ACCRA, GHANA
More than 10,000 young men and women, ages 12 to 18, from seven countries in western Africa, representing seven stakes and 32 districts, came together to celebrate the 180th anniversary of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and to hear a special message from President Thomas S. Monson.
It was history in the making, Aug. 28, as audiences all over western Africa witnessed the first Latter-day Saint youth dramatic production of its kind. The theme, "A Mighty Change," was chosen to invite all participants to experience for themselves the mighty change of heart enjoyed and encouraged by Alma the Younger.
Simultaneous celebrations were held in 20 venues throughout Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, Benin, Ivory Coast, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Casts with as few as 40 members to more than 1,700 members, performed before a collective audience of more than 30,000 individuals.
"President Monson's love of the youth and his counsel to help them more fully understand who they really are through occasional participation in larger youth activities, was the means through which the Lord inspired and directed this remarkable event," said Elder Craig A. Cardon of the Seventy and president of the Africa West Area. "We believe this is the first area-wide youth activity in West Africa. Through it the youth came to know and feel that they are a part of the great latter-day gathering occurring throughout the earth. They were able to feel and know that the Book of Mormon is true and has come from God through His prophets to all the world and, more specifically, to the nations of West Africa."
In August of 2009, members of the Africa West Area Presidency — Elder Cardon and his counselors, Elder John B. Dickson and Joseph W. Sitati — issued an invitation to Sister Linda Petersen to write a script and an original musical composition for a youth production celebrating the Book of Mormon during its 180th anniversary.
The primary objective was to increase within each participant a testimony of the Book of Mormon and of the Savior, Jesus Christ. A second objective was to help all participants know that they are part of the promised gathering of the Lord's covenant people throughout the earth in these latter days.
Sister Petersen and her husband, Elder Arlon Petersen, from Gilbert, Ariz., are serving as missionaries in Ghana. Sister Petersen said her experience in both community theater and with the Mesa Arizona Easter Pageant helped her with her assignment to put together the program.
Sister Petersen joined with a committee of Area Seventies, including Elder Declan O. Madu, Elder Richard K. Ahadjie and Elder Norbert K. Ounleu, to coordinate the activities of the 20 performing groups.
"In personal, individual ways, the youth here now know more fully what the Lord expects of them, and they have been strengthened and made able to do what lies before them," Elder Cardon said. "We are profoundly grateful for His Spirit that so abundantly blessed and directed this glorious event."
A focus on priesthood purpose
The Church in West Africa is still relatively young — the majority of the congregations being comprised of first- and second-generation members. Most of these youth have never even witnessed a play, much less had the opportunity to participate firsthand, in a production of this kind. Many were grateful for the opportunity to discover talents and find greater self-confidence.
"On getting to the venue I felt a terrible fear as never before. I decided to pray for Heavenly Father to grant me the strength and courage to face the large audience," said Kevin Okoro, 15, from the Abeokuta 2nd Branch in the Abeokuta Nigeria District. "He answered my prayer and the spirit of fear was taken away."
One of the priesthood purposes envisioned by the area presidency was to help the youth recognize they are not alone in their beliefs. There are youth — all over Africa and throughout the world — in hundreds of wards and branches just like their own, who are standing up for truth and righteousness.
"While watching the event, my heart was filled to overflowing with gratitude as I witnessed what the Lord was accomplishing in the hearts and souls of His precious sons and daughters," Elder Cardon said. "God inspired and directed this marvelous event. It is a joy to see the lives of so many blessed and their testimonies strengthened."
Enyi Chiji, the drama director for the Aba, Nigeria, cast, embraced this concept. Brother Chiji organized a pen pal system to connect the youth from several stakes and districts for the months of rehearsals. Letters included words of encouragement such as those written by Joy to Juliet, "Be strong and of good courage. Be not afraid. Stand firm in the faith for the Lord will be with you." The young people were able to meet their pen pals at the performance.
"This youth program was a mighty change for me," said Augustine Momoh, of Abeokuta 3rd Branch. "It changed me from secluding myself to mixing with youth from other areas of the Church."
A comment from one youth in the Uyo Nigeria Stake cast echoed those sentiments. "The special youth program provided a forum for the youth to interact, know each other and make friends."
