Photos from Nkanfoa

Good Elders from Edison's July apartment, traveling to their next assignment.

The new desk set-up in Nkanfoa and the inside of the supply Elder's apartment. Fancy digs!

The formal dressing room and closet area.....

The giant hallway and iron board facilities!

The top-loader washing machine.  This machine matches the one that Edison's parents used when they first moved to China!

Edison's companion and friends from the ward who help with proselyting.

Edison always makes friends with the young men in the areas where he serves.

The supply Elders busy studying and getting prepared for tomorrow.

Best looking Elder in Nkanfoa!

More friends from the Nkanfoa Ward.

Brothers and friends in the cause!! Love those smiles.

Moving Along To Serve The Lord

President Ezra Taft Benson taught, “men and women who turn their lives over to God will find out that he can make a lot more out of their lives than they can.  He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace.  Whoever will lose his life to God will find he has eternal life.” 

I was given this quote by my mission President and I wanted to add it to my email as a good reminder to all of you and for myself. I love you all so much and I really want to see what God can use us all to do.

I want to talk about how we can make sure God is able to use us today. When I ask people how they stay worthy, I always receive the same answers: Read scriptures, go to church, or keep the commandments. Though many of these suggestions are simple and easy to remember, I believe that many of us forget the impact that they have on our lives and our families. 

To start, I want to address scripture reading. Back at home, I was not good at this at all. Though I would listen to my scriptures as I fell asleep most every night and I participated in family Scripture study every night that I can remember while growing up, that was not all that I should have been doing. To read scriptures is not enough, we need to understand them (that includes Isaiah). To understand scriptures it takes an active and present mind. A mind like that takes both faith and effort to have. As I have been reading through the Book of Mormon and the Bible on my mission, I have found greater understanding. Before when I would read I would lose track of the names, the people, and the wars. I could hardly keep track of where I was and how the stories were supposed to help me. Now, however, I am reading it as I would another story book but with more diligence and greater purpose in understanding how everything fits together and how one prophet influenced an entire nation and how nations were destroyed or made to prosper through their obedience or pride. It has helped me to see how all the stories and the books fit with one another. Whereas, before it just seemed like random accounts that seemed at first glance unorganized but now that is different. I would suggest reading a few verses if not chapters a day, and doing all you can to follow the story even if you have to draw it out (during the end of Alma and beginning of Helaman I had to keep reading for long periods in order to keep everything flowing and making sense and in order to follow the wars, strategies and outcomes). The stories in there are much more then we realize so make sure to pay attention and I will improve alongside you. 

Going to Church is one of the most influential but underestimated times of the week. We cannot afford to put aside our absolute need for the sacrament and the forgiveness it can bring when we have gone through the right processes. I want to address the importance of the other classes at church, too. I attend all of the classes and meetings here in Nkanfoa, of course, but one of the downsides of not learning the local language in this mission is that those classes are often difficult to understand. I sit through much of them without knowing what is being said.  But, nonetheless, I have come to see just how uplifting they can be when used the right way. This is a time to center your mind and learn about the Gospel, honestly right now I can hardly imagine going a day without talking about God. Use these classes to find ideas of what to study, things to look at, and adventures to take. They are not a time to talk with friends and socialize but to expand your mind about God and His plan for you and me. I miss those classes and the chance that I was given to participate and I regret all the time I sat there with a frown on my face because I had decided I had no more to learn. You would be surprised how much you can grow by having a weekly reminder of basic doctrines. When you have these classes do not leave until you have made a goal or have an idea on what you can do better in the coming days. Share it with the class, your family, your friends, make those classes special.

Last but not least (by a long shot) Following the commandments. This is an obvious one. When we follow the commandments we stay worthy.... But how should we follow? As I have done before, I want to bring up Laman and Lemuel, these two people are the perfect Sunday Church goers. Both followed their father and even listened to their brother but they did not let what they practiced into their hearts. For example, Alma the younger got visited by an Angel and became a powerful Prophet who converted nations, while Laman and Lemuel got a visit and still became a scourge to the Nephites. When we follow because we are forced to follow, one day we will lose the person requiring this of us and we will stop following because it was not our personal choice or conviction. Don't rely on others telling you about the commandmnts for you to follow them. Take it upon yourself to build upon Christ just as it states in Helaman 5:12. When we center ourselves we are far more dilligent then when we have been compelled. 

