AFRICA WEST AREA

AREA PRESIDENCY MESSAGE Rely on the Atonement of Jesus Christ By Elder Edward Dube Second Counselor in the Africa West Area Presidency

ver two decades ago, I atoning sacrifice, that mankind O visited a sister in a Lusaka, will be raised in immortality, Zambia hospital. She was in every person receiving his body hospital because of her son who from the grave in a condition of was in critical condition. Her son the everlasting life. It is likewise survived a fatal accident which through the grace of the Lord that claimed the life her husband, individuals, through faith in the who died on the spot. I had trav- Atonement of Jesus Christ and eled from Zimbabwe to console repentance of their sins, receive and give a word of comfort to strength and assistance to do good this sister who was serving as works that they otherwise would the institute of religion instructor. not be able to maintain if left to Upon greeting and extending their own means. This grace is an my deepest sympathy to Sister enabling power that allows men Edward Dube Carolyn Sifaya for the loss of her and women to lay hold on eter- Sister Sifaya’s son died a few husband and for a dying son who nal life and exaltation after they days after my hospital visit. She was lying on bed almost lifeless, have expended their own best ef- assumed the role of a single she smiled and said, “Brother forts.”1 Relying on the Atonement parent in the most amazing way, Dube, I am grateful for the priv- is the key to our success in this using her meager salary as a ilege we had as a family to be life. “Only through the Savior’s school teacher to triple her in- sealed in the Johannesburg South grace and mercy can we become come. She converted part of her Africa Temple. The Atonement of clean from sin so that we can live house into a preschool, enrolled Jesus Christ is a great blessing in with God again. This is possible children from a nearby commu- our lives.” through exercising faith in Jesus nity, and worked day and night Sister Sifaya’s reliance on the Christ, repenting, being baptized, to ensure that her children got Atonement of Jesus Christ en- receiving the gift of the Holy the necessary education in life. abled her to carry on when her Ghost, and enduring to the end.”2 She continued serving faithfully burdens seemed too heavy and Elder David A. Bednar of the in the Church, inspiring the her pain too intense to bear. Quorum of the Twelve Apostles institute students who attended She truly depended upon “the explained that “the enabling her class. Her children excelled merits, and mercy, and grace of power of the Atonement strength- in education and some of them the Holy Messiah” (2 Nephi 2:8). ens us to do and be good and to went overseers to pursue their “It is through the grace of the serve beyond our own individual studies. Well! Would you not call Lord Jesus, made possible by His desire and natural capacity.”3 that success in life?

January 2015 A1 have felt and observed comes from the pain of experiences that have taught me the need to keep my daily actions in line with what I hold to be most important in life. I am hopeful about the healing power that comes from knowing who I am and striving each day to live in harmony with the Lord’s will. Picture with me, if you will, a loving Savior of the world with hands outstretched, inviting you and me: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” President and Sister Kaku; , (Matthew 11:28–30). Walter Ahadome, Madina 1 st Ward. Port Harcourt Nigeria Mission. The Lord’s invitation to come unto Him, to take His Atonement in their lives and in I have seen and observed yoke through serving others, their children’s lives exemplify how total reliance on the Christ’s and to learn of Him, if applied the generational process which Atonement inspires others to constantly on a daily basis, will can be passed on throughout discover who they really are, be beneficial and helpful in one’s posterity. They explain, and how it unlocks the inner your life’s quest. I am convinced “We decided very early to make power, a driving force that aids that if you will test this, you will the daily studying of the Book them in their personal quest to discover a powerful affirmation of Mormon and the application do something about the things of the potential and power that of the principles we found in it a that matter most to them. My lie within you. Such insights and lifetime pursuit. This encouraged life has been greatly enhanced experiences will shape not only us to read and reread the Book through this reliance, even in your life, but also the lives of of Mormon again and again since the midst of challenges includ- your children and grandchildren. we got married and has helped ing my father’s untimely death Anthony and Doe Kaku, who influence our children to learn to and my mother’s struggle with are currently serving as sacrifice and devote their time for cancer, leading to her death, president and companion in the the Lord’s work; ultimately re- which were very painful expe- Nigeria Port Harcourt Mission, sulting in our serving missions at riences for me. The anguish I shared that experiences with the the moment. Reading the Book

