In-N-Out

If there is one thing that is constant with missionary work throughout the world, it is the regular turnover that takes place as new calls are made and seasoned missionaries return home. We were delighted to welcome Bob and Deanne Wilde to the Africa West Area, where Elder Wilde will serve the Area Presidency as executive secretary and Sister Wilde takes on other important responsibilities to help the work move forward in this very busy administrative office. At the same time, we reluctantly said "farewell" to Kent and Judy Fitzgerald, who so capably and beautifully served in these positions for the past 18 months. 

    

Elder and Sister Wilde are friends from the past, plus we have other connections, too. Deanne's sister,
Tricia, is married to Doug's brother, Steve. We're not sure what that makes us, but we're definitely family!  

We feel like Elder and Sister Fitzgerald are long-time friends, too, even though we have only known them
for the past 10 months. Their constant care and concern for all couple missionaries in the Africa West
Area has endeared them to so many of us. We look forward to more good times with them in the future. 

Choir Competition

Elder Stoker was asked to judge a choir competition in Adenta Stake. Each ward was instructed to prepare the same hymn arrangement and also choose a couple of other numbers for their performance. When we entered the stake center that Saturday morning, we immediately sensed that this was serious business. The front half of the cultural hall was filled with excited participants and a supportive audience filled the rest of the chairs. It was a very fun event.

  

Many of the choirs had sewn matching clothing.

Some songs were a cappella, others were accompanied.

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.