Africa West Area

Kathy-

We were able to attend a Seminar for New Mission Leaders at the Provo MTC (Mission Training Center). These four days were filled with uplifting messages from our prophet and apostles, members of the Missionary Executive Committee, and members of the Missionary Department. I enjoyed the daily break-out sessions where we could meet with our specific area and interact with one another. Five of these nine couples in the above photo are opening new missions in the West Africa Area. Missionary work continues to explode there and we are excited to be a part of it!

It was interesting to note that whenever someone asked where we were going we would get one of two reactions:

Eyes would widen, eyebrows would raise, and they would say, with a little trepidation in their voice, "Wow!" or "Good luck!"

-or-

Eyes would brighten, faces would break into big smiles, and we would hear, "You are so fortunate!" and "You will love the African people!"

After several days of these responses, I noticed that those who seemed nervous about where we were going had never been to Africa while those who were happy for us, had. I choose to believe the second group. :)

One of the highlights of the seminar was on Saturday, at the conclusion of our final break-out session. Two members of the West Afria Area presidency, Elder Adeyinka A. Ojediran (from Nigeria) and Elder Isaac K. Morrison (from Ghana) bore their testimonies. They did not use eloquent words or speak in loud, animated voices. Instead, they spoke softly and simply with heads bowed as they expressed their love for Jesus Christ. I felt the truth of their testimony deep in my soul. It was a powerful experience and one I won't ever forget!

As an added bonus, we ran into our cute niece, Kennedy Abel, who was also at the MTC and is leaving for her mission to Reno, Nevada soon!