A2 Liahona of Mormon has helped us have a make good choices. He is now a deeper appreciation of the vital better and clearer understanding teaching the same principles to role of how centering our lives of the Atonement of the Savior his grandchildren. He shares on the Atonement of Jesus Christ and has drawn us closer to Him. his experience: “Applying the has brought meaning in our lives In applying the principles of the Atonement of Jesus Christ in my and helped us understand more Atonement, chief of which are life is influencing the choices of clearly that our governing val- sacrifice and service, our children my grandchildren. In our weekly ues lie close to the heart of who have learned from our example family home evening, we teach we are as children of a loving and have applied the principles them how to love and know Heavenly Father who “gave his in their lives.” Christ. They hear us talk pas- only begotten Son, that whoso- Walter Ahadome, a widower sionately about Jesus Christ, and ever believeth in him should not who is currently serving as a they observe our reverence for perish, but have everlasting life” high priests group leader in the Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ ( John 3:16). Will you rely on the Madina First Ward, Accra Ghana in our prayers and in sacrament Atonement of Jesus Christ and Adenta Stake, has been applying meetings. It is important to teach find peace, joy, and success in the Atonement of Jesus Christ children early in life to come this life and in the life to come? ◼ in his life through daily scrip- unto Christ.” NOTES ture study and weekly family While grappling with and 1. Bible Dictionary, “Grace.” 2. Preach My Gospel: A Guide to home evenings. As he taught his teaching correct principles to Missionary Service (2004), 51. children these principles, they our children over the years, my 3. David A. Bednar, “The Atonement and the Journey of Mortality,” Ensign, were guided and inspired to wife, Naume, and I have gained April 2012, 42–43; Liahona, 14–15.

OUR HERITAGE A “Right Turn” That CREDIT: ??? CREDIT: Made All the Difference By Fred Antwi

pril 1986: Chief Nana Asomobore the A second—chief of a tribe in Ghana, passed away. Attending his brother’s funeral was Fred Antwi, who had a year prior been baptized into Fred Antwi The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day­ Saints. came to inform him and said, “Do you know what The burial would take place in six months, and, plans the family has for you?” He replied, “No, not unknown to Fred, plans were being made by until I’m told.” She replied, “You are going to be his sister, the queen mother, for Fred to take the next of kin (new chief).” Fred was surprised over the position of chief of the tribe. Just prior and said emphatically, “No! My religion will not to the evening of the burial, Fred’s younger sister permit me.”

