Dear Family and Friends,
     The rains came down and the floods came up. We're getting rain finally! It rained all day yesterday and last night. Ironically though, our water shut off again this morning. So transfer news is here. I'm staying in Green Hill, Elder Kirumira is going to be with Elder Shinasi (one of my friends from the MTC). I'm jealous. But Elder Hansen is coming to be with me. He's from Utah, and he was in my first district; we went on splits once.

     So I had this crazy pear fruit this week. Elder Kirumira noticed it on the trees in front of one of the member's houses, so they gave us some. It's spiky and green, and looks like alien fruit. But it tastes crazy! It tastes like pear with saltines. Then the aftertaste is like Sprite. It's wild; it doesn't even have an English name, and you can't buy it in the markets. So that's fun.
     The coolest thing that happened this week was with our investigator G.  I talked about him a bit in the phone call home. He is a former investigator from over a year ago who almost joined the church. His baptism record was filled out and everything. But he backed out at the last second; he was trying to change his line of work to be in accord with the Lord's commandments. But due to some fire his wife and elder brother gave him, he stepped back. His brother told him the Mormons were crazy, satanic, cultists. We met him through the bishop. When we first came to his place, he was really surprised that the missionaries hadn't forgotten about him. He was happy to receive us, and he said he knows what he needs to do. So when we were visiting him one day, his elder brother drove up. He got out of the car and came to sit with us. As we were sharing with G. the prophecy of two sticks in Ezekiel, his brother, D., looked at it and said, "Is that the Book of Mormon?" in an accusing tone. We said no, it's the Bible. He was surprised. He then proceeded to barrage us with questions, then he came to his 'ultimate question'. He said, "So do you believe that there is one God?" We said yes. "Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God?" Yes. "And do you believe in the Holy Spirit?" Once again, yes. His countenance changed, and he said, "Oh. So it's the same. You're Christians." Ha.ha we said yes, yes we were. So he wanted to meet with us the next day. When he came he had tons of questions about... everything really. We sat with him for over 2 hours and answered them all. He wanted to understand the Book of Mormon and some other personal beliefs and concerns. He opened up to us really fast when he learned that we were Christians. He told us he is looking for a church that doesn't preach prosperity, prosperity, like all the churches here do. We told him to come and see how we do things, and he won't be disappointed. He was really surprised that we weren't payed for our work, so finally, he asked, "So if I want to give you some money, like something from my heart, will you accept it?" I told him normally, we won't. We are told not to accept money. (He is pretty well off). He said, "But what if it's from my heart?" I said, "You could give us 5 or 10 cedis, but honestly, we have sufficient money for our needs. I think you could give that money to someone poor, who actually needs it. You would find greater blessings." He looked at us, smiled wide, and said,  I am now your member," then he shook our hands. It was amazing to watch this guy do a complete 180 in 24 hours. He came to us with his nose in the air, expecting to deliver us a sermon on how awful we were. (Not to mention, he's a tall, bald, intimidating black guy!) But the next day, he was sitting humbly before us, a 50 year old man asking two 19 year old boys about the questions of life. I know that as we sat there patiently answering his questions, he felt something. We've seen him a few times since then, and he is very interested. Now he and his brother are super strong, ha,ha. Even D. wants to change his line of work and put things in order. So, as Mormon would say, "From this we see that" people are truly being prepared by the Lord. Amen.

Love,
Elder Doggett

A very unique house in Ghana

Quite a gap between steps and door!

"...these two astounding men of God felt the same way as I sometimes. Paul was a powerful convert missionary. Nephi was a prophet, seer, and revelator. Still, they both had their own weaknesses that weighed heavy on their hearts and minds, and they knew they could never reach the Father by their own merits."

