Primary General President Susan H. Porter and Sister Michelle D. Craig, first counselor in the Young Women general presidency, have been meeting with children, youth and adults in the Africa West Area.
Speaking at an area-wide devotional in Accra, Ghana, on Nov. 5, Sister Craig said she was overcome with love for each of them — “Love that I know our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have for each of you.”
She said as she and President Porter discussed what they wanted to say, they felt there were three things that Heavenly Father wanted the people in Ghana to know: “You are known by God, you are loved by God, and you are needed by God.”
During her time in Ghana, Sister Craig said she felt of the people’s hospitality, kindness and welcoming nature.
“I love that you love Jesus Christ, and you aren’t afraid to bear witness of Him. These are gifts that Heavenly Father knows you have and is anxious for you to share with others,” she said.
Sister Craig asked everyone to ask themselves “What should I start doing?” and, “What should I stop doing?” The answers, she said, are personal revelation that comes from the Holy Ghost.
She spoke of seeing beautiful African women carrying heavy loads upon their heads, and said many people carry heavy loads on the inside. “We need to help each other and help carry the heavy burdens.”
She also spoke about the new “For the Strength of Youth” guide and the principles inside for the youth and encouraged the members to look at it online.
When President Porter began her remarks, she invited the Primary children in the audience to join her on the stand and sing “I Am a Child of God.” After they sang, President Porter gave each child a hug before they returned to their seats.
She told them, “You children can set the example for all of us adults, as you show love and kindness and forgiveness.”
As President Porter took questions and comments from women in the congregation, she said sometimes people want to just blend in, but the Lord needs members of the Church to stand out in distinct and happy ways to bring people to Jesus Christ.
President Porter testified of a loving Heavenly Father. “He knows us, He loves, and He needs us. When we make whatever effort we can to keep the covenants we made when we were baptized or in the temple, He will help us be a light to those around us that will draw others to the gospel.”
Sister Craig, traveling with her husband Brother E. Boyd Craig, and President Porter, traveling with her son Chris Porter, attended other meetings during the weekend with members of the Africa West Area presidency.
They heard a special choir from the Ashaiman Ghana Stake sing on Sunday, Nov. 6, and they ministered to Primary children in the Accra Ghana Tesano Stake the same day.
Visit to Ghana National Mosque
On Monday, Nov. 7, the leaders visited the Ghana National Mosque. Mohammed Abubakari Marzuq, the personal assistant to the chief imam, welcomed the delegation and led them on a tour of the mosque, reported the Church’s Africa Newsroom.
“We welcome another opportunity to visit with our friends from the Church. We affirm our commitment to work together and exchange ideas,” Marzuq said.
After the tour, President Porter and Sister Craig held a round table meeting with young adult women of the Ghana Muslim Students Association to discuss education, families and employment needs and opportunities in Ghana.
President Porter asked the group to answer the question: “From your viewpoint what needs are most important to be met in your community and in your country?”
A member of the association, Samira Mumuni, shared, “We are worried about the children. They are very vulnerable. In our faith we believe that everything we can instill in a child they will be able to keep it as they get older.”
President Porter also asked the group, “How can we strengthen marriages and parents as they raise faithful children?”
Rabiatu Muhammad gave her thoughts: “The mother and father must be spiritually very strong as the parents in the home. They must put the children on the right path because the children observe your spiritual strength.”
After the meeting, the Church’s Africa West Area Facebook page posted a video with President Porter and Sister Craig about what they learned.
President Porter said the mosque was beautiful, and she saw how much Latter-day Saints and Muslims have in common — like prayer throughout the day. “Both faiths are looking to God all day,” she said.
Sister Craig was inspired by the similarities between the two faiths. “One of the things I love is their focus on learning — being life-long learners and using that knowledge for good,” she said.
