WORSHIPPING IN GHANA

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) is a total wonder to me!  It reaffirms my faith over and over again as I see the fruits of the work that is taking place all over the world.

Kwabenya Ward Chapel

We were happy to learn that our chapel is just a block or so from our apartment so we can walk to church.  That's especially valuable since we pay for taxis for all our transportation needs unless one of the staff members pick us up.  So we went by the church on the first Saturday to get some details about the church service the following day.  Two missionaries and the ward mission leader, a young man named Frank, were there waiting for an investigator.  We had a good visit and made plans to attend.

Elders Dayley and Peterson

On the weekends Brandon Webster, an intern for BYU Idaho stays with us.  During the week he lives at the Golden Sunbeam High School with no A/C, television or company, so it's a joy to give him a break. He has been a great house guest, easy to please, happy to eat whatever we can concoct and it gives Bob a chance to brainstorm with him about how to best proceed at the school.

Brandon Webster - Our weekend house guest

Therefore, Brandon walks to church with us.  The ward members thought he was our son for awhile, but we explained the situation, also catching them up on the McGarys.

Our walk to church is "interesting", we zig zag back and forth over dirt, ruts, cement, traffic and trash, passing many street businesses on the way.  We are just grateful it is so close!

According to Hans, most everyone goes to church on Sunday. This is a devoutly  Christian nation. They dress very nicely. In fact I have been impressed with how clean, neat, and modes their dress is generally. I have not seen one immodestly dressed person yet. That's amazing to me in such a hot climate.

Now to get back to our church meeting.  We were surprised to find such a large ward in our area.  The room was filled!  People were so friendly and welcoming. (Ghanaians say, "Welcome!" whenever they see an obvious foreigner and we are obvious foreigners).

With few exceptions, when we  attend church,  we could be in the U.S.

Exceptions:

1.  Everyone else is black

2.  Speakers start by saying, "Good Morning" to which everyone replies "Good Morning" and everyone gives a hearty "Amen".

3.  Lessons and discussions shift back and forth from "Twi" (native language for most) and English             and we are often not sure which one they are speaking.

4.  Some speakers are very direct and to the point.  In our first sacrament meeting a young man  gave a talk on chastity.  He left nothing out, covered the subject much more thoroughly than I have ever heard. (I was so taken with it, I turned my phone onto "record" - not sure I should admit that!)

5.  Hymns are sung by everyone.  The young man, who played the keyboard the first two weeks, left on a mission to London. (Gave a powerful testimony). But, that left us without accompaniment.  That is often the case, like in Relief Society, Primary, etc. So traditionally the chorister sings the first line of the hymn to determine the proper pitch and meter. etc., then she begins the hymn again, leading the congregation. (A couple of times I found myself joining her in the first verse... I'm learning!)  

They also pause a bit after each verse before beginning the next verse.  I love hearing the African accent in the hymns.  I find myself pronouncing the words with them...which means dropping "r"'s That was especially fun when we sang "Nearer My God to Thee" last Sunday. (Niwah)

6. Discussions are passionate, comments longer, beginning times recognized but not closing times.
 I am sure they are in no hurry to leave their ward family.

7. Every prayer is so sincere and filled with gratitude beyond what I'm used to hearing.

All these differences are cultural and delightful to enjoy.  The quality of the teaching, the implementation of church programs and procedures, the leadership of the Bishop and Relief Society President and the beautiful Spirit of it all is inspiring.

We are so blessed to learn from these great people

The first week they announced 3 baptisms the next Saturday, an assignment to clean the church and a R.S. weeknight meeting which the husbands also attend.

I tried to sneak a picture in Relief Society. The lady in front in pink has a child wrapped to her back.
Many women come that way.  Once again, It works! Lessons and instructions are often said twice..once in Twi and again in English or visa versa.  It takes our total attention to figure out what is being said.  Often a sister will lean over and translate when I look a little lost.

The second week that we attended, the new Mission President and his wife, President and Sister Heid attended also. They had just arrived the night before and wanted to return to the Kwabenya  Ward where they served a couples mission for PEF just a year or so ago.  Annie had informed me that they are good friends with Alan and Judy Ruden so we had an immediate connection.

Last Sunday the Eltons were in our meetings.  They are from Tooele Utah and in Todd and Meanie Thompson's Stake. Todd, our niece's husband, was recently made their Stake President. They will be attending for 6 weeks to oversee a temple preparation class.  A black sister from Virginia, Gifty, is visiting for the summer.  Her daughter, who attended BYU Idaho for two years, is currently living here, trying to get a new student visa and is most anxious to get back.  They have been very friendly, exchanging phone numbers, etc. 

We are meeting and getting to know more people each week.