Dear Family and Friends,
     There are monkies in the jungle around our apartment! Elder Kirumira told me there were there some weeks ago, but I didn't believe him. We saw them two days ago, they're about the size of a large cat, and they look like TY [beanie babies] monkies. I think it's a type of lemur. You'll just hear some crashing in the trees and see this tan blur go zipping by. They're always munching on the buds of the blooming trees. Also I killed a spider the size of my hand by throwing my sandals at it the other day.
     Dad, I want to talk about a time when you taught me about priesthood responsibilities. One Sunday morning when I was a teacher, I was supposed to be down at church preparing the sacrament, but you came and found me snoozing on the couch or something. When you asked if I was supposed to be somewhere, I told you "Ah, I do it every week, my leaders are there, they will do it."  You seriously gave it to me, ha,ha! You told me that is NOT how it works. Preparing the sacrament is MY responsibility. You said you DO NOT shirk your duties onto other people like that. The reason I bring this up is because I have seen this problem in Ghana a lot. The missionaries are almost always on the stand blessing or passing the sacrament every week, even when there are plenty of boys to do it. But the boys come late, so we are always the ones who do it. The problem with that is: we know how to do everything. And we will be gone one day. And the boys in the ward will be left having gained nothing. I've realized it's so important that they do these duties, or they will never learn. The offices in the Aaronic Priesthood are there to prepare boys to be men and for the duties in the Melchizeked Preisthood.  Dad, I want to thank you for all you taught me about the priesthood, how to magnify a calling, and how to grow as a servant of the Lord. You're the best.
     Sometimes on mission as you teach lessons, and study, and have time to ponder things, you feel really guilty about some things you've done in the past. I feel like such a hypocrite sometimes. Recently, my imperfections---past and present--- have been taxing my mind. Sometimes I don't feel worthy to bear the Lord's name on my chest. Although I've taken care of the things of the past, they can still come back to me sometimes. Maybe that's Heavenly Father's way of reminding me to learn from those events.
     So as I was looking through some scriptures on gaining forgiveness and resisting temptation and such, I came across Romans 7:14-25. Apostle Paul laments his own imperfections and explains that he doesn't want to sin, but it still happens because of the flesh. Similarly, Nephi writes about his own sins in 2 Ne 4:16-35. He explains that when he desires to rejoice, his heart groans because of his sins. But afterwards, he glories in Christ and his power to deliver us.
     These two passages brought great comfort to me; to see that these two astounding men of God felt the same way as I sometimes. Paul was a powerful convert missionary. Nephi was a prophet, seer, and revelator. Still, they both had their own weaknesses that weighed heavy on their hearts and minds, and they knew they could never reach the Father by their own merits.
     Paul explains that even though he desires not to sin with his spirit, his flesh still does. He says then it's the sin that remains in his flesh because of the fall. It just reminds me that nobody will ever leave this life without committing sin. It also reminds me of how to know you're truly converted. In Mosiah 5:2, the Nephites exclaim, "...we have no more disposition to do evil." The key lies in the desire. If I don't want to sin, then I'm truly converted. I can know that I'm doing my best.
     Also, speaking of past transgressions, I have learned and understood SO much since I've been out here. I've learned about doctrine myself, and how to apply myself to doctrine. I didn't understand things so clearly back then as compared to now. Alma 32:19 reads, "... how much more cursed is he that knoweth the will of God and doeth it not, than he that only believeth, or only hath cause to believe, and falleth into transgression?" This scripture speaks to me, explaining that there are different stages of understanding in the gospel. I would venture to say that my own understanding was more of a belief back then, as less of a knowledge. Now, the two have swapped. I decided it all comes down to whether you are doing your best or not. I was doing my best back then, I'm doing my best now. God knows, and you know, if you're doing your best.
     I'm sure almost every missionary has similar feelings to mine sometime in his mission. It seems that the closer you get to the Spirit, the more you come to fully realize that "no unclean things can dwell with God" (1 Ne 10:21) Sometimes inside you might be screaming, "O wretched man that I am!” just like Paul and Nephi. I've really gained a new, more personal appreciation and understanding of the Atonement of Christ. I'll never be perfect in this life, but somewhere down the line---far, far, down the line--- through the graceful merits of the Lord Jesus Christ, I can be made perfect.

Love,

Elder Doggett

Add caption

"I've always been told that that's how the Spirit works, but now I'm starting to UNDERSTAND..... Listen. Listen to the still, small voice. The Church is true. Heavenly Father answers the prayers of the children of men. To that I so testify."

Dear Family and Friends,
     Last Monday right after email, we ran into a woman we talked to in Cape a few weeks before. She told us that ever since we contacted her, she had been praying that she would meet us again. She said that God had touched her heart when we talked with her. She explained that she grew up in Italy, and her parents sent her to Ghana (she's a Ghanaian) so she could try to get rid of her cigarette addiction. She's been trying to shake the habit for a few years, but everyone gave up on her. They sent her under the supervision of a doctor at the mental hospital in Ankaful; that's in my old area. She told us she comes to town to get away from her sister so she can smoke. As I tried to explain to her how our message can help her overcome all challenges, she cut me off, saying, "Wait, so do you guys invite people to your church? Can I come with you?" Ha,ha we said, "Yes, yes, yes you can!" She said, "I told my sister that I wanted to come to your church and she asked what was wrong with me. I've never been religious or even interested in church." So because she lives in my last area, I referred her to Elder James, I told her how great a missionary he was and that we were close friends. I was in that area for 6 months. I told her Elder James could help her with her problems. We took her number, and as she got into a cab, I told her, "This church changes lives." 

