"THE FIELD IS WHITE.....

Dear Family and Friends,

            We had a ward conference yesterday and I just feel like expressing how awesome the growth of the church is here in Ghana. It's amazing how fast the church grows! Just as they reported the statistics compared to the last conference I was impressed. The field is seriously white and ready to harvest. I just wish we had a harvester... that would make it even faster.

        Elder Nakedi and I also attended a stake council meeting because the stake president wanted us to report on how meetings are going in the stake. We asked our missionaries and they told us how things were going, so we forwarded that on to the stake leaders and various bishoprics. It was a good chance to address any problems or concerns that our missionaries have; very effective meeting. In addition, Pres Fokuo explained how fast the stake is growing, he just created 3 new branches just over a month ago and now there are 10 units: 7 wards and 3 branches. Assin Foso has only been a stake for 3 years! And they created a district just over a year ago. In a way, it's so exciting to see the numbers on a large scale. Surely the stone that was cut without hands is rolling forth to fill the whole earth. 

        On Thursday, we had interviews with President Stevenson. Our zone is huge, so it took all day. We did it by district though, so everybody would at least have a bit of proselyting time. President did 20 minute interviews to get to know everyone. We gave an instruction on working with members, which is a general weakness in our zone. I think it was effective and hopefully our missionaries have some new ideas to take to their areas. It went longer that we expected, so I felt bad because the Assistants had to cut their instruction in half. 

      We were actually supposed to go on splits with President after the meeting, but it was getting too late by the time we closed.

       Too bad, because we had a really powerful lesson that night! One of our seemingly insincere investigators got an answer to his prayer. How? By going to church on Sunday, even though he went to the other ward in town.  Revelation comes through church attendance.  K just did a 180, he was so excited about all he had learned,  he asked us to be baptized. I wasn't surprised, but I didn't expect it. It's become clear to me that as soon as any person exercises their agency to give our message a chance, and as soon as they open their heart-- the truth will be revealed. You just have to put forth a LITTLE effort to 'experiment upon our words.'

       We're starting to see more progress with the people we've been teaching. We are focusing hard on setting baptism dates and working with our members. (You have to practice what you preach, right?) Our ward missionaries are really gaining enthusiasm, and they've been helping us like never before. They're referring us to their friends and proselyting with us a ton. 

Love,

Elder Doggett

I'm happy you went to the Shulz's homecoming! Sounds like it was so powerful! And it's funny that you met Kinikini haha. I'm sure you remember how many times in my emails I have praised President Shulz. He did SO much for this mission. He's a very loving man.  Enjoy camping, I wish I could be there!

.....I JUST WISH WE HAD A HARVESTER"

MEETING PRESIDENT & SIS. STEVENSON

Dear Family and Friends,

                On Tuesday we had our first Mission Leadership Council with President Stevenson.  He's a tall man; that was my first impression of him. Come to think of it, my first impression of Pres. Shulz was that he was short, haha.  Pres. Stevenson is pretty young for a mission president, and he's full of energy. He was just released as a stake president and he was in administration in a finance company. I can tell he is used to getting things done with efficiency.  He's got a lot of good ideas to speed things up with technology, even though this mission is nowhere close to other missions... *cough* iPads.

                Since I've been serving as a Zone Leader, we travel to Cape Coast every so often for meetings. Every time we do, we pass through one of my old areas, and I've noticed that every time we do I start feeling homesick... for Green Hill! Those were the golden days of my mission.  I love the members; I love my converts there; most of all though, I felt the most loved by them. The people there feel like family to me.  I was catching up with Elder Z Larsen who served there after me and he told me what's going on with everyone.  He told me all my converts are still strong and that the branch finally got their own building. I miss that place! At times, the work went slow but the progress we saw there was REAL progress.

