Time and Time Again, I Stand All Amazed

November 10, 2015

Well, when we went proselyting one of these days, we went to a ladies house that we have given a pamphlet to and she said she would read it.  We followed up and she said she had read half of it, but did not want to talk about it.  As we were speaking to her, her son walked out and got on his scooter. He over heard the conversation and blurted out, "Oh, I read your book. That part about the priesthood?  I didn't understand that part.  Can we discuss it?"

This totally took both me and elder Ofoegbu by surprise... So we set up a time with him.  As we left that area, we could feel the spirit saying that he could be a powerful investigator.  Also, just yesterday, I was told by one of our investigators that came to church that she wanted to be baptized!! She actually went to the Branch Pres and told him straight up.  Wow.  The Lord works in mysterious ways.

Here are some pics and I hope you enjoy them.  I am thinking of utah as I look at the sunset pic.  It reminds me of amazing Genola. :D

The work is going forth slowly but surely here in Tamale and I am enjoying both the food and the people. Hope all is well back in Utah and I love you all.  Trust in God, for He never faileth the faithful.  As we look forward and understand who we are, we are able to do amazing things in this world.

I so testify of this work and the power and love of God in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Elder Morford

I have found that I like poetry... a lot... :P This one is "The Mission"

It wasn't till I was older that I wanted to serve a mission,

but I was never one who liked submission,

but there was something I came to realize,

that the experiences and spirit were large in size,

so think hard about serving the Lord,

one thing is for sure you'll never get bored,

nor find yourself alone to do this work,

for God gave His Son that did not shirk,

His responsibility to all,

but experienced the worst pain and gall,

so as you go about living your life,

don't complain about the strife,

but look up and see the light,

that God has placed before you shining so bright,

so remember God and remember the strife,

for God is so loving and divine,

and on this mission called life, open up and shine,

He will be there for you in every step,

go on this mission and remember who slept, for in that tomb,

all in God's presence,

there is room.

Like Les Miserables...

November 2, 2015

Well, the way Les Miserables put it, "Another day another destiny" and I think they got it right.  Now, you may be asking "what destiny?" Eternal Life I tell you!  On this mission I have learned and grown so much, and I might actually be homesick when I get back to the states for the people of Ghana.  These people are so amazing, loving, and kind people.  You can talk to anyone and anyone will talk to you.  Its pretty great. :D  Now, I dont know who said this, but I love this quote, "I expect to pass through life just once.  If, therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good things I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer nor neglect it as I shall not pass this way again."  What is this goodness its taking about?  What kindness?  How can we show it?  The answer is in one word: service.  If you serve people, you are not just serving the people, but you are serving God. (Mosiah 2:17)  If you serve another person, God will bless you with joy and true happiness.  And serving does not have to be some planned act that you do in church groups.  Just smile, talk to someone, make someones day, and pray for the people that you know are struggling.

One does not discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a time.  It is only adventure that some people succeed in finding themselves.  It is better to be hated for what you are, than loved for something you are not. (Mosiah 8:18)  Be yourself, your best self, that you may find company in any situation you may find yourself.  Stop trying to be someone you are not, and pray to God that He may manifest to you the person you are to become in His eyes.  Pray, read the scriptures, do anything that brings you closer to God.

We got some new shirts with the symbol of "Fear God" on it and then we ate the Foo-foo we pounded.... it was very nice!!

Now, there was an experience that you may have read about in the last post on the blog.  Sister Brink may have told you.  This experience was that we were trying to find a new contact, somewhere, anywhere that we could teach.  We walked, talked and knocked but to no avail.  As we were heading back to the apartment, I noticed something.  I was not discouraged.  I was not sad.  I was not complaining, and I was not frustrated.  Nor was I tired.  I asked myself, "Why is this?  I should be ticked right now...!"  But then I felt the spirit hit me.  "You may labor in this vineyard for a time, but they whom you find may be the chosen ones at the last day.  You are doing your part, that's all that God asks, and God will make a way to complete the work, whether big, or small."  Tamale is 98% Muslim and we have very little people come to church.  But just as M. Russell Ballard said, "How would you feel if the Lord came and took a look at your area?  Would He be happy with the results?"  I keep asking myself that.  Have I done my best?  Have I done all that is in my strength?

I tell you that as we press forward, having steadfastness in Christ, and a perfect brightness of hope, with a love for the work, we will find ourselves in the refiners fire we didn't even know we were in.  

Everyone thinks of changing humanity, but no one thinks of changing himself.  There is no greatness where simplicity, goodness, and truth are absent.  It is by those who have suffered that the world has advanced. (2 Nephi 4:28)  We as people need to change ourselves and have the will of God be in place of our own will.  He knows all, and He knows that we can return to Him, we have the potential to IF we give our will the the Father. 

May we, as disciples, as servants, and most importantly as children of the Most High, come to know the greatness and mercy and power of the Almighty.  For He will give salvation unto all the believe on His name.  May we press forward with the work of the Lord and then in that day He shall say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant," is my prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.