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AREA PRESIDENCY MESSAGE The Parable of the Loving Father By Elder LeGrand R. Curtis Jr. Africa West Area President Elder Curtis

s the Savior was teaching in coin, once again stressing the effort in riotous living” (Luke 15:13). Once

AGalilee, a group of publicans made and the joy of recovery. The the money was gone, he tried working and sinners gathered to hear Him. This application, once again, is clearly for a farmer, but still found himself in caused the Pharisees and the scribes to stated by the Savior: “Likewise, I say want. He even envied the swine he murmur at the kind of company that unto you, there is joy in the presence was feeding, who at least had some- Jesus was keeping (see Luke 15:1–2). of the angels of God over one sinner thing to eat (see Luke 15:16). The Savior’s response to this murmur- that repenteth” (Luke 15:10). • “He Came to Himself” ing was to tell three parables that deal with those who have gone astray. The Prodigal Son As he mused on his predicament, First, He told the parable of the lost The third parable is commonly the son’s thoughts turned to home. sheep, emphasizing the effort to find known as the Parable of the Prodigal He realized that the hired servants the sheep that strayed and the joy of Son, but it might be more aptly called in his father’s house lived better than its return. The application of the par- the Parable of the Loving Father. In he did. He “came to himself” and able is made clear by Jesus: “Likewise it, the Savior told of a man requesting acknowledged that he had “sinned joy shall be in heaven over one sinner and obtaining his inheritance from against heaven” and against his father. that repenteth” (Luke 15:7). his father and going to a far country. And so, he resolved upon a plan. He Next, He told the parable of the lost There the son “wasted his substance determined to go home. He prepared to acknowledge to his father his errors, confess his unworthiness to be his son, and plead to be allowed to be his father’s hired servant. And, with that speech prepared, he headed toward As he mused on home. (See Luke 15:17–18.) his predicament, the [prodigal] son • The Father Runs to Meet His . . . “came to himself” Wayward Son and acknowledged that he had “sinned At this point in the story, the Savior against heaven” and includes some very important details. against his father. While the son is “yet a great way off,” the father sees him, has compas- sion on him, runs to him, falls on his neck and kisses him. The son tries to give his speech but does not get far

July 2015 A1 beyond acknowledging his sins. The “The tender image of this boy’s he had drifted away from God and father calls for a robe and a ring to be anxious, faithful father running to meet the standards of the Church. When he put on his son, and orders the fatted him and showering him with kisses relocated to our ward, he was ready to calf to be killed for a feast to celebrate is one of the most moving and com- come back to God. He repented and the happy reunion. The father’s joy in passionate scenes in all of holy writ. It then worked to qualify for a rec- the return of his son is unbounded. tells every child of God, wayward or ommend. When he was finally ready, I (See Luke 15:20–24.) otherwise, how much God wants us was with him when he returned, for the back in the protection of His arms.”1 first time in decades, to the house of the The Loving, Forgiving Father I have seen God’s love for the re- Lord. As we sat together in the temple, All three parables speak of the turning prodigal played out time after Heavenly Father’s love for him filled recovering of that which was lost, but time as I have watched people come both of us. The embrace, kiss, robe, the focus of the third parable is dif- back to Him. As a leader, and ring described in the parable of ferent from that of the first two. The the first time I listened to a repentant the prodigal son all seemed to be rolled focus of the third parable is on the member confess wrongdoing, I was into one as I sat with a son of God who actions of the father of the returning somewhat taken aback by the strength had “come to himself,” repented, and prodigal. For me, the most important and depth of God’s love for her that made it back to God’s holy temple. aspect of this parable is what it tells I felt. That feeling has returned every us of our Heavenly Father’s reaction time I have helped someone with the Returning to God when any of us turns toward Him: He repentance process. As a bishop, I had Over and over again, the invita- “runs” to embrace us. Elder Jeffrey R. a man move into our ward who, years tion to return to God is made in the Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve previously, had been a faithful, temple-­ scriptures. The voice of God told the Apostles has taught: going member. In the intervening years Nephites, “how oft will I gather you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if ye will repent and return unto me with full purpose of heart” I have seen God’s love (3 Nephi 10:6). Through the prophet for the returning prodigal Malachi, the Lord said, “Return unto me played out time after time and I will return unto you” (Malachi as I have watched people 3:7). The Prophet Joseph Smith, in come back to Him. the revealed dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland Temple, prayed, “And when thy people transgress, any of them, they may speedily repent and return unto thee, and find favor in thy sight, and be restored to the blessings which thou hast ordained to be poured out upon those who shall reverence thee in thy house” (D&C 109:21).

