June 2022 Random Activities

June 17: Koforidua YSA Temple Trip 

Koforidua is a lovely mountain village in Ghana with a small local trade school. At one point in time, it was a community of prominence in the Eastern Region. With the shifting economy, the young people began leaving, which is something the stake president does not want. He wants the youth in his stake to stay and build up the faltering community, not head to Accra to find work. Lack of jobs is a very real concern. We have visited there twice, and each time enjoyed the warmth and hospitality of the members, but we also saw the economic desperation.  

On June 17 approximately 50 YSA traveled to Accra to attend the temple and a devotional where we talked about life planning and marriage.

Sometimes the hoops in the church gym are just a little too tempting for Elder Munk.  

Our friend Jefferson and his fiancé as they left the temple after her endowment. Marriages here are complicated. There is a traditional marriage where the man goes to the woman’s home to present her father and brothers with the pre-determined Bride Price. Second, the government marriage, and third the temple sealing.  

One of the buildings on the Church campus is the Ancillary Building where temple patrons stay when they travel from countries across the Area to attend the temple. It is a joy to watch so many arrive in busses, vans, or tro-tros packed to the brim. Note the man in the white shirt on the roof tying baggage to the top of the van so all the inside space can be for people. One day we counted as a van emptied—1, 2, 3, 4, 5…21, 22, 23! And that didn’t include the driver. Dedicated, humble Saints not concerned with personal comfort.  

June 24-25  

The annual Families Conference is spearheaded by the Church and includes various agencies and governments across West Africa whose shared goal is to celebrate families. This year the theme was Strengthening the Rising Generation. YSA was asked to host a booth showcasing the Gathering Place. We asked the Kasoa Stake Presidency and YSA committee to talk about the positive impact their GP has on the YSA in their stake in terms of trade skill development, jobs, and spiritual growth. https://Gathering Place 

Media came to record and report. Conference-goers were impressed with the concept and asked questions on the purpose and implementation. Our friends from UT, the Neiders, came to town AND our new YSA senior missionaries, the Platts, arrived! Hooray!! 

The Area Presidency requested the Church video of “I Am A Child of God” shown in ageneral session. This is what the production crew came up with. These are our friends, this is the building where we work and the playground from the Ancilary Building. I love this! 

  

 

June 25  

Peter’s daughter Louisa Munk was baptized in Atlanta. We were so sad to miss the event but were grateful see and hear through technology. We love your commitment to the Gospel, Lou! 

June 29 

The Gambia is a small finger shaped country that pokes into the west side of Senegal. In the month of June the Church was given official standing in the country, meaning missionaries can now proselytize and the group of 21 members became an official branch. The newly called Branch president brought his family 1250 miles to the temple to be sealed. It was very tender. We were fortunate to participate in doing proxy baptism work with them. As I sat in the witness chair, I could feel Heavenly Father’s approval. “God is mindful of every people, whatsoever land they may be in…” Alma 26:37