                We didn't do anything too crazy this year for 4th of July like last year.  Elder Holmgren and I just sang the national anthem early in the morning; he was wearing a flag draped around his shoulders. There was no time to even do something fancy, so we just made hot dogs. Elder Nakedi and I taught 7 lessons that day though.

                This week I got my travel request forms.  Every missionary gets them when he has 3 months left. So I need to fill them out and then get the actual travel plans. The truth is gradually becoming a reality but I'm still blocking it out, haha.  I will stay in denial as long as I can.

Love,

Elder Doggett

Mission Leadership Council with Pres. and Sis. Stevenson

FURNITURE SHOPPING FOR THE PRESIDENT

Dear Family and Friends,

                President Shulz called this week and said, "Elders, I'm going to ask you to do something strange..." He continued to explain that they wanted a new leather recliner for the mission home before they left.  They had a hookup for a recliner in Accra for 1400 GHC, but he said he saw one at the Melcom store in Assin Foso.  He asked us to go to the store and check, so we did--amongst the plethora of other things we had to do that day, haha.  Good news….. we found one for 895 GHC on sale for only 825 GHC! It was a steal. So we got an invoice and photo copied it and sent it to him.

                The funny thing is, we had so much to do that we needed to split with the other elders in the apartment-- but they were already on splits!  So we conducted what I call split-ception.  A split inside a split.  So Elder Collins came couch shopping with me, it was legit.

                On a more serious note, we had an investigator baptized yesterday. His name is E.  He is a student at the local college and he's a genius, in general and in the gospel.  We found him in the chapel early morning before his baptism in one of the classrooms running through calculus on the chalkboard haha. The missionaries were teaching him before I got here, and it is strange because we can only see him once a week.  The boarding school hardly ever lets him out, haha.  He has a very strong testimony though; unfortunately we won't be able to teach him and help him integrate because he is going on vacation from school so he'll be attending in Takoradi.

                We have another investigator who has SO MUCH potential. His name is R. and he is married with two daughters. He is learning tons from our lessons and he is slowly gaining a testimony. He is very open with us and tells us what he's thinking. He's just a little afraid of having to change his life and things if he finds out what we are saying is true.  But he and his family would be so great in the gospel!

Please keep him in your prayers.

Love,

Elder Doggett

PS I would love to send pics of the baptism but I have neither the time or network to do so. Sorry!

Dad, it’s funny that you mentioned Isa 55 because this morning in our apartment devotional  I used verse 2, I think, where it mentions, 'let your soul delight in fatness' Why? Because we got subsistence money today! Haha

"I don't want to get somewhere down the long road of eternity to watch

someone I know break down in the arms of the Savior, and realize that I could have helped them discover that familiar embrace years ago"

Dear Family and Friends,

                We've seen P., the boy who lost his mother two weeks ago. He was playing futbol and enjoying life with his friends a few days ago, and he joined us for free banku from the stake president last night. I'm always impressed with the way people handle death here.  It doesn't sting them very hard. But Ghanaians in general already kind of inherently believe in an afterlife, so they are just happier (than Americans are) when death strikes. Ghanaians have great faith.

                I was reading Elder Packer's talk in the conference Ensign the other day. At the end of his talk, 'The Witness', he bears strong testimony and indirectly states that he has seen the Savior. I was pretty surprised initially, but then I realized that there must be something that sets apostles apart as 'special witnesses' of Christ in all the world.

                I had to preside at a baptismal service this week for some of our missionaries' candidates. The service wasn't planned very well, their ward mission leader didn't come and they had no presiding authority. That happens pretty often here... When that happens in the GCCM, the elder who has been out the longest presides--and that was me, haha.  All I had to do was sit there and make sure everything went the way it should; it wasn't hard. Five were baptized and I must say I'm impressed with how our missionaries are doing in the zone. Total this week:  7 were baptized.  Hurrah for Israel!