"A mighty change"
The central message of the production, presented in three parts, portrayed the mighty change that the Book of Mormon has wrought upon the earth. The opening scenes highlighted the events of the Restoration, followed by the arrival of the Book of Mormon in western Africa and concluded with a personal invitation from Alma to be spiritually born of God.
The celebration began with a representation of the Hill Cumorah and the ancient prophets Nephi, Jacob, Mormon and Moroni testifying of Jesus Christ and prophesying to the world that this record would be kept and preserved by the hand of God to come forth at a future day.
Audiences witnessed scenes depicting Joseph Smith receiving the plates and, after translating them, organizing the Church. One of the highlights of the performance included an arrangement, by Gerald Lund, of the hymns, "A Marvelous Work Has Begun to Come Forth," blended with "The Spirit of God." Voices of cast members proclaiming "Hosanna, hosanna to God and the Lamb," filled the air, as performers exited the stage, in missionary attire, holding aloft copies of the Book of Mormon and bearing banners representing nations of the world where the gospel has been proclaimed to date.
During the portrayal of Lehi and his family leaving Jerusalem, the cast demonstrated the importance of relying upon the Lord for guidance. They were led to understand that Latter-day Saints have "Liahonas" today — the scriptures and a living prophet, President Thomas S. Monson.
"As I learned the lines and played the role, I felt to emulate Nephi in the attributes of obedience, faithfulness, patience and forgiveness," said Elijah Vamdoi from Sierra Leone, who played the part of Nephi.
The scenery and costuming were particularly creative with regard to Lehi's vision of "The Tree of Life." Through visual representation of the rod, the tree with its fruit, the mists of darkness (portrayed through dance), and the large and spacious building, the youth found personal application of the dream.
"I learned that some of my actions may put me in that large and spacious building from time to time," one young woman remarked. "I do not want to be there. I must be careful of my words and actions."
Abinadi Xaxagbe of Accra, Ghana, observed, "The four groups Lehi saw in his dream are a representation of how we each can fare in the scheme of things. This reminds me of the parable of the sower as taught by Jesus Christ."
Youth were encouraged through the address of King Benjamin to be "one" and to remember the covenants made as they took upon themselves the name of Jesus Christ.
Several youth bore witness of the impact of the scene of Abinadi.
"I learned that we need to defend the truth," said Lokpo Madou, of Abidjan, Ivory Coast. "I was impressed that Abinadi stood firm despite persecution. We need to talk ... so that people can change for the better."
At the conclusion of the production two stirring scenes made an impact — Helaman and the "Stripling Warriors," followed by Moroni and the "Title of Liberty." As soldiers, the youth donned spears and shields, marching onto center stage.
"I played the role of captain Moroni," said Salieu Lamin Lansana, of Sierra Leone. "I learned that we as members of the Church need to be vigilant so that we cannot be led away by unrighteous people and groups. I know that my role as Moroni showed the responsibility of a righteous leader who motivated others to come to the knowledge of truth and light. The Title of Liberty was a standard used to measure faithfulness. Ours today is found in the 'For the Strength of the Youth' pamphlet. Reading it has helped me to improve."
Many audience members felt this testimony and spontaneously rose to join in singing "Behold a Royal Army" at the conclusion of these scenes.
"It was gratifying to watch the youth connect doctrine and real life as they found themselves in the characters they portrayed," Sister Petersen said.
A prophet's voice
In a message recorded and prepared especially for the youth of the Africa West Area, President Thomas S. Monson bore powerful testimony of the Book of Mormon and of the Lord. At each venue, a quiet, reverent hush fell on all participants and spectators as they heard the voice of the prophet of God.
He concluded his remarks with these words: "My young brothers and sisters, I encourage you to read and study the Book of Mormon. The words of truth and inspiration found therein will become prized possessions to you as they are to me. As you live the gospel of Jesus Christ as taught in the Book of Mormon, you will gain that abiding faith and will experience the 'mighty change of heart' spoken of in Alma. May your faith in your Heavenly Father and His Son sustain you, through whatever challenges may come your way. Safe journey, my young friends."
For many, performing and hearing the prophet speak was a life-changing event.
"This special event has wrought a mighty change in my heart," said Samuel Bagbansoro, a youth from Aboekuta, Nigeria. "From the rehearsals to the actual performances, I was immeasurably blessed with the Lord's Spirit. I have since committed myself to be a valiant servant in the Lord's vineyard."