     Since we are struggling to build our teaching pool right now, I really wanted to share with her the gospel personally. But I know that there was a reason the Lord put her in our path, and that I knew who to refer her to, according to where she lives. I've been praying that the Lord would prepare the hearts of His elect. He's done that. Whether I teach her or not, missionary work is missionary work. We're all on the same team. The worth of every soul is great in the sight of God.

     So I finished the Book of Mormon again! I started it 4 months ago. I decided to go really slow and pick apart everything, checking cross-references and linking scriptures and marking things that will help me teach. I love to analyze the writing of each person who wrote in the Book of Mormon. In the beginning, Nephi starts off humble and hopeful, bearing testimony all the way, and softly exhorting people to come unto Christ. He mostly sticks to the facts in his record. Then as Mormon abridges all the books, he stays pretty basic and informative, occasionally adding his own thoughts. Then when he writes his own record, his tone turns to lamenting, and sad. He pleads with the Gentiles and future readers of the record to accept Christ, and heed the warnings, and learn from the mistakes of his people. Then comes Moroni... Haha. I find his writing the most interesting in the Book of Mormon. Moroni writes very bluntly. As he first starts, he describes that his father has been killed and he explains his situation.  It seems like he has a contempt for the situation he is in, and the sins of the Nephites. Then a few times, he just gives it to the Gentiles of the future (us) really straight, and pretty much condemns us for our sins, and warns us that if we don't keep to the gospel, we will surely be ripe for destruction as the Nephites. He pleads with the reader to repent and come unto Christ, almost to the point of yelling. He seems so frustrated with everything as he writes. Which I understand---he was the last righteous person left on his continent as far as he knew. It must have been so degrading and horrifying to see what he saw. But, he still gave really great promises!

     The other day we were teaching a lady, pushing her to pray and get an answer about our message. She said she was trying, and blurted out, "God doesn't answer prayers right here, right now. I've prayed for things over a year and I haven't gotten an answer." I replied,"Then the question is do you have the faith that God will answer your prayer?" Later that evening, I began to ask myself the same question. So far on mission, we're always promising people that God will answer their prayers; it's always been in the back of my mind, "Will He really?" I've never asked my Heavenly Father for much in the way of wisdom in my prayers in my life. But I remember trying once. In the year before I came on mission, I read the Book

Fante Book of Mormon, Three Witnesses

of Mormon and prayed for an answer. I got nothing; and it bothered me for some time that I didn't get an answer. I guess the time wasn't right. I just finished the BOM again last week, studying it DEEPLY. I believed it was true, I didn't find one flaw in it. But the other night, I wanted to KNOW it was true, to remove any doubts in my mind about prayers, the BOM, the church, etc. I wanted to be able to promise investigators with confidence that their prayers could be answered. So I was pondering Moroni's promise, and his discourses on faith. "And by the power of the Holy Ghost, ye may know the truth of all things." I also considered in my mind the faith that the Brother of Jared held, and the experience he had. The Lord told him, "Never have I showed myself unto man whom I have created, for never has man believed in me as thou hast." Moroni commented, "...having this perfect knowledge of God, he (the Brother of Jared) could not be kept from within the veil..." (Ether 3) So I decided it all comes down to faith. That night, I prayed simply, but fervently, asking Heavenly Father to manifest the truth of all things to me, mentioning that his servant, Moroni, promised ME that I could know the truth. As I closed my prayer, [the Spirit descended upon me]….. I felt a burning sensation inside. It began toward the bottom of my torso, and slowly worked up until my whole chest was filled with a certain warmth. The feeling stayed there, as a few things came to my mind: The first line of Hymn No. 2, "The Spirit of God like a fire is burning..."  And a scripture in D&C 9:8. In this scripture, the Lord is counseling Oliver Cowdery, saying, "But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right, I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right." That's exactly what I felt that night. I've always been told that that's how the Spirit works, but now I'm starting to UNDERSTAND that. Listen. Listen to the still, small voice. The church is true. Heavenly Father answers the prayers of the children of men. To that I so testify.