                We had our final zone conference with President Shulz this week. It was mostly just to say goodbye to everyone. Like I mentioned in an earlier email, we had an object lesson. (I didn't describe it before because we wanted to keep it secret so we could use it with our zones) We went outside, blindfolded everybody, and in different groups we led everyone by having them hold on to ropes in silence.  There were some obstacles to get over, nothing too difficult though.  Then one by one we had everyone individually let go of the rope and 'wait for further instruction'. Then someone started singing the first two verses to the hymn 'Come Follow Me' #116.  One by one people started to realize that was the 'further instruction' and slowly trickled over to where we were singing. We hugged those who made it, and they removed their blindfolds and joined us in singing until everyone made it.

                Afterwards, we went inside and discussed how to apply the experience in our missions and lives. The rope is the Spirit, the leader of the rope is the Savior. The obstacles are trials, and the choice is ours to heed to invitation-- 'Come Follow Me'  The first time we did this activity, I was a participant. This time, I was leading one of the ropes. I had a much different view and I had a profound observation in my group.  Sister A was the first one on my rope, and the more obstacles she hit, the closer she moved up the rope towards me-- until she was pretty much touching my hand.  It was easier for her to follow and hold on that way. But because she was so close to me, there was a big gap going to the next person on the rope. Consequently, the rope became slack for Sister N.  She was struggling with every obstacle she ran into; she nearly fell many times because the rope wasn't tight enough to give her solid support.

                Towards the close of the activity when we turned everyone loose and told them to wait for further instruction the singing began. People meandered in and were subsequently hugged and their blindfolds removed.  When Sister N. made it, Sister U. gave her a tight hug and removed her blindfold.

Sister N was in tears. I think she felt so overwhelmed at the chance to finally have someone to hold on to. I was touched inside because I had watched the whole time and had observed how hard the walk

was for her.

                Application: How often in our attempts to get closer to the Savior, do we leave someone behind who also needs support in the gospel? As we try to be more righteous, we must be wary lest be become self-righteous.  How do we miss the opportunities to pull someone along with us in the gospel?

There are people who need support; people who need truth. But they are kept from it because 'they know not where to find it'. I don't want to get somewhere down the long road of eternity to watch

someone I know break down in the arms of the Savior, and realize that I could have helped them discover that familiar embrace years ago.

Love,

Elder Doggett

Yeah I forgot to mention Ghana was super depressed after losing to the USA in the World Cup.  I felt bad for them.  They tied with Germany just the other night, so they have one chance left to stay in.

It's so fun to watch everyone--literally EVERYONE freak out when Ghana makes a goal. That [Coast Guard] breakfast [Kelsey and Joe cooked] sounds so amazing... I miss food!!....It's cool that the whole neighborhood was there, though!

"The gospel is true.  Families are eternal.  Can you see the blessings when someone selflessly serves a mission?" 

Dear Family and Friends,

                This week was super busy, what with transfers and all. We had to go to Achiase on Tuesday because they were getting whitewashed. So we went to learn where all of the progressing investigators and such were.  Then we went again on Friday after transfers to show the new missionaries around, which was really good  because they were lost,  haha.  But one of them, Elder Boamah, is actually from Achiase. His family still lives there, he just hasn't been there in forever.

               Transfers went smoothly, though; I'm expecting great things from the zone this transfer.  Elder Tyson, my grandson,  was transferred out ; so that's sad.  But Elder Cowan is our new DL!

               We've been informed that the government will construct a new road that will run right thru the

 middle of our proselyting area. Many homes will be demolished to make way, including two of our members'.  The EQ Pres and another family will be affected, and they both have new unfinished houses that will torn down.  They want to dismantle the buildings brick by brick and haul them to a new site. Fortunately, the government is providing a new plot plus 50 bags of cement to compensate those who will be left desolate. It's not much, though.  We're planning to have another zone service activity in the near future to help them.  We already did a bit on Saturday morning just moving the loose bricks with some of the heavy muscles in our zone, haha.  It's not easy...

