November Report

With over 91 Gathering Places launched, we are now focusing on sustainability. It is our goal to meet with as many stake presidents and stake YSA committees as possible to listen, observe and train.  During November we visited 11 stakes throughout greater Accra, eastern and western Ghana. Since the distant is so great between stakes, Dale mapped out a seven-day journey to seven stakes/districts. What an adventure we had. The Saints were warm and loving. The travel conditions were sometimes very good and other times made us think that we were camping. Below is the mission report, our next post is the travelogue. 

Many stakes have caught the vision of how Gathering Places can build and support the faith of the Young Single Adults. Other stakes said our visit gave them the incentive to reset and refocus. We learned that WhatsApp is the main mode of communication, that institute classes are held in most of the stakes, many would like to learn how to start SRS classes, skills training is happening in half of the locations, all would like more activities within and between stakes and all would like more technology. We learned that the YSA are interested in getting married but see the biggest obstacle is lack of jobs. 

To support the stake presidents and YSA committees, we complied “The Gathering Place Resource Library.”  This online document is a library of information for use by the Stake YSA Committee.  The material serves as an aid for discussion, idea generation, and local application of learning opportunities in the areas of SRS, Institute, IT and trade skills, and usage of RACHELs.  We emphasize that final approval for all Gathering Place content resides with local Priesthood leadership.  

Stakes/districts visited:

Mpintsin: They have three GPs to address transportation concerns. We met with the three members of stake presidency, YSA committee and the three GP couples. Each GP meets at least once/week for FHE and an activity. They agreed to track attendance to better minister to YSA.

Takoradi: One stake presidency member, HC rep, GP couple, male and female representatives met with us. They were “disappointed” after their launch, expecting computers, etc., but warmed up and agreed to “hope and try” and to move forward with skills training. They thanked us for being “honest” with them about the lack of forthcoming computers.

 Axim:  District president, counselor and seven YSA met. Very little was happening. Since our visit they have started a WhatsApp group and planned an activity to happen by the end of 2021. “Getting together is a good thing.” They said our visit marks a reset for YSA focus. No GP.

Tarkwa: District president, counselor and 6 branch representatives met. Very positive presidency. They agreed to get together even though they don’t have a GP due to distance.

Twifu Praso: Met only with district president and one branch president. He reported all the YSA positions were filled. The DP was very opened about the needs of his YSA and dialoged openly. No GP because of distance.  

Assin Foso and Assin Foso South: Met together. Both stake presidents and counselors, RS resp, GP reps, ward reps were in attendance. We addressed the unfilled technology concerns since the launch. They are also concerned that the lack of jobs contributes to YSAs moving from the area. We were graciously received and had a lively and open training discussion.

Ho: GP launch with 75 YSA attending. District president expressed there was “distrust” among YSA due to lack of computer promises, but he was also positive that they were moving ahead with faith. They have a RACHEL and use it. The female representative organized the event.

Kumasi Dichemso: The launch was complete with cultural drums and dancing. The female and male representatives were committed and organized. They have accepted the call from their stake president to move the work of the YSA forward.

Madina: We attended a YSA Sunday School class that was well taught by a YSA and attended by six new converts. We met briefly with the stake president.

Tema: Approximately 75 Pathway students from the neighboring stakes were honored at an outdoor graduation ceremony.  Those in attendance were congratulated for their dedication and desire to be lifelong learners. Elder Klebingat was the keynote speaker.