January 2015 A3 Being a Chief in Ghana Conversion—The Gospel Will Change To serve as a chief is an honor. A chief is Your Life for Good respected in his villages and is the first contact What compelled Fred Antwi to give up this posi- man for the large extended family. The chief is the tion of honor—one which many may esteem very overall boss, and when he speaks, the people will desirable? Fred had found The Church of Jesus do as they are instructed. A chief receives financial Christ of Latter-day­ Saints. Firm in his testimony of the support, and whatever he feels he needs, it will be principles and doctrines of the gospel, Fred’s course provided to him. in life was changed. Brother Antwi had received the priesthood and was fully engaged in his calling as Brother Antwi’s Decision—the “Right Turn” , dedicated to the service of the Lord. Fred relates the following upon hearing his Fred Antwi has continued to serve in and stake sister’s news: “That same evening, I took my car presidencies, and as a couple, he and Sister Antwi and drove to one of our elders in the village called were the first full-time­ West African missionaries Anyinamso, in the Ashanti Region near Kumasi, to called to serve in the Accra Ghana Temple. Currently, inform him of what I had heard. He told me, ‘Kofi, he serves as a historian in the Africa West Area. I am part and parcel of the plans. I know what they are saying, so there is nothing I can do to take you Brother Antwi Shares His Testimony out from being a chief.’ I said, ‘Well Nana, you know of the Priesthood I am a Christian and my religion will not permit me “It was in this church that I first heard about this to be a chief because there are a whole lot of things word priesthood. I was baptized and confirmed the that we do in terms of pouring of libations, slaugh- same day, and the following week I was ordained tering of all animals and other things which to me a priest in the Aaronic Priesthood. When I was might not all go well.’ Nana replied, ‘Well, go back ordained, I was given some assignments as a priest to your elder people and tell them that you are a and I practiced this until I was interviewed and Christian and from what you have said you can ordained as an elder three months later. This priest- never be a chief.’ hood of which we are talking is a gift and to me it’s “I went back to inform the elders, but they ig- a privilege to have it. This is the priesthood which nored my message. The corpse was to be buried our Father in Heaven had in creating all that we see midnight, so around 7:00 p.m. we were on our way here on earth. And the priesthood has helped my from Mpesetia to bury my late brother in Kumasi, at family. Whenever any of them gets sick, I lay my a place called Pankronu. I was driving along with all hands upon his or her head, pray for him or her, of the other family members in their own cars, and and he or she receives healing. This priesthood is upon reaching Kwadaso, instead of turning left with indeed true, and as we remain obedient and faith- the others, I turned right leading to Cape Coast and ful, the priesthood is something that, if we truly and sped off.” worthily administer, will help us in our families.” For the first six months there was no contact from One does not have to be with Brother Fred the extended family. Fred later learned that had he Antwi for more than a few moments before his gone to the burial, he would have been named as wonderful broad smile appears. His love for the the next chief, putting him in a very difficult situa- gospel and the lasting change it has brought to him tion. He learned in time that his nephew, son of the and his family’s life is reflected in that smile. Truly, queen mother, was named the next chief. he made the “right” decision. ◼

A4 Liahona MISSIONARY MOMENTS

but rather a pleasant shock for The Dornor Family’s Conversion a missionary. By Elder Truman R. Ballard After church we arranged our Ghana Accra Mission 2012–2014 schedule to meet with her and hen I met Albert Dornor, the Spirit wasn’t constantly with her husband to see what created Whe had been taught by the him, but he felt it when we were the desire in Sister Zenabu to at- missionaries for almost a year, around. One thing led to another, tend church, because before that had continually attended church, and miraculously he agreed to be she hadn’t had much of a desire and loved the gospel. However, baptized! On the other hand, he to learn with us, and she was a there was one struggle remain- wouldn’t commit to a date. faithful and devout Muslim. ing: to be baptized a member Taking a step back in time, As we went to visit her, we of The Church of Jesus Christ about a month before accepting were surprised to hear from her of Latter-day­ Saints. to be baptized, Albert’s wife, husband, the literacy class teacher, As I met with him to help Zenabu, was preparing to give and the Relief Society president him make the covenant of bap- birth. She was a first-­time mother, that Sister Zenabu had born a very tism, he continued to postpone a devoted Muslim, and nervous powerful testimony during both and decline to be baptized. It about her upcoming childbirth. literacy class and Relief Society at seemed that no matter how At this time, Elder Reed and I church that day. We asked them to strong the Spirit was, or how were privileged to go proselyting expound upon it, as Sister Zenabu great of a lesson we had, things with Elder Don R. Clarke of the didn’t speak English, and we weren’t improving. It got to the Seventy. Elder Reed and I used couldn’t fully understand her Twi. point where every missionary this opportunity to take him We were told that the day we has to decide to give their in- to meet with our dear brother went with Elder Clarke to give vestigators time and spend their Albert. As we were meeting, Elder her a blessing was the day be- time with others, or to keep us- Clarke was strongly impressed fore she gave birth, which she ing the Lord’s time as a mission- to give our dear Sister Zenabu a was extremely nervous about. ary to teach those they have. blessing. She was blessed to give She had prayed to Allah (God) My companion, Elder Joseph birth safely, and that the baby for peace. She had been told by Reed, and I decided we needed would be healthy and strong. She the doctors that she would need to give him some time, and as we was also blessed that she would a surgery (C-section)­ and that did so, he continued to come to feel at peace and know of our her blood count was low so she church; however, he still didn’t Heavenly Father’s love for her. would need to be given blood. progress. We continued to visit Sister Zenabu gave birth, all This only added to her anxiety and encourage him, but we went well, and nothing more was about childbirth and brought didn’t use the Lord’s valuable thought of that visit to the Dornor anything but peace to her heart. time to teach him. family. Three months after the As we gave her a blessing, she About three months had birth of their baby, after Albert said that she felt an immediate passed, and we decided it was had accepted to be baptized but peace, and that she was no longer time to teach him again. As we wouldn’t choose a date, Sister nervous for what lay head, as she did, surprisingly he told us how Zenabu showed up for sacrament felt something telling her deep in- it had become apparent that meeting! It was quite a shock, side that everything would be OK.

