Africa West Local Pages

A2 Will I Let God Prevail in My Life? By Elder Larry S. Kacher

A4 Sister Eubank and Sister Harkness Visit the Africa West Area Virtually Newsroom

A6 That I Too Might Care

A8 Area Websites

A4

March 2021 A1 AREA PRESIDENCY MESSAGE

Will I Let God Prevail in My Life? By Elder Larry S. Kacher First Counsellor, Africa West Area Presidency

n 1986, my young family and I were living in had run out of money and was considering filing for bankruptcy. I IBrussels, Belgium. I worked for a large com- quickly realized all my hard-earned money was gone. And then he pany and had a successful career. After three asked me to replace the president he had fired. The problem was years, we decided to return to the United States the company was deep in debt and there was no money for the to carry on my work and to be closer to our upcoming payroll. extended family. Even though I was doing well My initial reaction was disbelief. How could this happen? with the company, I made the decision to leave I was a full tithe payer and a worthy priesthood holder. Also, and to start my own consulting firm. It was a how could this man, who knew he was in deep financial trou- little bit of a risk. We had four children. We were ble, take my check for my life savings? It was a difficult time. I coming out of a recession and my recognized it as such. I had to ask myself a hard job was going well with the com- “We all have our question. How would I resolve the situation pany I had been with. agency. . . . We can and deal with the hard feelings I was having? But I wanted to be independent Would I become angry at my friend for mis- and I wanted the chance to have a choose to let God prevail leading me? Would I be upset with the Lord greater income. Amid starting my in our lives, or not. We for not protecting me? Or would I realize that own firm, a friend offered me an perhaps I had chosen poorly and that I, alone, opportunity to work for him part- can choose to let God was to blame. No one had made me make any time in his small manufacturing be the most powerful of the poor decisions I had made. company. He was a member of the influence in our lives, Fortunately, I chose not to turn to the worldly Church and someone I considered approach with resentment, anger, and frustra- to be an honest man even though or not.” —Russell M. Nelson tion, but instead turned to the Lord for counsel he had become less active. After a and comfort. I accepted responsibility. I asked short period of time, he offered me the oppor- my ministering brothers for a priesthood blessing. I kept a soft tunity to become part owner of the business. He heart towards this friend and less active brother in the gospel. I told me he had a potential buyer and thought even tried to help him turn his company around. I never did get he could sell the company for much more than my money back, but I did maintain a positive relationship with he had paid for it. I saw an opportunity to pursue him. Sometime later, I was called to be the bishop. And who should a key reason for leaving my previous employer. be in my ward? This same brother. I was so grateful that I had Here was an opportunity to make a lot of money chosen to accept responsibility for my poor decisions and to turn in a short period of time. to the Lord for help. I wrote him a check using most of our life Fortunately, I was able to create a successful consulting business, savings. About two weeks later, he came to me successful enough so that after several years of hard work, I was and said he had a problem. He had fired the able to pay off our home mortgage and to put aside some savings. president of the company. And, personally, he At that time, I realized, thanks to my wife’s suggestion, I could work

