Transfers

 

This week has been a joy-filled blur. On Wednesday I met up with all my "TCs", or with all the people I came to this mission with. We had dinner and a nice devotional with President and Sister Morgan and then a very long testimony meeting. I was astonished at the love I felt for my brothers as we got up one by one (there was almost 30 of us) and shared what we know to be true. Two years ago, we were strangers. Now, after two years of spiritual experiences and growth, we're brothers. Those relationships are an incredible, unexpected side effect of missionary service. 

The next day we went to the temple which was amazing. I loved the new presentation of the endowment. Everything was simple and clear. I'm very excited to go back again and again when I return home. God directed President Nelson and the other leaders of the church to make those changes.

It's been weird to know that my days in this mission are numbered, but I've had some experiences that have helped. After the temple I said goodbye to my TCs and Elder Sherrif and I came back to the mission. We got there just as the transfer meeting was closing. President had just finished assigning people to their new areas and responsibilities and there was excitement in the air. I had the overwhelming feeling that God's work in Ghana will not stop if I'm not a part of it. He's able to do his own work and I've just been lucky enough to be a part of it here in Ghana. 

On Saturday we went to Agona (a neighboring village) so that Elder Greer could do a baptismal interview for a sister over there. While the interview was going on, I and the elders who are in the area went to teach some people. We sat down with a brother named John and taught him about Christ's atonement and God's plan for us on this earth. I've done this so many times, but what made it special is that one of the elders was a brand new missionary, experiencing his first full day in the mission field. 

As we walked around and taught I had so many flashbacks to my own first day in the field. I saw the crisp white shirt, brand new slacks, and pristine proselyting bag. I saw the timidity that comes from being new at something. I heard and answered the thousand and one questions the new elder asked as we walked the muddy village streets. I saw his desire to improve and grow. I recognized that despite my imperfections, I've come a long way. 

This mission has upgraded me. I'm better than I was. However, this improvement is not a result of my diligence or prowess. God is the one who has done the changing. He's the one who's done the strengthening and converting for both me and those that I teach. 

I've seen the the Atonement of Christ in action and I know it's real. I've seen the blessings of following commandments from God delivered to us by prophets. I've felt those blessings myself, and I've been able to share them with countless people here in Ghana. 

And it won't stop. I'm finishing my full-time missionary service on Thursday but I'll continue to serve God. I'm just getting transferred from the beach to the desert (no offense to my homeland). It'll be great. God will not forget about you or me or anyone. I know He's there and that the gospel of Jesus Christ as taught and practiced in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is how he wants us to worship Him. 

I love you all! This is the last missionary email I will send. If you've made it this far, thanks for the love and support. I've felt the power granted to be because of your prayers. Trust God. 

Love, 

Elder Johnson

1. AGONA FUFU AND ABENKWAN. Agona is a village but they have an amazing chop bar that I dearly love. 

2. Elders Ngoie, Bukasa, Reeves, Sherrif and I with Sisters Umukunduwa, Chesi, and Koroma enjoying some powerful rice and chicken. 

3. Trio time once again. Elder Chiromo came to join me and Elder Greer until I go home. He's an awesome elder with a great sense of humor and a lot of personality. And he's my grandson! I trained Elder Seeley who trained him. Fun times. 

4. Elder Asiedu and Elder Hendrickson and me. Elder Hendrickson was my companion and I'm Elder Asiedu's biggest fan. 

5. Me and Elder Bukasa. Elder Bukasa is one of my favorite people in the whole world. He was my companion for almost 5 months and was patient and loving with me at a time where I really needed patience and love. Elder Gong talked about how we need to take care of our companions for 50 years, the same way Elder Holland and Elder Cook take care of each other. Elder Bukasa and I have promised to do that for each other. 

6. Me with President and Sister Morgan. They're called of God and I love them both dearly. 

7. Elder Liljenquist and I at the temple. This man saved me. 

8. Me and the TCs looking fresh. 

9. The sign to the mission home and me. 

10. Me with Elders Self, Liljenquist, and Lower. We were all companions with Elder Liljenquist at one point. If you don't believe me see our matching ties. 

11. A bunch of us at Mommy Charity's place. This woman has the biggest heart in the world and has been taking care of missionaries for years. I was the lucky beneficiary of her kindness because she knows a sister in my home stake.