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The Older Son In the example of Of course, the parable of the this older son there prodigal son does not end with the is a warning for all of father embracing his formerly way- us. Heavenly Father’s ward son and celebrating his return. love for all His children The father had an older son who

is unbounded, and there is no need to had not wasted the family assets in resent that love as it riotous living but had dutifully stayed is manifest in the lives at his father’s side. But when this of others. older son learned of the celebration for the return of his brother, he was angry. He resented the attention and money spent on the other son, and he condemned him for his previous sinful way (see Luke 15:25–28). In the parable, the loving father left the feast and went out to the older son to entreat him to join the celebration. His words to this son are full of love One of the great blessings that we we got to know these new people for both sons: have as members of God’s Church is better, we were sometimes surprised “Son, thou art ever with me, and the opportunity to assist Him in help- to learn that they had not been very all that I have is thine. ing His children return to full activity active in their previous wards. As “It was meet that we should make in His Church. President Thomas S. these new ward members enjoyed merry and be glad: for this thy brother Monson has called on all of us to the fellowship of the other mem- was dead, and is alive again; and was go to the rescue of those who have bers, we watched them progress in lost, and is found” (Luke 15:31–32). drifted away.2 As we do so, we help the Church and, in several instances, In the example of this older God’s children feel the warm embrace were with them in the temple when son there is a warning for all of us. of a loving Heavenly Father longing to they received temple ordinances. On Heavenly Father’s love for all His chil- welcome them back into His fold. one such occasion, the father of one dren is unbounded, and there is no Over the years I have seen many of these members approached me need to resent that love as it is man- loving Relief Society presidencies. in a temple sealing room and said, “I ifest in the lives of others. Not only One of those presidencies was excep- can never thank you enough for what is there plenty of love for us, but we tionally good at welcoming people your ward has done for my son.” He share more fully in the love as we not into our ward, and along with other did not have to thank us; all of us only celebrate the return of the prodi- members of the ward council, finding present felt the loving spiritual em- gal, but also assist as many as possible ways that the new members could brace of our Heavenly Father for this to return to the fold “safe and sound” participate in ward activities. After man’s son and his family. (Luke 15:27).

July 2015 A3 Conclusion only our privilege to feel the love in 1978, soon after the revelation on As Jesus taught the publicans that He has for us, but also the love the Priesthood. James and John were and sinners, He was doing what that He has for our brothers and both baptized, along with many oth- all of us should do: help our brothers sisters as we assist in the great ers who had been awaiting the arrival and sisters know Heavenly Father and work of helping them “come to of the missionaries who came with come to Him. Through the parable of themselves”, and, more importantly, the authority to baptize, organize the the prodigal son, we catch a glimpse come to God. ◼ Church, and confer the Priesthood on of the love that Heavenly Father has worthy males. It was a long-awaited­ NOTES for His children, and how He feels 1. Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Other Prodigal,” and joyous time. Ensign, May 2002, 62; Liahona, July 2002, 69. when one of them takes steps to re- 2. See, for example, Thomas S. Monson, James Ewudzie continued to have pent and return to Him. This is a love “Our Responsibility to Rescue,” Ensign strong spiritual impressions. On one or Liahona, Oct. 2013, 1. that “passeth knowledge”.3 It is not 3. Ephesians 3:19. occasion he was asked to bless a baby. When he finished, he felt a humble feeling and heard, in his mind, that the Lord would bless the country of OUR HERITAGE with the blessings of the temple. From then on, James listened to the words he heard in his heart. When the temple James and John Ewudzie— finally came to Ghana, it was a great Instruments of the Lord blessing for everyone. On another occasion, James had been visiting with Brother Billy Johnson ames Ewudzie—In 1970, Ghana had a dream that they could relate to about the . They loved J was a place where groups calling the congregation. In West Africa, it is the story of Abinadi and were discuss- themselves The Church of Jesus Christ common to have dreams concerning ing the story. When he went home that of Latter-day­ Saints were starting to the gospel of Jesus Christ. James did night, he dreamt that the angel Moroni establish themselves in and not want to reveal his dream, but he appeared to him and five other men. Takoradi. The Lord was inspiring James felt the Spirit push him to the front of The men followed the angel and as and his brother John to be instruments the group. He told the people of his they came to an avenue, he stopped in furthering the work of the gospel in dream that a certain house had caught and pulled out the gold plates. It was Ghana. Both James and John came in fire. A woman from the audience knew a testimony to James that the Lord had contact with these early Church groups that the house he had described had brought the gold plates to Joseph Smith through a friend, Brother Billy Johnson. burned that very day, which James had to be translated for the world to see the James had many dreams that helped not known about. James realized that truth. James wondered why so many him understand the gospel as it was the Lord was mindful of the Saints in miracles were happening in Ghana at being taught by Brother Johnson. At the Ghana and was preparing them. that time. Perhaps because of their will- end of a Church meeting one Sunday, Missionaries from The Church of ingness to accept dreams and visions, Brother Johnson asked if anyone Jesus Christ of Latter-day­ Saints arrived the Lord used these means to help the