A2 Liahona a little less and spend more time helping with our most important have kept trusting the Lord—to let Him prevail responsibility: our children. The month after making the last pay- in our lives. ment on our home mortgage I received a call from Salt Lake. That After almost five years of work and service led to our receiving a mission call to preside over the Switzerland and nearing retirement age, we were in a good Geneva Mission. How grateful I was to have chosen to turn to the position to transition to the next phase of our life Lord during that previously very difficult period of my life. Though and to enjoy our growing family. Within a few I had planned to spend more time with my family, we were grateful weeks of returning from the Middle East, looking to show the Lord our willingness to keep the covenants we had forward to spending more time with our children made with Him—to let Him prevail in our lives. and grandchildren, I received yet another phone Sometime after our mission, we felt prompted by the Spirit to call from Church headquarters. This time It was to leave our home in Minnesota and to move to Utah. There, I started serve our Savior in full-time service. a new business with two of my friends. We decided to buy some Once again, I learned that the Lord will lead land to develop into lots for homes that we could sell. It had been us if we let Him. The Lord taught the leaders of an excellent real estate market. We were quite happy with how the Church in the early days of the Restoration, the business was going. But it was short lived. The great recession “Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers” (D&C 112:10). I have learned for The key for each of us is to learn myself how true this is. from what life brings us and to We each have our own experiences. I have always know which way we will turn for help. shared just a few of mine. The key for each of us is to learn from what life brings us and to always know which way we will turn for help. We only need to make that decision once. Then, no matter what happens, we will have already decided to always turn to the Lord. And, by so doing, things will work out. When Joseph Smith was going through a very difficult time the Lord said to him, “all these things shall give thee expe- came. Land values crashed. We were in debt and I had no good rience, and shall be for thy good” (D&C 122:7). way to resolve the situation except to go back to my old field of We may wonder sometimes why things do consulting. It was not a good time as the whole economy was in not turn out how we think they should. At these deep trouble. times it is good to remember what Isaiah said: I was not sure what to do. But I had learned in my life that I “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither could turn to my Heavenly Father for guidance, no matter what are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. the situation might be. Not long after, an opportunity came to me “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, to move to Abu Dhabi in the Middle East. I did not want to move so are my ways higher than your ways, and my there, but it seemed that it was the only way out of my current thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8–9). difficulties. We took the opportunity and left Utah. Just before In the October 2020 general conference, departing, I was called to be an Area Seventy in the Middle East. President Russell M. Nelson taught us that one Once again, though I did not understand at first, I was grateful to of the Hebraic meanings of the word Israel is “let God prevail.” Using that definition of “It takes both faith and courage to let God prevail. It takes per- Israel, President Nelson went on to teach us sistent, rigorous spiritual work to repent and to put off the natural the following: man through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.”1 “We all have our agency. . . . We can choose It is my hope that we will always turn to the Lord in all we do to let God prevail in our lives, or not. We can and let God prevail in our lives. Then things will work out, not as choose to let God be the most powerful influ- always as we want them, but in a way that will give us experience ence in our lives, or not. . . . for our eternal good. They will work out the way they should. The “When your greatest desire is to let God prevail way the Lord would want for us. For we are His children. ◼ . . . so many decisions become easier. So many NOTE issues become non-issues! . . . 1. Russell M. Nelson, “Let God Prevail,” Liahona, Nov. 2020, 92, 94–95.

LOCAL PAGES

Sister Eubank and Sister Harkness Visit the Africa West Area Virtually Newsroom

n this time of COVID-19, a world pandemic, the were scheduled to effectively teach and to bless the lives of those Iwork does not stop for the Relief Society and the that were able to attend these virtual meetings. Primary organizations of The Church of Jesus Christ Sister Eubank encouraged everyone to engage in the work of Latter-day Saints. Instead, it’s a new day, a day of salvation by living the gospel, caring for one another, inviting of learning to do things a new way. From Oct. 30 others to come unto Christ and also to unite families in the temple. through Nov. 8, 2020, Sister Sharon Eubank, First Through doing this work, many lives will be blessed. She taught Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency from the teachings of Alma at the waters of Mormon, we need to and Sister Lisa L. Harkness, the First Counselor in be “desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his the Primary General Presidency, made a visit to people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they the Africa West Area, only this time it was virtual. may be light; . . . With modern technology, Sister Eubank and Sister Harkness were able to visit with Area Authorities, stake presidencies, local leaders and members of the Church in Ghana, Nigeria, Cote D’Ivoire, Togo, Benin, Liberia and Sierra Leone. This would have been a rigorous trip had it not been for the use of technology. They were able to visit with 114 stakes in these countries with- out having to worry about or experience jetlag. Although they did not physically travel, all of the leadership meetings and member devotionals

A4 Liahona Sister Lisa L. Harkness, Second Counselor in the Primary General Presidency.

Sister Eubank, First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency.

“willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort had for every one of us. In fact, I heard the Savior those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of through them.” God at all times and in all things” (Mosiah 18:8–9). Stephen Obeng, the Dichemso Stake presi- Sister Harkness shared the importance of our children and of dent, of Kumasi Ghana shared “One way that teaching them the gospel. We should love and minister to them the devotional helped me was on how to deal as the Savior did. We should protect and care for the children. with life challenges. . . . It has given me a new We need to engage with them. As leaders and parents, we need way to look at life and more specially to love my to involve children in the work of salvation. We should give the children and care for them as the Savior would children opportunities to engage in the work of salvation by pro- want me to do.” viding them avenues to share their testimonies, teach one another In addition to attending the scheduled church or share their insights in gospel learning. One way is by inviting meetings, Sister Eubank and Sister Harkness children to sing their favorite Primary songs and sharing what they were able to visit some of the members in their learn from the song. homes. After their 28 virtual home visits, Sister Brother Levi, a member of a bishopric in a ward in the Ikeja Eubank stated “I have never gone ministering with Stake in Nigeria, said “One thing I learned from the Spirit, was in WhatsApp before, but it gave me the chance to order to fulfil this duty (of protecting children) is to administer sit in homes where the evening meal was being priesthood blessings upon them, such as blessings of comfort.” prepared and children were studying with a lamp Many members of the Church were uplifted and inspired during and speak heart to heart with a sister about her the general meetings throughout the area. challenges and joys. I came away so uplifted from A sister from the Abura 2nd Ward in the Cape Coast Ghana meeting these sisters in this intimate way. Many Stake stated, “As the meeting began, I felt so good and excited! shared deeply personal and spiritual experiences The presence of the Spirit was so strong, and I was quite emotional around their conversions to the gospel of Jesus throughout! . . . I literally felt the love Sisters Eubank and Harkness Christ or introduced me to their family with pride.”

March 2021 A5 That I Too Might Care

Area YSA remote full-time senior missionaries hoping to make a difference. “ he Lord has provided His plan of happiness for you. He will Tbless you as you embrace it fully. He has blessed you with special gifts and talents that will allow you to become everything He desires for you.”1 This counsel is from the introduction of My Plan for Returned Missionaries a planning tool for returning young full-time missionaries, designed to help them plan and realize key goals and purpose as they move through life. These words have meaning for all Heavenly Father’s children, and especially for young single adults. In 2021, the YSA goal for the Africa West Area is inspiring, it reads: “To empower each young adult to walk the covenant path, draw closer to Christ, act in faith, embrace the ordinances of the gospel, and keep the associated covenants.” During October of 2020, five new senior missionary couples began a yearlong full-time mission supporting the Africa West Area YSA. Sister Harkness expressed, “I am grateful for These missionary couples live at home. This dedicated support for the ability we had to visit with children and their young single adults comes from elders and sisters who carry with families through our WhatsApp calls. I truly felt them a wide variety of skills from their life experiences, and who have like I was visiting my friends. The sweetest part served in several ecclesiastical capacities, including service as previous of each visit was when the children shared their full-time senior missionaries. favorite song. Sometimes they were Primary Their role, as they work directly with each stake president across songs, sometimes they were hymns. Many times, the Africa West Area, is to support their efforts to help young singles to stay on the covenant path. These remote missionaries hope to the parents wanted to share their favorite songs as become a resource for stake leadership across a variety of subjects well. We had a wonderful time singing together that challenge young singles today. and feeling the Spirit as we sang about the Savior. They will provide support to help local leaders establish formal YSA This will be an experience I will never forget. The gathering places and participate fully in the innovate institute initiative. miracle of technology made it possible for us to They will provide guidance and direction to the stake YSA committee, rejoice in our shared divine identity and covenant Melchizedek Priesthood quorums and Relief Societies as they minister belonging. to returning missionaries and the YSA. “As we continue to learn and follow our Savior With concerted effort, these remote senior missionaries are hoping to become an aid to the Africa West Area leadership, as they help in these chaotic and difficult days, we need to make a difference in the academic, social, economic, and spiritual recognize the Lord is providing us ways to con- lives of these gifted young singles as they begin their life journey. tinue ministering, and meeting together that we may feed upon His teachings and not only survive NOTE 1. My Plan for Returned Missionaries [2017], 2. but also to thrive, knowing our Lord and Savior is watching over us.” ◼

