Amazing! Crazy! Busy!

Family,

The work is amazing, yet very crazy. Last Wednesday we left for Kumasi, and just got back about an hour ago. 6 days on the road, and we have been really busy with so many things.
Mom, I am sorry I didn't get a chance to answer all of your questions. Elder Adams and I are the only ones in our apt. It is a small one in the same compound as the mission home and mission office. There are 2 missionaries to each of the 1st and 2nd Cape Coast Wards and for now, we all meet in the same building. The family history center has about 6 computers and the people here are doing well, but the attitude of going to the temple is probably the same as back home. There are some that just don't see their temple attendance as a priority. I have come to learn that if someone wants to make time to go to the temple, there is not one single excuse, other than physical health, that they can not go. There are some amazingly faithful members here that don't have money to even travel to the temple, let alone eat, yet they are ordinance workers and go every week, some putting off work for two days due to travel. Bro Entwi was just recently called to be a sealer. As he was explaining it to us when we were there getting my license which I did get after a 250 cedis bribe to the DLV Chairman because my replacement license didn't have a picture on it. (haha funny story) Anyway, Bro Entwi told us that President Monson called the Accra temple president and told him that on this date, at this time, between 8 and 8:15, I give you my consent to give Bro Entwi the sealing power. It was amazing how he explained it and I almost broke into tears as I realized what this man has to sacrifice just to be able to save enough money to go to the temple and have food for his family as well. The Church is true and the temple is necessary for our salvation.

These past few weeks, we have been traveling to each of the districts with Pres Shulz to help and support the reminder of the rules that we as GCCM Missionaries keep. He quoted from a talk by Bruce R. McConkie entitled "The Probationary State of Mortality," that he gave at a seminar for the institute instructors and students at University of Utah. It has really helped me understand how truly important the message is that we share with these good people each and every day. The bold statement that Elder McConkie made to all of us in this article was that if we enter into the gate of repentance and baptism, by the proper authority, and then stay in the "mainstream" of the Church (a worthy temple recommend holder) and endure to the end, when we die...we will go to the spirit paradise and await exaltation. How profound a statement made by an apostle and how important a message given by Joseph, a small boy to the world. May we all go on in so great a cause.

There are so many things I want to write. I got to go up to my old area of Sunyani yesterday for Church. We arrived early and sat down to wait, hoping to see former investigators, recent converts, and friends walk in. Afia and her three grandkids Kwasi, Charlott, and Catherin were the first ones to walk in. It was like coming home! I couldn't stop Afia from giving me a hug, but I had to pretend to not hug back because pres and his wife were standing right there. It was great to see them again. Then Samuel, the man that asked Elder Omini and I to speak at his wedding walked in. When I left, he was not yet baptized, and this Sunday, Pres Shulz interviewed him for the Melchizedek Priesthood. Man, did I see the fruits of our missionary labors this week. I almost cried as they all just continued to come in. The sacrament was blessed by the local priesthood, talks were given by powerful members, and Sunday school taught and done in their native language.

On Saturday evening, we participated with the Zolls, and one set of Zone Leaders in a Book of Mormon like story...
...where 30 people were baptized in a sweet river location. After more then 3 years of waiting for some of these people, and to have the Area and First Presidency authorize the Priesthood to baptize these good people in the most faithful tithe paying group in all of West Africa, we were able to participate in an extremely momentous occasion. Elder Adams and I were the witnesses and video men/record keepers. We had more then 100 people there on the banks of small river in the middle of the bush, just a short walk from the roadside in a small village called Bibiani. Immediately after they were baptized and had changed back into their dry clothing, we split up into five groups of six because of time, and one of the priesthood brethren, laid hands on each one of the candidates and gave them the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Man it was powerful!!! Oh, and to top it all off, the Chief and Queen Mother, not members yet, were in attendance and gave their thoughtful and kind words to some of the most faithful members in the world. How blessed I truly am for being in this mission!

This past week, we received a letter from Elder Holland, saying that due to the cost of phone calls on Christmas and Mother's Day from so many missionaries, they are now allowing missionaries to skype if they want to.

Thanks for everything. I look forward to hearing from you all next week.

Elder Hair