                This just in-- My companion's mother was baptized yesterday back in South Africa!  It's really exciting, because she gave him some resistance when he wanted to come on a mission.  But she has totally changed.  She had an experience where she fell ill and was healed by a priesthood blessing.  She's a nurse, too, so her coworkers thought she had gone mad when she testified that she had been healed by the priesthood.  Elder Nakedi  is just bubbling with excitement right now, hahaha.  He says he can't wait to go to the temple with his mother.  One more brother, and all of his family will be in the church. The gospel is true.  Families are eternal.  Can you see the blessings when someone selflessly serves a mission?  Everyone affiliated is blessed by the missionary's actions.  I can definitely see that in my companion.

Man... that's powerful.

Love,

Elder Doggett

 

When you are really tired on mission....you can sleep anywhere!!  (Elder Julander captured E. Doggett during transfers six weeks ago, waiting for the other elders to finish packing)

" I....... pondered the comfort that comes from the plan of salvation. Death isn't the end, it's only a transition; like stepping into another room.  Most people in the world don't know or understand that.  That's why we are here as missionaries, to bring light to those that sit in darkness."

Running into old friends....E. Tyson and E. Cowan!

Dear Family and Friends,

                We had our last Mission Leadership Council with President Shulz this week.  It was pretty good, we had some powerful instruction in the form of an object lesson.  I'll tell you about it later.

                We also had our final interviews with President Shulz on Friday. We had a nice chat together and he gave me a temple recommend interview because mine expires in July.  I so miss the temple... We didn't get to spend a lot of time discussing because time was not on our side; there are 24 missionaries in this zone.

                This morning we had a zone service activity that went very well. We moved a TON of blocks for a member who wants the government to tear down a portion of her unfinished house for a road they want to make.  We moved them so they wouldn't get destroyed.

                Now let me tell you about how Saturday did not go as planned.  We started early in the morning with a service project moving blocks for a member (different member), then went home to actually get ready for the day. We only taught one lesson before we got a call from the sisters, saying they needed support at their baptism.  We went around 4 PM and it turned out they didn't really need us, but we stayed anyways.  Then the rain started in torrents and that delayed us further.  Finally as we left the gate of the chapel, we got another phone call.  Elder Ouma had been admitted to the hospital earlier in the day for mild malaria (go figure haha) and his comp, Elder Hackmeister called us. They were fine, but he said one of our members was just admitted to the hospital, a 14 year old boy. He and his mother had been in an accident where a tall wall collapsed on them due to rain. The mother was killed.

                The boy was brought into the emergency unit and he saw Elder Hack in the next room.  He was in shock, but he recognized them and asked for a priesthood blessing, which was immediately given. After that is when Hack called. We were very close when he did, just at the stake center. We got there in minutes to see the situation; the nurses were working on P., the boy. He wasn't badly injured.  I walked further down the corridor and saw the mother's body lying on a gurney.  Elder Nakedi was sitting with P., he knew him already from serving in Achiase formerly (one of the areas in our zone).  P. asked him, "Do you know where my mom is?" He didn't know that she didn't make it.  My companion said that just crushed his confidence as he tried to comfort him.

                Elder Nakedi  then called President F. and Bishop O.  Both of them were speechless. The woman, Sister V., was President F.'s daughter-in-law, and she lived right next to Bishop. The nurse gave my comp the bill and he later passed it on when the others arrived.

                Just as I picked up the phone to call and cancel our appointments, the Assistants called us with transfer news. I sat down with the phone and took the info in my planner. Elder Nakedi and I are staying together but there are some positive changes in the zone.  I then had the pleasure of calling everyone and hearing the mixed reactions of sheer glee, disappointment, or apathy.  Transfer calls are fun!  Then we were able to leave the hospital and salvage our night.  By the time we did leave, nearly the entire ward was at the hospital.

