Promise of Temple in Ghana fulfilled
September 3, 2008 by DH
Filed under Mormon Africa
If the promise cited below came true, then it goes to show that the promise made to Indian saints regarding a temple can (and will) also come true. Like with all of God’s promises (and those delivered by His authorized servants) if we but live up to our end of the covenants God will always fulfill His promises for He is truly bound when we do what He says!
The Accra Ghana Temple, dedicated in 2004, was the first temple of The LDS Church to be built in West Africa. (The Johannesburg South Africa, dedicated in 1985, was the first temple in Africa.) In addition the first Missionary Training Center in Africa was dedicated in Ghana in 2002.
It is interesting to note that similar to a previous post I made concerning an Apostolic promise to Saints in India about a future temple conditional upon actions of the members that Gordon B. Hinckley had made a similar promise to the Saints of Ghanna.
“The announcement of the Accra Ghana Temple by President Gordon B. Hinckley came after he had challenged members to make a special effort to fellowship new converts to the Church. “Put your arms around them, make them feel at home. Teach them the doctrines of the kingdom. Befriend them and help them in every way possible,” he said. “I make you a promise that if you will do that you will be blessed with a temple in your midst.”
It always amazes me the miraculous circumstances in which the work progresses throughout the world. As I have read a little bit of the history of the church in Ghana the parallels to other countries are so apparent. These parallels often include: humble children of God seeking and accepting the truth despite difficult circumstances, faithful members of the church who do so much to establish the church, great patience as the foundation of membership and leadership is set in place and the underlying truth that God’s hand is in all things. Ghana is no exception to these commonalities. LDS church literature was read by Ghanaians as early as the 1950’s. Hundreds of believers were organized and waited until there was even an official Church presence and Church to be baptized into. The Church and particularly the temple have been built despite numerous difficulties and opposition that has arisen. Despite all this The Church is thriving in West Africa with membership, stakes, missions and temples all growing in number.
It is no wonder Gordon B. Hinckley said the following in the dedicatory prayer of the Ghana Temple:
“We thank Thee for the brotherhood that exists among us, that neither color of skin nor land of birth can separate us as Thy sons and daughters who have taken upon us sacred and binding covenants.” …
“May Thy work spread in this land and in adjoining nations. May the hearts of thousands and tens of thousands be touched in such a way that there shall come into Thy kingdom a veritable flood of faithful and devoted Latter-day Saints. We pray for this nation of Ghana and for all who constitute its government. May it become a model among the nations of this vast continent. May it grow in strength and influence for good. Incline the hearts of its rulers that they may befriend Thy people, even Thy faithful Saints. O God our Eternal Father, please move forward Thy work throughout the world. Open the hearts of people everywhere to the message of Thine endowed servants. Open the doors of the nations which are now closed. Touch the hearts of their leaders that they may welcome and befriend Thy work.”
Some powerful words and a beautiful prayer from a Prophet of God!
YouTube video of Accra Ghana Temple:
Sources used:
The promise is referenced from the following: Steve Fidel, “A temple to be built in Ghana,” Church News 21 Feb. 1998: 3.
Lds.org country profiles
LDS Church News Archives
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