Speaking from the grounds of the Accra Ghana Temple at the end of a 10-day ministry in the area, Elder David A. Bednar said he is already looking forward to coming back.
“These are people with great faith,” he said. “We love being here. We love these people. And we love this place.” He noted that the Accra temple was dedicated in 2004, the same year he became an Apostle.
With him was the newest member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Elder Patrick Kearon, who said it was wonderful to be on assignment in Africa.
“What we have experienced is a people who are just so full of joy and energy and vigor in their faith. And I think that is an example for all of us,” Elder Kearon said.
During their time in the Africa West Area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder Bednar and Elder Kearon spoke to youth, young single adults, missionaries, Church members, area leaders, and interfaith and government leaders.
Joining the two Apostles during the ministry were their wives, Sister Susan Bednar and Sister Jennifer Kearon; Elder Carlos A. Godoy of the Presidency of the Seventy and his wife, Sister Monica Godoy; the Africa West Area presidency — Elder S. Gifford Nielsen and his counselors, Elder Jörg Klebingat and Elder Alfred Kyungu, all General Authority Seventies — and their wives.
Youth devotional in Ghana
Besides instruction, training meetings and stake conferences, the Church leaders sat with young people to answer their questions and concerns.
While the leaders went to cities in Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia and the Ivory Coast, many youth and young single adults from Sierra Leone and other parts of each country joined the devotionals online.
On Sunday, Feb. 25, more than 1,500 youth gathered at the Accra Ghana Christiansborg Stake Center. Overflow was held at the Accra Ghana Missionary Training Center, next to the stake center, and thousands more watched online throughout West Africa, reported the Church’s Africa Newsroom.
During the discussion, they explored how to balance the gospel with technology and remain focused on the intended purpose while using smartphones.
“We need to have a purpose when we get on our phones, and we need to stick to that purpose,” Sister Kearon said.
Elder Bednar said no man-made filter will keep everything evil away.
“The only filter we need is the Holy Ghost. If the Holy Ghost leaves you, you need to stop what you are doing. The Holy Ghost will guide you, protect you and inspire you,” Elder Bednar said.
Youth discussed how to find friends who support them and respect their beliefs and find the courage and words to talk to their friends about their beliefs.
The youth were taught how to find answers to their questions from the Book of Mormon. They learned that the scriptures can provide power and protection from sin. Additionally, they discussed ways to utilize the Holy Ghost to gain a better understanding of the scriptures and to be blessed by them.
“President Russell M. Nelson has said that we need to work with a will for the things we desire,” Elder Kearon said. “If we want to better understand the scriptures, it will take persistence and a strong desire to have the scriptures bless our lives.”
Questions and answers at YSA devotional in Nigeria
Young single adults gathered on Saturday, Feb. 17, at the Lagos Nigeria Ikeja Stake Center while thousands also watched in other areas and countries.
The audience in person and online asked questions of the leaders, reported the Church’s Africa Newsroom.
When asked how people can know when they are forgiven, Elder Bednar said, “When we sin, we withdraw ourselves from the Holy Ghost. When the Holy Ghost begins to have influence in our lives again, we know that we are forgiven.”
Elder Kearon added: “The intent of our Heavenly Father is that we will return to Him; it is not His intention to keep us out. It is why we have the plan of happiness. It is because and through the Atonement of Jesus Christ that we can feel true repentance.”
They spoke about how the Lord expects young single adults to remain faithful and move forward, and they answered questions about keeping standards and standing for beliefs.
The leaders were asked for advice on finding an eternal companion. Sister Kearon said that expectations can sometimes make that difficult. “If you are looking for someone with certain characteristics, you need to cultivate those same characteristics in your life. You need to be the type of person that would attract the person you desire to marry.”
Sister Bednar encouraged them to keep on looking and not become discouraged. “When you are not actively seeking a companion, you are frustrating the very purpose for which the world was created, it is that important. Do not skirt this important responsibility.”
Added Elder Bednar: “You are not looking for the perfect person, you are looking for someone with whom you can work together to make sacred covenants and create a celestial companionship and family. You are looking for someone with whom you can share your love and devotion to Jesus Christ.”
Interfaith and governmental meetings in Nigeria and Liberia
On Monday, Feb. 19, the Church leaders visited Abuja National Mosque in Nigeria. They were greeted there by the Imam of the National Mosque, Professor Ibrahim Ahmad Maqari, who provided a tour of the mosque, which is the largest in West Africa, reported Africa Newsroom.
On Feb. 22, the Apostles and General Authority Seventies joined local leaders in Liberia to visit the executive mansion in Monrovia, Liberia, and meet with Liberia President Joseph Nyumah Boakai. President Boakai was recently elected and took office on Jan. 22.
During their conversation, they discussed the humanitarian efforts of the Church in Liberia. The efforts included providing emergency assistance after a deadly tanker explosion in Totota, new and renovated school buildings, donating medical supplies in various cities, and working with the World Food Programme in the country.
They also discussed the Church’s continued desire to help the people of Liberia.
President Boakai had the opportunity to meet two full-time missionaries serving in Liberia, and that connection led to an initial meeting with area leadership and this meeting with Elder Bednar and Elder Kearon, as reported by Africa Newsroom.
Elder Bednar presented the president with a glass replica of the tree of life, and Elder Kearon presented him with a Christus statuette. President Boakai also received a personalized copy of the Book of Mormon and a framed copy of The Family Proclamation.