                We went to Paramu that night and most of the members were in mourning.  Some were literally pacing around weeping and wailing.  It was sad.  But I stood by as a quiet observer and pondered the comfort that comes from the plan of salvation. Death isn't the end, it's only a transition; like stepping into another room.  Most people in the world don't know or understand that.  That's why we are here as missionaries, to bring light to those that sit in darkness.

                Everything that happened on Saturday was by the Lord's hand.  I'm glad Elder Ouma was sick, so they were there to administer to P. in his time of need.  And we happened to be very close by when they called us.  If not for the rain, we would have been back in our area.  My companion was able to comfort the boy and call those who needed to be called promptly.   It went rather smoothly honestly.  A friend recently told me that coincidences take a lot of planning. Oh, how true that is.

Love,

Elder Doggett

This is E. Doggett's answer to his dad, who asked him about literacy rates there......

Luckily, when people can't read, they can usually speak (English). When that
happens, we just teach them the principles that were restored through
the Book of Mormon, reading it to them/with them. It's honestly
incredibly difficult and it IS a huge stumbling block. But the work
still moves on somehow... haha. The literacy in my area is better than
Achiase, like honestly a solid 60%. It's actually pretty good. The
younger generations have infinitely more opportunity when it comes to
education. They show a lot of promise for the future. Most kids do go
to school actually, even when the parents are not educated.

One thing I always ponder is how much the mission and the church has
grown since I've been here. It's insane! It is literally growing like
a weed. I am so anxious to see where it is in 50 years.

E. Nakedi arm wrestling E. Pousini

News and PICTURES from Assin Foso.......finally!!!!!!

Feeling sick on Tuesday....with  helpful double "fans" in motion!

E. Doggett with Sisters from the area

Dear Family and Friends,

                This week was less eventful than the last, but notable nonetheless.  We went to the hospital early Tuesday because our malaria-ridden sister was being released.  I was feeling really tired that morning and the longer we waited at the hospital the worse and worse I started to feel.  So I ended up being sick all day Tuesday.  I'm not sure what the deal was, but I had a fever, body aches, and major headache.  I think it was a combination of exhaustion, malnourishment, and lack of sleep.  I just slept all day and all night again, then we went on splits the next day.  I felt fine.

                We did double splits with the Achiase elders; I went with Elders Keetch and Ugoh and my comp went with the others.  The Achiase guys are having some trouble, their best ward missionary was abruptly taken from them to be a stake missionary in Cape Coast. The literacy rate in their area is like 5%.  So they're struggling a bit, but I just gave them the best advice I could.  I was in their shoes for a long time...   I think they'll be ok.

                We had a ward missionary activity this weekend.  On Friday night we had 12 ward missionaries go out contacting and inviting people to an activity our ward mission leader planned for the following day.  It went so well!  I was really proud of them; they did a fantastic job.  Although the next day at the activity we only had 5 non-members show up.  One of them showed real promise and we'll be meeting with him soon.  At the activity we played indoor games, ate Ghanaian food, and watched the Restoration film.  We would call it a success, although our WML felt like he failed. We gladly welcomed him to the world of missionary work, haha.  You have to count every victory you get, no matter how small.

                General Conference!  It was so nice to FINALLY see part of it.  It's refreshing to hear the messages from the Lord's chosen vessels.  I especially enjoyed Elder Bednar's talk Sunday Morning-- about how having a load of responsibilities and obligations with push us so we don't get stuck.  It will push us home.  I feel like that applies to me incredibly well right now.  In the last few months of my service, I have LOTS to do to push me home.  We're staying very busy and I really enjoy it.

        Oh yeah, our subsistence was raised again!  Food prices are skyrocketing so President arranged for us all to receive 230 GHS every month, which is 30 cedis more.  I was surprised, honestly, but prices have been going up a ton.  I bought frosted flakes and Mountain Dew-- score!

Love,

Elder Doggett

Baptism of B. and P.

With one of the Three Nephites.....a.k.a Elder Nakedi!