Ghana to West Africa: "Be not weary"

When we first arrived and were wondering what we were really doing in West Africa, one night a couple scriptures came to mind as an answer to prayers.

How's this for a meetinghouse?

Initially, the scriptures felt like they were for us alone, but very quickly we realized they were for everyone involved in literacy from the leaders, to the teachers and the students themselves.

And even for their bright, delightful children, blessed by their examples of courage and faith.

"Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great." D&C 64:33

The last few weeks this has applied on an even deeper level as the Sunday Meeting Schedule changed to two hours and bumped the Gospel Literacy classes out of their spot. Although we had been hearing that the units were counseling and working to find a good time to meet, it turns out that they were actually really floundering.

To further complicate things, the notice that was sent out was interpreted by most to mean that they needed to find a time during the week to meet for their classes. (Communication can be so challenging!) In many cases, it is hard to get to the meetinghouse once a week, let along more.

By this month, it was clear that the classes weren't happening in most cases. Quickly regrouping, everyone was working to notify the units that they could indeed meet on Sunday after the 2 hour block.

It was a rather discouraging couple of weeks and the scripture came to mind again as a reminder. "Be not weary..."

Then we got a sweet picture from a newly formed Stake where we trained a few weeks ago.

The note read: "Assin Edubiase in Assin Foso South Stake started their classes yesterday."

Then two MLS couples (member leader support senior missionaries) out in the villages that attended a training earlier called and said they are ready to get started in their areas. One of the couples came to the office and we send a couple hundred books to take out with them.

Justice, who works at the area office and was at a training, came and asked for his own teacher's manual because he wants to work "one on one" with a man in his ward who wants to learn to read. And others have stepped forward wanting to help support the classes.

We heard of a class nearby that had continued undaunted on Sunday after church, amidst the changes, and went to pay a visit.

Awesome Margaret has a very successful group of learners. Without any support from the Stake Literacy Specialist, who didn't even know about Margaret. She has just been going ahead reading the teacher's manual and doing her calling.