Hello everyone,
Last Sunday Ghana celebrated it's 59th year of independence from British rule. We understand there was a parade at Independence Square, but that the crowds are horrendous so we chose not to go. We did see fireworks coming from the direction of the President's residence in the evening. Monday was a National holiday but the streets were quiet.
On Tuesday we sat in on a "Facilitators training" meeting. Four individuals from New Gbawe represented the groups we initiated on Sunday. One of our facilitators is Illa Florentine, a french speaker from Ivory Coast where he taught biology to high school students. He has only been in Ghana since the new year and is rapidly picking up English. Besides meeting with the missionaries, he wanted to learn more about becoming self reliant so we invited him to join a group. I have really enjoyed getting to know him and Elder Lambert has enjoyed conversation about science and biology.
On our way to another meeting at Cape Coast we stopped in Winneba to deliver some supplies. Here we met with Brother Tufour who shared an example of self reliance that really appealed to us. First, you have to understand that most people -low income/slums do not have clean drinking water in their homes, so drinking water is sold on the streets in sachets, (little plastic bags that hold about 2 cups of liquid.) Water sachets costs 10 pesewas (about 3 cents).
Brother Tufour taught his family that after having a drink, and instead of squeezing what is left out onto the ground they should save it into a container for future use. As the family practiced this principle they soon saw how fast the unused water accumulated. We loved this example because we see people wasting their water all the time and 10pG is not much, but when you don't have much to start with and then you throw it away..... As they say here "if you save small small, then at the end of the day you will have enough." So, here comes the challenge... what can you save small small that will make a difference at the end of the day for your family? Be creative!
At Cape Coast we witnessed the formation of the first Business Council that we are aware of within the two coordinating councils/areas we cover. It was exciting to see 20 business owners come together, elect a chairman, assistant and secretary and formulate a plan to support each other in their businesses. Elder Lambert and I gave a few remarks at the close of the meeting. We truly " believe that there will come a time when honorable members of the church will not only bless their families because of their success but will help Ghana itself change and grow for the good of all its people. We believe that members of this church will begin to stand out and the people of Ghana will take notice. We believe Zion in Ghana will become as a beacon on the hill lighting the way for a better future for the wonderful people of this country. We believe the Self Reliance Program will have a strong role in all of that happening."
On Friday we visited Kakum National Park. Within the park are hikes and a tree house where guests can stay overnight to experience the rainforest after dark. It also includes a canopy walkway 40 meters off the ground. These rope bridges gave us a wonderful perspective of the forest below. Unfortunately Fridays are very busy and noisy with school field trips so we didn't see the monkeys or forest elephants which are common to the area. Still, a good experience to see rainforest... before it is all gone.
Yesterday we taught sharing time to the Primary. The children loved the story of Samuel the Lamanite and his prophecy of the coming of the Savior. For understanding, we reenacted the story (minus stones and arrows!) and "Samuel" stood on a table and pointed to the "signs": 5 years, day and a night and a day as one day, a new star, and "that ye might know of the coming of Jesus Christ ... to the intent that ye might believe on His name." I am grateful to be able to testify of prophets; ancient and modern, who speak for the Lord and teach us truths which if heeded will lead us safely through this life.
Love and Hugs to every one of you,
Elder and Sister Lambert
Pix New Business Council leaders
Kakum National Park
Zoom in in the sign on the back of the tro-tro!
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