All of these things allow us to be servants in the Hand of God. I have learned that "God will not work through dirty Gloves" While we may think we are there for Him we have to make sure that in all aspects we are worthy to participate in the work. If we keep ourselves clean rather then being forced to do so by our leaders, God will be much more trusting in us. He can only use those He believes He can qualify. Start qualifying yourself and you will be amazed how fast the work will start to come. 

Keep working; never cease; at all times be ready and willing to follow when a whisper comes. Do not let a moment pass by.

Love you all

Elder Edison

KFC and Travels in Takerandi

Hello People:

 I am so glad that I am going to be able to talk to you all for another week. I have had a really nice week, though nothing amazing happened - except that I did get to visit KFC for a chicken sandwich which was a highlight of my mission and tasted so so so good! I did not die on my travels and so now I am able to serve God because of that. I know that sounds morbid but I traveled to Takerandi this week to renew my non-citizen card and a full day of travel in Ghana opens us up to all sorts of death-defying opportunities along the road!

I wanted to talk a lot about what God expects of us today. I have a feeling that there are some who do not understand it. That includes me so I have to type it out to get all my ideas down on a computer.

So I have decided that, of course, God does not ask you to give more than He knows you can handle, but I also want to take it a step further. I have met people and heard of others that have struggled in understanding what they can give to our God. You can give anything and everything. This does not mean, however, that God looks past the small sacrifices that we make. At all times, God sees what you give up, what you let go and why. He knows when we are trying our best or when we are giving absolutely everything. God sees the small and the Big. He doesn't differentiate between them. 

We don't need to worry about comparing our gifts to God to others' gifts to God. He does not compare. Ever! We all have different roads to go down and the people here in Ghana make different sacrifices than the people in China or America or elsewhere. Every sacrifice is noted by our God and means something to Him.  In fact those sacrifices mean as much to Him as they mean to each of us.  Only God really knows what we have given in comparision to what we can give. As we move forward, if we can only give a scared and suffering mind, if we can only put on the alter of sacrifice a fearful human who does not know what to do or what is going on, I know God loves us and is proud of our sacrifice no matter what it is.  God will work with what we give him and thanks us as we give our all to him. But do not worry he knows our pace better then we do. He knows us and He understand who we are. Let yourself surrendor to God and Know that he will accept any sacrifice you can give from you heart to your mind to your time, and everything in between. Become what he wants you to be and if you have to be scared and worried as you follow his path that he has sent you on, it is okay that does not mean you are weak, that means you are trying to not mess up. Follow with faith and there is nothing that God cannot help you with. His plans are eternal and he will help you follow even when you think you are lost and have gone further then you can ever return from. You would be so surpirsed what happens when one remembers to turn on the light (Dumbeldore). God loves us for the sacrifices we make as we follow, so sacrifice, maybe not everything yet, but as time goes on the sacrifices will be outweighed by the blessings.

Lizards Everywhere!

Hello Everyone:

I think a lot about my mission and the week I have just had before I write my letters to everyone.  For me, this is the best way to learn from my week and decide how to make the coming week better than the last one.  I have decided that I need to talk about misinterpretations. I am not talking about the people I teach and the Church (though that applies really well) I am talking about misinterpretations between individuals. I have seen and been a part of many misinterpretations. From my family to friends to companions, it seems to happen often. One instance that I want to bring as an example is the mistake that Laman and Lemuel made in reference to judging Nephi. Nephi was not self-righteous or prideful (though we know everyone struggles with those things). Nephi genuinely loved and cared for his brothers. He did not want them to be lost as they were going to be. He knew that he was supposed to try and bring them back and at every opportunity he gave them chances to follow him. They disregarded his ideas and thought only about how he was trying to make himself look better in their father's eyes. This was why they had such hard times with him. They only saw his actions as prideful and greedy not as him trying to raise those around him to a higher place. We have to be careful as we go forward and look at our leaders without seeing them as prideful or bad, we must understand that when people help and love others, though at times they may have the wrong intentions, we must take it the right way and not be offended. Meaning, on a daily basis, when your sibing gives you candy or does something nice for you, do not just assume that they are doing it because they need something from you. Understand that through the actions God askes us to do, there will be rewards and blessings that come, but that may not be why someone is doing it. If we are quick to praise people for the good they do and quick to accept service from others without doubting their motives or questioning their reasons, we will be happier and the kindness of others will bring us joy instead of questioning doubt.