January 2015 A5 She then continued to tell us how answers the prayers of ALL His It’s amazing to see the Lord’s when she went the next day to children, despite the religion or hand in His work. Through thick give birth that, to the shock of the depth of belief that they have. or thin, His work will progress, nurses at the hospital, the surgery After this amazing experience, and He always has His timing and blood were unnecessary. miracles began to unfold in to bring His children that He Sister Zenabu said that at that the Dornor household as Sister has prepared unto His fold here very moment she gave birth, she Zenabu desired to be baptized. on the earth. As we all learn to remembered the peace she felt While she was anxiously prepar- identify and accept the Lord’s in her blessing, and how none of ing to do so, the Lord blessed timing in our lives as that is the previously stated procedures her and strengthened her ability when miracles begin to unfold. in the hospital were necessary. to learn English. As Zenabu was I know that God is a God of She came to know and feel that learning English and preparing to miracles, that He loves us, and God does love her, and that His be baptized, her husband’s heart that He is always moving His power must be and is only in The was coming around, and he also work forward in countless ways, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-­ accepted a date to be baptized, at diverse moments. I know that day Saints. She told everyone although it was a month after God hears and answers ALL of there that “because I now know his wife. His children’s prayers. I know this, I am joining God’s church.” Miraculously, both Zenabu that Jesus Christ is the Savior of As we heard this, we were and Albert were baptized on their the world and that He loves each overcome with love and grati- set dates, and they are both very and every one of us and He is tude for our Savior Jesus Christ committed members of the Lord’s there for us. I know that He lives, and Father in Heaven, and both fold here in Ghana, holding a and that His Church today is The of our testimonies were strength- handful of callings and magnifying Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-­ ened, especially that God each of them in every perspective. day Saints. ◼

YOUNG SINGLE ADULTS

with other members of the Church and enjoying Liberia Young Single the beautiful setting of Ricks. Adult Summit: Strong Those attending were provided great food, inspiring presentations on the theme “Strong and and Courageous Courageous,” and fun activities. The program be- By Elder Denney L. Berrett gan with an orientation to Ricks Institute and the uly 11 and 12 saw 173 young single adults from schedule for the Summit. A get-acquainted­ game J Liberia assemble at Ricks Institute in Virginia, was played to help everyone become familiar Liberia, for the first Young Single Adult Summit with one another. Everyone was divided into two ever held in Liberia. Each branch in the country groups—the red group and the blue group. They had at least one person attend. Many friendships stayed with their group to play games and listen were made, and all had a great experience being to speaker presentations.