Love,

Elder Doggett

  P.S.  I actually wasn't trunked out by that [Mother’s Day] call, surprisingly……… I just felt at home. Having my mashed potatoes and all, ha, ha!  It just made me really happy to hear everyone.  I could hear you fine on the phone, just a little delayed.  So I do have an African accent, huh? I honestly can't tell.

This little gal wouldn't let her mom cut her hair!

Service project

Dear Family and Friends,

     I got your packages! Mom, I loved all the scriptures you sent along with all the stuff, that gave me a laugh, ha,ha. Thanks for the CD case, that will help me reduce space.  Kirsten, thanks forthe CDs as well! I thoroughly enjoyed them. I'll detail that in your letter. The packages made it into Ghana in time, only two weeks, it just took a while to get them to me.

     Today we bought some awesome pizzas in Cape Coast. Elder Kirumira and I went with Elder Moore and Elder Egbert to this pizza place called Medallion. They were out of pepperoni so we got a spicy hot one and a BBQ chicken one. Each was 18 cedis, but it was worth it. So 'spicy' to a Ghanaian means 'Jalapeno next to death' to a white guy.  She brought us the spicy one first and we just started dying. Oh, and today is possibly one of the hottest days I've seen in Ghana so far. We just sat in the sun, eating and said, "What have we done..?." It was pretty awesome.

     Speaking of things being hot in Ghana, the river which supplies most of the water to Central Region has pretty much dried up. Our zone leaders have been out of water for 2 weeks, and ours keeps going on and off. We have a poly tank though, so it's all good. Everyone we teach, though, has to travel miles to fetch just a single bucket of water. So the work has really been slowing down; everyone we go to teach tells us they are to busy trying to find water. Which is understandable because water is the most necessary thing in Ghana, in the world. So when it is out, there are big problems. The other day we were sitting on the steps of our meetinghouse after PEC and we saw tons of people start sprinting down the street with buckets and bins and things, just yelling. We found out water had come back down the street. Watching these people scramble for water really made me realize how great I had it back home, and how great everyone has it in a first-world country. I never had to worry a day in my life about finding water, I actually hardly ever drank it back home. I've seen how many things I took for granted back home. Ghana has a way of slamming that all down in front and you and saying, "You're a spoiled brat!" Haha it truly opens a person's eyes.

Notice the drinking water in background!!

     My district leader, Elder Moore, calls us for numbers every Sunday evening. He's from York, in the UK, and he gives me a "Harry Potter quote of the week" when he calls, ha,ha its so hilarious. Be.

Jealous.

     So since December I have had this really strange fungus kinda deal on hands, in between my fingers. It was very small in December when it first showed up, then it really started to spread the last few months. It's almost like athlete's foot on my hands. Athlete's Hand, haha. It's really annoying anyhow, it itches and gets really nasty when I wash on Mondays. Ghana... So I tried all the creams I brought with me and none of them worked. I bought a few here too and nothing worked. So finally Sister Shulz got something in Accra called Betnovate and it seems to be working. I'm happy to get rid of that soon.

     We got to watch some conference on Sunday! Only a small bit, though. We watched the second session of Saturday in English, and it was great. I gotta tell ya, Elder Cook looks about 20 years younger on TV. But then when they started the first session of Sunday, they put in in Fante. I was sitting with Elder Rasmussen, so we just left and went to wait outside, where we talked about the States for 2 hours.  I was SO looking forward to Conference. And most people here don't really appreciate conference the same way. But then again, it's more for them than it is for us, the missionaries. I just love conference. Something I also took for granted back home. I'm really looking forward to the conference edition of the Liahona, although it will take about 2 months to get to us probably.

     Mom, I really loved that talk you sent to me about Grace, it was powerful. Like I've mentioned, I have been deeply studying the Plan of Salvation and gaining a better appreciation for it. Every

time I think of the Atonement and what it really means for me, I really do "Stand all Amazed" at the love Jesus offers me. I think it has taken until now in my life where I have actually started to understand the implications of the Atonement, rather that just the Atonement itself. I have learned how to apply those implications in my own life, and see the whole picture.

Love,

Elder Doggett

Oops, at arm's length, Elder! :-)

Guessing this is the Elmina Branch Building?