Bishop Owowunmi

Elder Stoker has had the opportunity to serve as a counselor to the bishop of Trade Fair Ward for the past six months. Bishop Francis Owowunmi was baptized a member of the Church a little over three years ago. He was born and raised in Nigeria. Serving as bishop in a Ghanaian ward presents a few challenges, including communicating with the older members who speak mostly the native dialect Twi. Elder Stoker doesn't speak Twi either, so it's up to the other counselor in the bishopric to help with language barriers.

The Young Women gave Bishop Owowunmi a "heart attack" a few Sundays ago. They had never heard of
this kind of activity, so I had fun helping them prepare the surprise for their bishop. It was tricky to pull off
because the bishop usually meets with members of the ward in his office during class time. Luckily he left 
for a while, so the girls hurried to place their hearts and messages around the room while he was away. The
bishop was very touched by the expressions of love and appreciation from the Young Women.   

The bishop and his wife, Alfreda, just had their second child. We took this picture on Titilayor's blessing
day a few weeks ago. Curtis seems to be adjusting well to sharing Mom and Dad with his baby sister.

Bishop Owowunmi, Titilayor and Alfreda, Lawrence and Deborah Addotey, Elder and Sister Stoker  

We have a new Church assignment beginning next Sunday, so Elder Stoker was released from serving in the bishopric last week. That also means I will not be working with the Young Women in the ward any more, but I've decided I will help with an activity once in a while so we can keep in touch. The bishopric and their wives came to our apartment for dinner so we could thank them for their friendship. We have loved working with these lovely people and hope to rub shoulders with them often.