A6 Liahona The participants heard several motivating pre- Brother Boakai Kamara said: “The talks and sentations. Sister Precious Freeman gave instruc- games were uplifting and fun. Meeting new people tion on “Marriage and Family,” and Brother Nelson was so good. The Summit has motivated my behav- Kamayan spoke on “For the Strength of Youth.” ior and strengthened my conversion. It has helped Games and activities were enjoyed by the young me cultivate my love and respect, and by doing so single adults. The games and activities included will help me come out with flying colors.” three-legged­ races, a spaghetti-noodle­ game, a Sister Angelina Kortor appreciated the words on balloon-cup­ game, a spoon-lime­ relay race, the dress and modesty and how applying those princi- “Master, Master” clapping game, and football (soc- ples will appropriately show respect for Heavenly cer). Time was also provided for everyone to min- Father. gle and make new friends and acquaintances. Many Brother Umaru Sesay made a comment that agreed that the opportunity to mix and mingle was was shared by many others when he said that a blessing to them. he was “grateful to come to the first ever Young The participants had the wonderful opportunity to Single Adult Summit in Liberia.” hear from Elder Terrence Vinson, First Counselor in Sister Grace Harris replied: “I enjoyed all the the Africa West Area Presidency, as well as President speakers, and Sister Freeman and Lillian Martino Roger Kirkham, president of the Liberia Monrovia inspired me.” Mission. It was a blessing for the YSA to have these Brother Emmanuel Paul said: “This was a great two great priesthood leaders attend and share their day! I was very inspired by Elder Vinson’s talk and powerful testimonies and love of the gospel. to know that he was called as a Seventy. I felt the The YSA were also inspired by Sister Lillian Spirit in this gathering.” Martino, a young lady born in Ghana and later Sister Queenie Tugbeh summed up what many adopted by a Latter-day­ Saint family in the United said when she said: “Being with the YSA of the States. She related her life story and how she has Church and having an emphasis on the command- started a foundation called “Friends for Friends” ments was a highlight for me.” which will help needy children in Ghana. She in- The first Young Single Adult Summit in Liberia spired the YSAs to set goals and work toward them. provided the opportunity to make new friend- The following are some of the comments given ships, hear inspiring words to strengthen testimo- by attendees: nies, have fun, and eat good food. ◼

January 2015 A7 YOUTH

Values I will strive to improve in 2015

Lucidine G., 14, Riviera Phillipe B., 16, Abobo 1st Ward, Cocody Stake, Ward, Abobo Stake, Abidjan, Ivory Coast Abidjan, Ivory Coast For the year 2015 to come, For the Year 2015, I I would like to improve myself would like to increase my in paying my tithing. I would knowledge of the scriptures also like to be a worthy and because they contain the honest young woman. Above words of Christ. The words all I would like to magnify my of Christ tell us what to do calling and study the scriptures to come unto him to be more, because I have to admit more like him. To achieve that it is something that I do that goal, I will focus on not always do. I commit to work on those values. scriptures Study and attend morning Seminary. ◼

DOCTORS TIPS ON EBOLA SUBMISSIONS FOR THE LIAHONA INSERT PAGES AND AREA WEB PAGES Do’s and Don’ts for Ebola We invite you to write and submit faith-promoting­ or By Elder Grant Hill, MD testimony-strengthening­ stories or events that will be of Area Medical Advisor, Africa West general interest to the Saints in West Africa that we can use in the Liahona inserts or on the Area websites. Please bola is a viral disease that 3. Carry on with normal email them to: [email protected] is thought to be transmitted activity—you cannot get E Please include the following information: from infected bats to monkeys, ebola by handling money, gorillas, and humans. The current buying local bread, or swim- • The name of the person who wrote the article epidemic has a fatality rate of ming in a pool. • Your contact information (telephone number and 52%, not the 90% reported in e-mail­ address) • A high-resolution­ photo ◼ the media. The risk of acquir- DO NOT ing infection is low and can 1. Touch very sick people essentially be eliminated by not without protection (gloves/ coming into contact with an ill masks/eye protection/ person’s blood or bodily fluids, gowns). infected bush meat, or sick 2. Handle a dead person without wildlife (especially bats, mon- protection. keys, and gorillas). This is NOT 3. Eat or touch undercooked an airborne virus. bush meat. 4. Touch bats, monkeys, or DO VISIT NEW AREA WEBSITES! gorillas. 1. Wash hands frequently Africa West Area Website: with soap. You will not become ill africawest.lds.org 2. Use soap, bleach, sunlight, with Ebola if you do not come Mormon Newsroom Ghana: and drying for any dirty in contact with the body fluids www.mormonnewsroom.​ com.​ gh​ clothes; this easily kills the of someone who is ill with Ebola. virus. A washing machine With proper precautions you will Mormon Newsroom Nigeria:

kills the virus. be safe. ◼ www.mormonnewsroom.​ org.​ ng​ ◼ ENGLISH—AFRICA WEST

A8 Liahona