A6 Liahona Ernest and Merrilee Lingren

• Currently reside in Sequim, Washington, USA • Age: 86 and 76 • Ernest: retired commercial airline pilot • Merrilee: retired flight attendant • Served two previous missions: West Indies—office couple/member and leadership support in Trinidad and Guyana; and Puerto Rico—member and leadership support in Tortola, British Virgin Islands • Assigned to Africa West Area coordinating councils: Accra, Ghana; Accra West, Ghana; Cape Coast, Ghana

Leon and Marilyn Button • Currently reside in Mesa, Arizona, USA • Age: 62 and 61 • Leon: retired CPA/college professor • Marilyn: retired, medical billing, office manager • Served three previous missions: Puerto Rico—member and leadership support, office, executive secretary to the mission president; Dominican Republic—executive secretary to the Area Presidency, counselor in MTC presidency, Area historian; Santiago, Chile/ Houston, Texas—office • Assigned to Africa West Area coordinating councils: Lagos, Nigeria; Benin City, Nigeria; Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Ibadan, Nigeria

Peter and Laurie Webb • Currently reside in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, USA • Age: 63 and 63 • Peter: financial planner and real estate developer • Laurie: homemaker • First mission: Africa West Area YSA remote support couple • Served as counselor and matron in the Albuquerque, New Mexico Temple presidency; currently ordinance workers, and Peter is a sealer in the Albuquerque Temple • Assigned to Africa West Area coordinating councils: Sierra Leone; Liberia; Kumasi, Ghana

Keith and Lorie Mortensen

• Currently reside in Corrales, New Mexico, USA • Age: 63 and 60 • Keith: business owner, Jiffy Lube franchise • Lorie: homemaker • First mission: Africa West Area YSA remote support couple • Currently ordinance workers, and Keith is a sealer in Albuquerque, New Mexico Temple • Assigned to Africa West Area coordinating councils: Uyo, Nigeria; Owerri, Nigeria; Enugu, Nigeria

March 2021 A7 Michael and Elizabeth Graff

• Currently reside in Sandy, Utah, USA • Age: 74 and 73 • Michael: retired financial advisor • Elizabeth: retired homemaker • Bilingual: Michael and Elizabeth are both fluent in English and French • Served four previous missions: Eastern Canada—member and leadership support, Halifax, New Brunswick; Switzerland—YSA, French-speaking; Paris, France—self-reliance; Lyon, France—member and leadership support • Assigned to Africa West Area coordinating councils: Abijan, Côte d’Ivoire; Abijan West, Côte d’Ivoire; Benin/Togo

Jon and Tamie Mondragon • Currently reside in Lehi, Utah, USA • Age: 65 and 63 • Jon: retired, worked for 41 years for IBM, international operations and technical outsourcing • Tamie: retired nurse, paralegal, medical software consultant • First mission: Africa West Area in-country YSA; received their call in November 2019. Originally scheduled to report to the MTC in July 2020. COVID-19 delayed their service. Anxious to serve in-country as soon as SLC permits international travel • Assigned to Africa West Area coordinating councils: seven coordinating councils in Nigeria upon arrival in Africa West Area

Scot and Jeralie Hymas

• Currently reside in Accra, Ghana • Age: 63 and 62 • Scot: business owner, estate guru, online estate planning service • Jeralie: business owner, Montessori Learning Center, homemaker • Served two previous missions: West Indies—member and leadership support, counselor in mis- sion presidency; Puerto Rico—member and leadership support, counselor in mission presidency • Assigned to Africa West Area coordinating councils: Nigeria (7), until the Mondragons arrive; Ghana (4); Sierra Leone; Libera; Côte d’Ivoire; Benin/Togo (3) ◼

AREA WEBSITES

ENGLISH: africawest.churchofjesuschrist.org FRENCH: afriquedelouest.eglisedejesus-christ.org

NIGERIA: news-ng.churchofjesuschrist.org GHANA: news-gh.churchofjesuschrist.org IVORY COAST (CÔTE D’IVOIRE): presse-ci.eglisedejesus-christ.org SIERRA LEONE: news-sl.churchofjesuschrist.org CAPE VERDE (CABO VERDE): noticias-cv.aigrejadejesuscristo.org ENGLISH—AFRICA WEST

A8 Liahona