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Ghanaians read and accept the Book of Mormon as inspired and additional scripture. John Dan Ewudzie—John was introduced to the early church which called itself The Church of Jesus Christ James (middle) of Latter-day­ Saints by his older brother with John James. The congregation met in an (right) and their brother old cocoa warehouse in . Thomas. John was happy to be a member of the Church. He participated with Brother Billy Johnson as well. Brother Johnson visions were not uncommon with join their churches. However, Brother would call John when the services these faithful African Christians. Johnson would say, “These are not our were about to begin and he would The Church in Ghana—James and brothers who are from America.” When read from the Book of Mormon. As he John Ewudzie were a part of the great the missionaries finally arrived in 1978, read to the congregation, other mem- beginning of the restored gospel in it was a happy day for them. Brother bers would translate what had been Ghana. Brother Billy Johnson had a and Sister Mabey and Brother and Sister said. Many of the people called him great influence on their lives and on Cannon came to Ghana. They taught Nephi, because he would read from the starting of the Church in Ghana. the Saints there about the gospel and the Book of Mormon every meeting. Everyone loved him, and members how to conduct Church meetings, John had dreams of the Church wanted to be with Brother Johnson discarding many of the traditional cus- as well. As was the custom for some of and do what he asked them to do. The toms. Following interviews with these the men in these early Church groups, RSU, which was the Restored Scripture faithful patient Saints, many baptisms John would fast and pray for three Union, was established for men to study took place. On December 9, 1978, a days with Brother Johnson. At the con- and read the Book of Mormon, taught group of 80 people were baptized in clusion of the fasting, he felt very close by Brother Johnson. The men were able Cape Coast. The Church was finally to the Lord. He would go home and to fast, pray, and study the scriptures established and it flourished with hun- dream of many things. In one dream, with the organization. The men fasted dreds more baptized soon thereafter. he was playing in a field of beautiful often to receive missionaries from The Returning to Ghana from a trip to flowers, varieties he had never seen Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-­day Salt Lake City, Utah, James went to the on earth. He followed along a path Saints, and they traveled from branch newly dedicated Ghana temple and and saw beautiful children. The air to branch proselyting with the Book was sealed to his wife. His children smelled sweet and fragrant and dif- of Mormon and the Church pamphlets were not sealed to them that day. ferent from Ghana. A man told him it they had received. Many other mission- James’ family consisted of two daugh- was where the prophets lived. Then aries from other denominations, both ters and a son who had been ill with he saw a man dressed in the clothing black and white, came to Ghana to meningitis and had not walked or of the bible, and he saw the prophet persuade Brother Johnson and his fel- spoken for nine years. After the seal- Abraham. Such vivid dreams and low Saints to follow their teachings and ing, James heard a voice telling him

July 2015 A5 to return quickly to have his children These two Ewudzie brothers, along from the Book of Mormon and asked sealed to him as well. One week after with their brother Thomas, have con- his friend concerning the names in the the sealing was done, his son LeGrand tinued as leaders in the Cape Coast Book of Mormon. Richards passed away. He was happy area for many years. Their valiant testi- The friend, a member of the because he had learned to listen to monies and dedication to the work of Church, explained to him what she the still small voice. God is an inspiration to all. ◼ knew about the Book of Mormon since there were no missionaries in Bauchi to refer him to. She bore her testimony at the end of the discussion. SEMINARY Brother Adebayo felt a desire to study the Book of Mormon for himself and commenced an earnest study of the A Seminary Teacher in Bauchi Book of Mormon. A few days later, his By Ifeanyi H. Agriga friend invited him to a branch confer- S&I Coordinator, Abuja, Nigeria ence, which he honored and felt a kind of peace that he has never felt before. t has been a challenge to work a member of the Church for less than After an intense study of the Book I around the Northern part of Nigeria 3 years that I felt I should share this. of Mormon and honest prayer, he de- as a result of insecurity and the insur- Brother Adebayo found the Church cided to be baptized a member of the gency by some militants. One of my through a friend at school who gave Church. A few months later, he was great motivations is realizing what one him a copy of the For the Strength of called to be a seminary teacher. of my seminary teachers in Bauchi Youth booklet. He quickly read the This call, according to Brother state (Northeastern Nigeria) does pamphlet and was intrigued by the Adebayo, afforded him the opportu- every morning. standard the youths of the Church nity to further learn the gospel. He Brother Adebayo Dada wakes were counseled to live. He particularly developed love for the Savior and the up very early in the morning and became interested with quotations students as he magnified his calling. rides about 1.2 miles (2 km) to pick Brother Adebayo’s wish is that “my up two of his students and continues students will understand and rely on for about 3 miles (5 km) with them to the teachings and Atonement of Jesus the church to join the other students Christ, qualify for the blessings of the for early-morning­ seminary class. He temple, and prepare themselves and takes the two students back home others for eternal life with their Father after class every day. He does this in Heaven.” daily despite the fact that Bauchi is Thank you to the many wonderful a Muslim-dominated­ area and faces seminary teachers out there who are some security threat by militants. blessing the lives of the youth of the I was so touched by the sacrifice of Church with well-prepared­ lessons this wonderful brother who has been about the Savior and His teachings. ◼

