned to write a book but felt like he should keep track of events surrounding the church in Ghana as they happened.   His detailed notes became the written history of the church here.  As well as the generosity he shows in medically treating our missionaries, his faithful service is an inspiration to us all.

The back cover of Dr. Kissi's book reads:
"When the priesthood was extended to blacks in 1978, faithfull followers rejoiced and a new day dawned in Ghana, and within a year 400 people were baptized, many coming from congregations that were patterned after the Church and that had operated unofficially for more than a decade.
With Church growth came persecution.  In June 1989, the Ghanaian government instituted an eighteen-month "Freeze," forcing all Church activities to cease.  The Freeze ended in 1991.  Since then the Church has grown, and a temple was dedicated in 2004.,
"Walking in the sand" a Ghanaian expression meaning "alive and well," aptly describes the Latter-day Saints in Ghana."








Photo OPS.

Photo Ops with Sister Vinson. 

THANKS TO OUR CLEAN UP CREW!

What a wonderful, inspiring day!   Thanks Elder and Sister Vinson for sharing 2 wonderful days with the Ghana Accra West Mission. We are so blessed to have you serving here with us!