Pioneer Day 2021 was celebrated by a second trip to the Accra art market
and a Gathering Place launch in Kaneshie. I took Dale and another couple to
the market. The vendors circle and hover like flies when they see white skin
and missionary name badges. I thought I could lead Dale to the vendor who
had the painting I had selected the week before, but the market is so dense
and crowded I couldn’t. I had a picture on my phone of what I wanted, so one
of the vendors scurried off and returned the exact painting. Dale had a fun
time bartering the price. The vendor had a fun(?) time too, “No, no, Daddy,
no…” We eventually settled on a price and I walked away with a lovely
painting.
We found a vendor who agreed to take us into the living area so we could see
where the carving and weaving happens. Dale and the other couple agreed to
the walk to humor me, but soon got into experiencing the everyday sights of
these hard-working artisans. Our one guide turned into three, each pitching us
on what we’d find in their market shop. They told us that all of the artists gave
the money they earned each day to the Godfather/King/Chief (three titles for
one person, choose one) and he gave each villager what they deserved. Dale
said, “Oh, you put all your money in one pot.” The three were quite taken
back, “Pot, no, no money in pots!”
That afternoon was a Gather Launch in Kenshie, a very populated area of
Accra. It was very well organized by a stake president with great vision. They
had YSA at various booths describing what could be learned by enrolling in
Pathway, Institute, Start and Grow Your Business, etc. The YSA were well
prepared and very articulate. Once again, the Chief and city dignitaries
attended. A member of Ghana’s national parliament was there. He and Dale
had a good conversation about the dire employment situation and offered to
continue the conversation. They loved what the church is doing to help and
support their community, if it helps their people they humbly accept the offer.
Sunday was church in Ashieman. This is a small branch about one hour drive,
in what the missionaries say is the hottest and dustiest area in the Accra
Mission. Their numbers are few, but the people are strong in spirit and
knowledgeable in the doctrines. We arrived at the building after following the
GPS through a few errant turns over dirt roads that got narrower and narrower
as the neighborhoods got more and more densely populated. When the
people (always helpful with directions and providing assistance) started
motioning for us to stop and turn around, we realized there had to be a better
way! We worked our way out of the tight quarters (more assistance from the
people) and within minutes were headed in the right direction.
I love seeing the leadership of each branch and ward conduct meetings. If you
close your eyes you could be at any ward in any place in the US. The
structure is the same, the transition words from one topic to the next are the
same, the way people are acknowledged is the same. There is a church
standard, written and unwritten. One thing that is different here, is how quickly
you become the main sacrament meeting speakers within minutes of
introducing yourself to the bishop/branch president.
Our combined Relief Society/Young Women discussion topic was Elder Oaks,
“What Has Our Savior Done for Us?" The sisters were very quick to share
how their lives are blessed because of Jesus. These women live in humble
homes, many have no running water and, perhaps, just a single light bulb
hanging from the center of the room. But, instead of feeling disappointed in
their life situation, they list their blessings. They pay their tithing and attend the
temple. And, they sing! They sing hymns of praise joyfully, loudly and with
gusto! (One of their favorites is “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”—I wonder if
they know it is an American patriotic anthem.)
After church we talked with two YSA men. One is 23, the Elder’s Quorum
President, Pathway Connect graduate, BYU-I student, but unemployed. The
other, David, is 29, has two small jobs from which he provides partial support
for two of his siblings who are currently serving missions, his mother and
younger siblings. Neither young man is married, and both expressed concerns
as to why getting married is so difficult. Financial pressures include paying
TWO-years of rent in advance of occupancy and meeting the terms of the
bride price as set by the girl’s parents. But the biggest obstacle is that there
are very few, to no jobs. The underemployment numbers are staggering. We
know individuals with, for example, master’s degrees in chemical engineering,
etc., who can’t find jobs. No work makes it hard to support a family.
