Elder Gong

 Good afternoon everybody. This week was really cool. We had some experiences that I feel typify experiences I've had throughout my mission. 

The first was a wonderful exchange we had this Tuesday. I was with Elder Alfian, the Liberian legend. We went to Ankwanda and felt prompted to go to a member's house right away. When we get there, the member wasn't around, but I remembered my previous companion telling me that there was an English-speaking sister in a house across the street. We went to that house and met Hannah, a sister who stayed in Liberia for 20 years who lit right up when Elder Alfian mentioned he was Liberian. She's been to church several times in the past and accepted an invitation to be baptized during our lesson. 

Many times during my mission, I've felt prompted to do things that I otherwise would not have done. This experience is an example of that. I need all the help I can get; therefore I want to keep following promptings for the rest of my life. 

Another really cool experience from this week is that Elder Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve came to our mission on Thursday, along with his wife and Elder Klebingat (my hero) and his wife. It was so amazing. The main testimony of the divine calling of Elder Gong was the way he taught and the way he treated others. In the first 15 or so minutes, he called on all of President Morgan's counselors, a senior couple, multiple young missionaries, and Elder Klebingat to share different experiences and teach different principles. He did it all with so much patience and love. I really felt that the reason he's an apostle is because he is pure himself. He's like Christ, so it's easy for Christ to use him. 

Sister Klebingat also taught me a really important principle that called me to repentance. She shared the story of Laman and Lemuel "speaking rudely" to Nephi when he tried to correct them, and how we should never be like that with our companions. It really struck me because lately I've been doing some "rude" speaking to my companion. 

I realized with a rush of guilt that my attitude the last few weeks has been, "I'm going to try to be a hardworking, effective missionary and you better not get in the way" instead of "Let's be hardworking, effective missionaries together". The Spirit, the inspired actions of Elder Gong, and the Spirit-led teachings of Sister Klebingat helped me to realize that I really have a long way to go. That same realization has happened so many times on my mission and I don't think I'm done. I'll need to work and change just as much after my mission as before. 

The third and final experience I'd like to share from this week happened this Sunday. Throughout my mission, Sunday has been the most crucial day of the week. I heard someone refer to it as "game day" and I think that's an accurate description. Between getting our investigators integrated and comfortable, connecting with members, teaching hard to reach people, and doing our missionary coordination meeting, Sundays always feature a lot of important stuff in not a lot of time. 

This Sunday was no different. However, Saturday I was pretty sick and as church was ending, I felt so drained. I didn't feel like I had anything left to give. As Sunday School wrapped up, I prayed for the strength and desire to do what we needed to do. I also asked God to help us discern what should be done first. 

Church ended, we sprang into action, and it all worked out. We were able to teach Richard, a boy who is difficult to meet with because of the language barrier but who comes to church every Sunday, right off the bat with the help of a member and interestingly enough, another investigator. Priscilla (the one who helped us teach) has been attending church for a long time but can't get baptized because her mother doesn't approve. We were able to introduce her to Jacqueline, another member who is her same age, which was a miracle because we've been trying to find her a friend in the church. We were also able to teach Emmanuel, a guy who wandered in off the street and said he wants to join the church. Everything fell into place so perfectly, and God gave me the strength and desire necessary to do the work. 

I've felt that countless times in my life. When I feel that I have nothing left and God gives me the strength to continue. I know He won't stop now. God will give us the strength to do what he needs done. 

I know He's there. There's no way He's not. I've felt strength, peace and direction through the Holy Ghost as I've gone about His work. I've felt that same spirit as I've read the Book of Mormon, taught about Joseph Smith and the Restoration of the Gospel, and when I've testified of Jesus Christ. This is true. I'm so grateful to have been a part of sharing that message with the people of Ghana for the last two years.

I love you all! 

Love, 

Elder Johnson

1-2. An overhead view if the Elmina fish market. Aka the coolest place ever. If college doesn't work out I'm going to come back and be a fisherman.

3. Charlotte practicing her talk. I talked about her in an earlier email. She's 13 and is the only member in her family, and recently has had members of her extended family tell her to quit going to church. She doesn't mind them though, as you can see. Her talk was awesome. 

4. Maame Charity. This woman has the biggest heart and the longest memory I've ever seen. She knows Sister Tinkorang, a woman in my home stake, and has been so kind to me just because of that association. She's helped me feel welcome in Ghana and has brought treats to zone conference for me and her other 1000 or so missionary children. She makes the world a brighter place. 

5-6. Between these two pictures there's five "generations". I trained Elder Seeley, who trained Elder Chiromo, who trained Elder Johansen, who trained Elder Dela Vega. Elder Hill, Elder Greer, and Elder Cabeza are also included because it's against the rules to take a picture without your companion. 

7. Elder Greer and me looking fresh

8. Us and Sebastian, our ward mission leader.

9. Us and Eko, a powerful member. Abina and Adwoa also wanted to join. 

10. BIRTHDAY FUFU