Our French Sisters Coordinated Well

The French Sisters in the Ghana MTC coordinated their outfits and sang in a French "Chorale" their last evening in the MTC.  Diane blended in well, as she wore one of her African gowns.

This work is devine

Our missionaries are now out in the field.  This is what Elder Yaw Kamisese serving in Ghana calls the work - devine.  He is right. 

Today All Missionaries in the Ghana MTC Depart for the Mission Field

Here is a video clip of the Nephi District.  These French-speaking Africans were in the MTC for six weeks learning to speak English and did a great job.

Ghana MTC 26 June 2015 Slideshow

Brothers for Life!

The best way to begin a mission in a foreign country is to be introduced to a new culture in the MTC.  In this safe space harbor, you will find the same culture (gospel culture) becomes the unifying culture that blends cultures from many lands together.  Such was the experience of Elder Hill.

Anyone You Know Interested in A Humanitarian Trip to Ghana

The February prior to our coming to Ghana, we took a team of eye doctors and their wives, two West Indies Returned Missionaries,  a returned West Indies Senior Missionary Couple, and 2 of our sons and a grandson to Guyana along with 7,500 pairs of eye glasses.  We had served for three years in the West Indies and had recognized a big need for eye care in Guyana.

Since coming to Ghana, we have recognized the same need.  Many of the same group are coming to Ghana the last week in October 2015 and you are invited if you want to do some humanitarian work in Ghana.

Last Friday, the proposed details of the trip were sent out by the trip coordinator, Lynda Pugh:

"Here are a few updates of information I have.   DELTA FLIGHT  10-23-2015  JFK to Accra, 4:42 p.m. Friday  $989 round trip  return home to JFK  MONDAY  NOV 2, 2015  

President  Robison has reserved a room for 3 nights during the project, within the Church complex which is only $26/night.  We will reserve the other nights at the Coconut Grove Hotel which is still near the temple, the chapel we will work out of, and other things we can see in the area.   The Coconut Grove includes breakfast,  a pool,  clean and nice, etc.

I can see how we can do the project setting up and maybe some patients Monday, Tuesday Wed and Thursday.  Friday clean up and be free the afternoon,  maybe the temple.  Saturday will be a free day also.   A possibility is travel 3 hours down to the Gold Coast see the Slave Castles, pet the alligators, canopy walk, other stuff, then home again 3 hours.  This could all be arranged later to find the cost and transportation.    Or if we stay in town on Saturday some things to see are:  shopping areas of their fabric, where they make the beads,  places with nativity scenes, etc.  much to see right in town.

Sunday we could attend church the same building we have been working in.  Monday fly out to New York at 10:15 am."

Here is a slideshow that highlights the Ghana trip.

Remembering President Packer

President Packer set me apart as a mission president.  I carry with me "Boyd K. Packer" quotes because he was such a master teacher.  During our welcome meeting with each new group, we have them read his quote on page 19 of Preach My Gospel:

“True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior.”

–President Boyd K. Packer

“Little Children,” Ensign, Nov. 1986, 17

Even on our mission to the West Indies, we shared this quote and taught the importance of teaching the doctrine.  In our final zone conference, Elder Hamilton and Jones role played an experience they had had with this principle:

Elders Hamilton and Jones

Here it is:

While they were out contacting people, Elder Hamilton started talking to man sitting on a curb with his cigarettes and alcohol. 

He taught the man a little about the restoration, and then he applied what we have been discussing all month - he briefly and simply taught one of the powerful doctrines of the Kingdom. 

He taught the man that his body is a gift from his Father in Heaven who loves him and that it is precious and needs to be kept clean and pure - like a temple. 

After a few minutes of conversation Elder Hamilton asked, referring to the alcohol, "So are you going to finish that?" The man picked up the bottle, emptied it out and said, holding up the restoration tract he had just been given, "I don't need it any more. I have this!"

We worked hard together to learn how to study and prepare to teach doctrine with that kind of converting power.