Apparently, most of those who marry have parents who are able to offer initial
financial support. Here is a final twist. At every church meeting and activity,
we’ve attended, it is about 60% men to 40% women. These two men
lamented that the girls, just like to stay home.
and a Gathering Place launch in Kaneshie. I took Dale and another couple to
the market. The vendors circle and hover like flies when they see white skin
and missionary name badges. I thought I could lead Dale to the vendor who
had the painting I had selected the week before, but the market is so dense
and crowded I couldn’t. I had a picture on my phone of what I wanted, so one
of the vendors scurried off and returned the exact painting. Dale had a fun
time bartering the price. The vendor had a fun(?) time too, “No, no, Daddy,
no…” We eventually settled on a price and I walked away with a lovely
painting.
We found a vendor who agreed to take us into the living area so we could see
where the carving and weaving happens. Dale and the other couple agreed to
the walk to humor me, but soon got into experiencing the everyday sights of
these hard-working artisans. Our one guide turned into three, each pitching us
on what we’d find in their market shop. They told us that all of the artists gave
the money they earned each day to the Godfather/King/Chief (three titles for
one person, choose one) and he gave each villager what they deserved. Dale
said, “Oh, you put all your money in one pot.” The three were quite taken
back, “Pot, no, no money in pots!”
That afternoon was a Gather Launch in Kenshie, a very populated area of
Accra. It was very well organized by a stake president with great vision. They
had YSA at various booths describing what could be learned by enrolling in
Pathway, Institute, Start and Grow Your Business, etc. The YSA were well
prepared and very articulate. Once again, the Chief and city dignitaries
attended. A member of Ghana’s national parliament was there. He and Dale
had a good conversation about the dire employment situation and offered to
continue the conversation. They loved what the church is doing to help and
support their community, if it helps their people they humbly accept the offer.
Sunday was church in Ashieman. This is a small branch about one hour drive,
in what the missionaries say is the hottest and dustiest area in the Accra
Mission. Their numbers are few, but the people are strong in spirit and
knowledgeable in the doctrines. We arrived at the building after following the
GPS through a few errant turns over dirt roads that got narrower and narrower
as the neighborhoods got more and more densely populated. When the
people (always helpful with directions and providing assistance) started
motioning for us to stop and turn around, we realized there had to be a better
way! We worked our way out of the tight quarters (more assistance from the
people) and within minutes were headed in the right direction.
I love seeing the leadership of each branch and ward conduct meetings. If you
close your eyes you could be at any ward in any place in the US. The
structure is the same, the transition words from one topic to the next are the
same, the way people are acknowledged is the same. There is a church
standard, written and unwritten. One thing that is different here, is how quickly
you become the main sacrament meeting speakers within minutes of
introducing yourself to the bishop/branch president.
Our combined Relief Society/Young Women discussion topic was Elder Oaks,
“What Has Our Savior Done for Us?" The sisters were very quick to share
how their lives are blessed because of Jesus. These women live in humble
homes, many have no running water and, perhaps, just a single light bulb
hanging from the center of the room. But, instead of feeling disappointed in
their life situation, they list their blessings. They pay their tithing and attend the
temple. And, they sing! They sing hymns of praise joyfully, loudly and with
gusto! (One of their favorites is “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”—I wonder if
they know it is an American patriotic anthem.)
After church we talked with two YSA men. One is 23, the Elder’s Quorum
President, Pathway Connect graduate, BYU-I student, but unemployed. The
other, David, is 29, has two small jobs from which he provides partial support
for two of his siblings who are currently serving missions, his mother and
younger siblings. Neither young man is married, and both expressed concerns
as to why getting married is so difficult. Financial pressures include paying
TWO-years of rent in advance of occupancy and meeting the terms of the
bride price as set by the girl’s parents. But the biggest obstacle is that there
are very few, to no jobs. The underemployment numbers are staggering. We
know individuals with, for example, master’s degrees in chemical engineering,
etc., who can’t find jobs. No work makes it hard to support a family.
Apparently, most of those who marry have parents who are able to offer initial
financial support. Here is a final twist. At every church meeting and activity,
we’ve attended, it is about 60% men to 40% women. These two men
lamented that the girls, just like to stay home.
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