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RELIEF SOCIETY

Sisters from Bantama Stake speak on the Love of God

Hallie Ansah, Bantama Second treatment for my ailment. I thank the Lord were impressed with me and recom- Ward, Bantama Stake, Kumasi for His great love for me. mended me for the job. However, one I’m so grateful unto the Lord for His of the managers, who wanted to hire his great love for me. I had been experiencing Alice Owusuaa, Bantama favorite, tried to prevent them from hiring strange movements (as the doctors put it) Second Ward me. The Lord, through His infinite love, in my body. I had to undergo many labora- God really loves His children. He abides gave me favor in the eyes of the head tory tests and scans. These medical proce- with us wherever we may be when we are manager who defended me and spoke dures cost a lot, running into thousands of faithful in obeying His commandments. He highly of me on all fronts so that I could cedis. As I prayed to the Lord, asking Him hears our prayers and blesses us to know not be bypassed easily. I got the job and for help and good health, He sent someone that He is up above watching over us and the head manager encouraged me to to my aid. The person, upon hearing of my providing for our needs. work hard and upgrade my educational predicament, decided to pay the bigger Recently, I needed a job badly and status in order to qualify for a higher po- chunk of my bills. In the end all I had to do someone informed me of a job opening sition if one became available. I know it is was pay only a fraction of the total bill! that had been advertised. I applied for by God’s grace and love that I am where I Without this great blessing, it would the job and was invited for an interview. find myself today. I am truly grateful to the not have been possible for me to receive Thankfully, most members of the panel Lord for His many blessings. ◼

YOUTH

Thanking God for His Love and said, “Heavenly Father loves that!” What truth and lesson we have from a By Ifeoma Samuel, Port Harcourt East Stake five-year-­ old!­ The Lord does love to hear our thankfulness for everything He has he suppertime call rang out and Oroma Grandpa’s arm and said, “Let’s pray, provided for us. Salvation from our sins Tand Grandpa took their places at the Grampy, let’s pray.” So with their heads through His precious blood is, of course, table. Grandma’s homemade bread and bowed, Grandpa thanked Heavenly Father the greatest. But our food, health, parents, other goodies met Oroma’s bright eyes as for His love in giving His Son, Jesus Christ, grandparents, family members, and safety she folded her hands and waited . . . and to die on the cross, and for the food that are also included in His daily care for us. waited. Though Grandpa was hungry too, He had again provided for them, asked Ephesians 5:20 says, “Giving thanks always he was adjusting his knife and fork and such blessings for those that lacked in the for all things unto God and the Father in plate as he finished a little conversation name of Jesus Christ, amen. the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” with Grandma. Grandpa’s prayer had especially pleased “Train up a child in the way he should The wait was too long for hungry Oroma, so when eyes opened she looked go: and when he is old, he will not de- Oroma, so she put her little hand on up at her grandpa with a satisfied smile part from it” (Proverbs 22:6). ◼

July 2015 A7 PRIMARY VISIT NEW AREA WEBSITES! My Favorite Scripture

Derrick Selom A., 11 yrs; Tesano Ward, Tesano Ghana Stake My favorite scripture is Isaiah 41:10: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” I like this scripture because it encourages me to have faith in Jesus Derrick Christ and our Heavenly Father. It gives me the feeling that God is near me.

Martell Kafui Kpegba C., 11 yrs; Tesano Ward, Africa West Area Websites: Tesano Ghana Stake English: africawest.lds.org My favorite scripture is Doctrine and Covenants 89:7, “And again, French: afriquedelouest.lds.org strong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies.” It is my favorite scripture because it teaches me how to keep my Martell body clean and safe. ◼

God loves me and so He gave me . . .

Nyebuchi R.-I., 11 yrs; Rumuogba Ward, Port Harcourt East Stake, Nigeria Parents

Mormon Newsroom Ghana: www.mormonnewsroom.​ com.​ gh​

Nyebuchi and his drawing Mormon Newsroom Nigeria: of parents www.mormonnewsroom.​ org.​ ng​ ◼

Hachikaru R.-I., 8 yrs; Rumuogba Ward, Port Harcourt East Stake, Nigeria A home ◼

Hachikaru and her drawing of a home ENGLISH—AFRICA WEST

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