PEACEMAKERS NEEDED

We don’t see much about what is going on in America over here in Ghana.  That’s good. Thankfully…..the people and members here don’t really pay attention to US politics and when we ask if they ever watch American TV….. they say they do not.  For that I am also grateful.  We asked Patrick once about calling 911.  He said, “I know on American TV you just dial 911 and someone comes quickly to help.  We don’t do that over here.  Our neighbors and others around will just help if someone needs help”.  We laughed about other things he says he knows we do in America, but they don’t even think about it over here.  They just act differently in Ghana and are so kind and friendly to people they don’t even know.  We had one of our Elders in a bike accident a couple of nights ago when a taxi just about hit him. He went down hard and needed six stitches in his head and had a small concussion. How did he get to the hospital? The taxi cab driver drove him.....the cab driver that almost hit him. As far as the news, because I am an American, I do follow somewhat as to what is going on in America…..I know this past Monday we celebrated a holiday in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. 

I read this online a few days ago…..“Dr. King lived in a time when many people were judged not by their character, but by the color of their skin.  Rather than responding with anger or violence, he chose a higher path. He taught that change should come through peace, love, and moral courage.  In doing so, he helped awaken the conscience of a nation and moved society closer to equality and justice”.  I think we could all agree on the Christ-like principles taught in those words above.  In the Book of Samuel we read, “The Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart”.  We should all look at others the way that God looks at them…..they are all His children and all are worthy of dignity and respect. 

Another leader in our time, President Russell M. Nelson, also believed and taught that we should be “peacemakers” and avoid at all costs anger and violence in solving differences of opinion.  He said, “the Savior’s message is clear…..His true disciples build, lift, encourage, persuade, and inspire…..no matter how difficult the situation.  True disciples of Jesus Christ are peacemakers”.  He continued, “My dear Brothers and Sisters, how we treat each other really matters! How we speak to and about others at home, at church, at work, and online rally matters! Today, I am asking us to interact with others in a higher, holier way.  Please listen carefully…..if there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy that we can say about another person…..whether to his face or behind her back…..that should be our standard of communication.  Peacemaking is a choice.  You have your agency to choose contention or reconciliation.  I urge you to choose to be a peacemaker, now and always”. 

My hope and prayer is that we all follow the Savior’s example, as Dr. King tried to do, by treating all of God’s children with love, fairness, and compassion.  And to look at each other by who they are as a person…..and not by their outward appearance.  I also love what President Nelson taught about being “peacemakers”.  What a wonderful world it would be if we did exactly what the Savior tried to teach and what these two men tried to do in following the Savior’s example. 

The videos below show another week of training and missionaries visiting us in the Mission Home and Mission Office.  They bring enthusiasm and youth and commitment.  And we love being around them.  Jill fixed breakfast for 36 missionaries on Friday…..it was much more peaceful when they left for the Mission Home for their training. This group of missionaries were the 17 Trainers and the new17 missionaries that arrived December 17th......they have only been here for six weeks.....along with the AP's. We noticed a remarkable change in their countenance from each of them as opposed to when they first landed here in Ghana six weeks ago. That is what the spirit does to someone…..when you are involved daily in the work of the Lord. Many of them are still learning English.....but they do look happy and anxious to find others to "come unto Christ".

Elder Cid from Chile.....one of the best. We got to know him well as he served as one of the"tech Elders" in the Office for about seven months. He is now a Zone Leader in Swedru.

We visited a District Council last Monday in the Amasaman area. Fun missionaries. Sisters Johnson, Bouche, Khuphe, Frimpong, and Chigwinya. Elders Vitale, Schow, Munyui, and Mothusi.

First Transfer Training in the following videos.....These 17 Trainers and their 17 companions have only been together for six weeks as the new ones arrived December 17th. It is almost like "night and day" to see them now that they have been here a while and are getting the hang of what it is like to be a missionary. Training is so vital to missionary work in the first three months.

Pancakes and french toast for 36 missionaries. She is the "best". They just keep coming and they just keep eating. I don't blame them.....they don't get this kind of breakfast out where they live.

A lot of excitement as they come in for a day of training and good food. We feed them breakfast and then they will have a great lunch at the Mission Home.....courtesy of Georgina.

These missionaries will teach 300 - 400 discussions this next week to people who have an interest in learning more about Jesus Christ and what we believe. AMAZING !!!

Young people from many, many different countries around the world.....all now here in Ghana with a common purpose....."to bring others unto Christ".

This conversation is probably about....."Sister Blodgett, I need a white shirt, or a pair of pants, or some new sandals". Just guessing, but that is what she does and they love her. And we thank the people who continue to donate clothes and other items for our missionaries.

The walking around the Mission Office. I love our street. We are so blessed to have the Mission Home and Mision Office right next to each other.

Heading over to the Mission Home with the Kaaen's to see what is going on during lunch.

Walking from our gate to our Home and Office.

Remember the video above with all the missionaries....very busy.....now it is very quiet (except for my music).....and we welcome the peace on our day off.....which is Saturday. However, because the missionaries have their day of on Monday.....we will see someone today.....that is a given. No day off for us......ever. But we are okay with that. Whatever we can do to help, we want to be there for these wonderful young people.

Gilbert has been to church for three Sundays in a row now. He is one of our security guards...........some day.........?

This guy was hanging around at the back of one of the shops we went to.