Tribal Chief visit

Sunday July 22 we took Elder and Sister Taylor (associate area legal counsel) to the North Ridge Ward for church.  Each senior couple is assigned a ward where they attend and offer assistance to the Bishop in whatever capacity he may need their help.  It turned out to be their ward conference so the stake president was there who we know quite well as he works in the Area Office in the travel department. 

We learned that they also had some other special guests in attendance.  The  Adabraka Area Chief of the Ga tribe had been invited. It is common for the local political/tribal leaders to be invited to Church and other local activities.  They often accept.  They want to know what influence we are having on their people. Two tribal elders and a tribal council woman also attended. The chief and elders came dressed in the tribal garb pictured below.

 

We were impressed that they stayed for the whole three hour block of meetings.  During Sunday School the lesson was on Alma Chapter 30.  Because they were reading several verses in the chapter we felt that the visitors should be given a copy of the Book of Mormon so that they could follow along. The sister missionaries who are assigned to the ward were able to come up with four copies and we gave them each one to have.  The chief liked the story of the anti-Christ, Korihor.  He said it reminded him of crooked politicians in Ghana! They all seemed to be attentively listening.

 

Stephaney learned later that during their exit meeting with the Bishop and Stake President the Chief expressed appreciation for the teachings he had heard.  He appreciated the use of English rather than a tribal language, indicating greater progress as a nation will be made using English. It turned out that the councilwoman is a less active member. He encouraged her to return to activity.

We are well and happy!