SINK OR SWIM

There is an old idiom “sink or swim” which means that someone must succeed or fail entirely on their own efforts, without help or support. It implies a situation where the outcome depends entirely on the individual’s ability to cope with the challenge. That is where Jill and I are now because the people we were sent to replace have gone home. We are now in charge of the duties and responsibilities of running this mission and handling all the financial affairs. The mission is run mostly on a cash basis system….meaning very little electronic banking.  I pay the bills with cash ….kind of crazy. Just like the "old" days.....even before computers and phones.

Not only did the Senior Couple we replaced leave, so did the Mission President and another MLS couple (Member Leader Support). The new Mission President, President Campbell, had his flight cancelled and did not make it here until the next day. He never saw President Jacobsen. President Jacobsen was already gone. We picked up the new mission leaders at the airport, which you can see a picture of below. And now we are all doing what is expected of us….kind of like the “blind leading the blind”. But we got this, and everything will continue working just fine….just like the “old guard”. The most important part of our work is supporting the missionary effort and they continue to do what they do…. day in and day out….and we are here to make sure everything is running smoothly so they can do work without interruption. We were talking with two elders yesterday that said they have more people to teach…. than they can even get to in a week….not enough time to teach all those that could be taught. They are extremely busy. 

 It was brought to my attention this week that the only calling in the church where the person actually applies for a calling….is full-time missionary service.  All other callings are given by a Bishop or Stake President, and the person is called to a particular position.  Not the missionary call…..the person fills out an application and is willing and excited to serve in that calling.  We are certainly grateful our application was accepted. 

We are loving the people of Ghana and the work we are doing. Let me share of few experiences as to why it is so easy to love these people:(1) Whenever I drive into the parking lot of the Bank the church does business with, the parking lot attendant moves “cones” so that I can park right up front, closest to the door. All he knows is that I am an “older”, white-haired man. He doesn’t know anything else about me because I have only been here a week. He doesn't know what church I belong to, but he sees me coming in a white shirt and gives me a very nice parking spot. (2) We were at the mall getting some groceries, and as we began to leave, there was a downpour, buckets and buckets of rain coming down. There was no way we could run to our car without getting soaked. I mean really soaked. There were about 50 other people just waiting to go outside, patiently waiting to see if the rain would lighten up. It didn’t quit for about an hour. In the meantime, we are all standing there waiting and a 30-year-old young man, tall and buff, came up to Jill and said, “I would like you to have my seat”.  Jill said, “no, that’s okay, I can stand”.  He said, “no I insist” and helped her to his seat on a bench. His girlfriend then got up and gave me her seat. We were kind of embarrassed (because we don't think we are that old), but we took the seats, and they smiled and stood over against the wall. That is what we see every day….people being polite and friendly. (3) Sometimes I will go to pay for something, and they look at me and say, “no pay”.  I insist and they say, “no”.  They look at our missionary tags and have such respect for what we are doing. They know we are doing God’s work. I don’t even think they know what church we belong to….they just see the words, “The Church of Jesus Christ” and they smile and are extremely respectful. That is why it is easy to love the people here in Ghana. They love God and anyone that they think also loves God….they pay attention to…. and treat them with respect. 

A few of the pictures below will give you an idea of what we see….beautiful women and little children, an outdoor market, Patrick our driver, a dress maker, a lady selling bagels, a lady speaking in church, our mission leaders and couples that went home, the assistants to the Mission President, the money man, and our new mission leaders. Ghana is hot and humid, which is why the people are so warm and friendly.  We have not felt “unsafe” for a single minute the 10 days we have been here. We do our walking in the morning and everyone says "Hi".

Jill and I are trying our best to live a good life, to be receptive to the spirit, so that we can heed any promptings that may come our way. We need all the help we can get. Please keep praying for us. Nephi said, “Feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do”.  Later, in the Book of Mormon, Alma is giving advice to his sons, “Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and He will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night, lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up”.  We are relying upon the Lord to help us learn, remember, and retain all that we have been taught so that we can do our work ….and keep the missionaries running to do their work. 

Little girls with their Mom, at the airport and at church.

A woman selling dress material at the market.

At the market.

A woman who comes to the office to offer to make dresses.

Patrick our driver and "does everything" man. He is currently serving as a Bishop and we could not survive without him.

Pictures from church. That"s the mission president and bishopric.

Jill and I at our first church meeting.

People leaving after church is over.

Office staff before they leave this week.

Our very amazing two Assistants to the President.

All the Senior couples in the Mission before half of them left this week.

Jill and I with all this money. Please dont tell anyone.

Our new mission leaders.... President and Sister Campbell from Orem, Utah.

We hope you all have a great week.  Happy 4th of July.  God Bless America.