Far too often I see this and to be honest, I have been a part of these misinterpretations. I have a very worldly view on things sometimes and I wonder why people are doing what they are doing. When I act, I know what my motives are and why I am doing something - I can work to make sure my motives are genuine and full of love. When I see others act, I am working on making sure I assume their motives are righteous and kind and good.  Often we teach people here who question our motives and this makes it hard for them to feel the spirit in our teachings.  I am working on my own interpretations people's actions and I hope they will see the genuine sincerity I have when I teach them and serve them.  This will allow them to feel the spirit more.  My responsibility is to always have the best of intentions and make sure I am doing all that I do with the spirit. People must be allowed and allow us to act out of a sincere desire, wishing the best for others rather then ourselves, that is why a sacrifice is not a sacrifice unless it is hard for us to give it up. Just as the widows mite, people were giving their excess or, in other words, money they did not need, but she gave all. The sacrifice from her was real because it was difficult to give it all up. When we move forward do so in the Spirit of sacrifice and make sure your intentions are genuine and not simply to receive blessings from God or praise in this world but for the welfare of others. 

I love you all And I want to make sure I see you all at the Pearly gates. Lets take it a step and a day at a time, until i can stand next to all of you in the last day.

There are lizards everywhere here!  My companion is awesome and teaches in Fante - I try to teach by the spirit right now because the people here don't speak as much English in other places I have been.  I reached my year mark this week!  My family sent two envelopes that actually arrived and that was awesome!  Things are good and I am working hard. I am not wasting this opportunity though days are hot and long, sometimes. I am grateful for all the letters and notes I receive on Mondays. Thank you! We don't have any baptisms lined up right now but we have many, many investigators. The young people have to take religion classes here and they must answer as the teacher requires in order to pass the test. There are many conflicts between the religion class and what the missionaries teach so many of my investigators are confused on how to proceed as they learn the real gospel.  I did not expect this twist of things and it is difficult to find a happy medium where they can develop a testimony in the true gospel but still pass their class by answering the test questions the way the teacher requires. We are very luck to have the freedoms we have to think as we wish.

Talk soon, Love, Edison

The Nkanfoa Elders!

With a Nkanfoa address, you don't have bugs in your cereal and you have a washing machine and a couch!! Most importantly, you have a very smart Ghanaian companion who is quickly becoming a great friend and tutor. No doubt, more miracles and tender mercies are on their way for this missionary.

A new Area, A New Companion and Cereal Without Bugs!!

Hello my amazing people. I just got transfered to one of the greatest apartments in the mission. This apartment is one of the only ones with a washing machine and has couches! I am so happy I can now sit very comfortably. I am missing my previous area a lot, I am really seeing how hard it is to leave people in the middle of their growth but the Lord needs me here now rather than there. It is so cool to see all the differences around this mission. I am now near the Coast so I have a nice breeze most every day but the sun has only gotten more intense in this new area which means that I have been sunburnt for the past few days. Luckily I should be able to buy a straw hat soon so it will all be okay (I am really serious straw hats are the only approved hats in our mission)

My companion is really awesome. He is Ghanaian and is really smart. So for my mission, so far I have had a Uthan, a Lyberian, an Idahoian, a Nigerian and a Ghanaian. It is so awesome to have such diversity. I have seen a lot of different people and a lot of different ways of thinking about missionary work. It is hard to explain but every missionary seems to have their own idea on how it is best to work, I guess that is why transfers are important. If we were all cardboard cut outs then we would all just stay in one area because no one would be able to bring anything new to the table when going to a new area.

This past week I was reading about the parable of the sower and I wanted to talk about it again. In this story it talks about people of dry soil accepting the word but later it dies because it has no true root. Now when Christ is giving the description of the parable to the Twelve, He explains that this ground represents people that didn't really follow, they were willing to listen and even to participate but when things happened they surrendered to them and the word that had been planted died. (shoot out to the people who look aound after they partook of the fruit of the tree of life in Lehi's vision). People went so far that the seed was planted and they had eaten the fruit but when times got a little too hard they began to look around for a now route or an easier way, letting the way they had started come to nothingness. I have found that if we begin to look around too much for another way, we lose the chance to follow the way that the Lord has provided for us to come unto Him. We really have to understand that there is only one path into Heaven and no matter how hard we all search we will never find a back door. When we hear the voice of the Spirit do not try to find your own way of doing it. If you have been told to do something follow it, your way will not be better. That is something I have had a difficultly with, when I have been called upon I look for my way to do it, when I should really just do as I have been prompted to do. When we have been asked to stay, don't just squat, when we are asked to speak, do not whisper. we are not smarter than God. Do not do it your way, do not look around; walk ahead no matter how dark it seems because God does not work in the dark, He will light the way.

Love you all so much, keep being amazing

Elder Edison