Elder Cook's Visit!

 AKWAABA!! Greetings from Africa!

It has been another adventurous week here in the greater Accra area—especially with Church events. We had the incredible opportunity to host Elder and Sister Cook and Elder and Sister Ringwood. Elder Cook usually travels internationally with a medical assistant, but he was ill, so Doug and Elder Steed were asked to remain within five minutes of them at all times—except when they were at the hotel, where medical personnel were available on site.

On Sunday, we were invited to attend the Jamestown Ward, where Elder Cook and his wife, Mary, were speaking. Jamestown is the oldest—and one of the poorest—areas in Ghana. Until about three weeks ago, the members had been meeting in a very makeshift structure. They have now moved into a beautiful, newly constructed Church building.

Several people have asked why, with all the resources of the Church, there is still a shortage of buildings and materials in Africa. From what we can tell, there are a few reasons. First, land acquisition is extremely difficult. Land often has multiple parties claiming ownership—the local tribal chief, various families, the government, or some combination thereof. Securing legal agreements from everyone involved can be nearly impossible. For example, the property where the temple, chapel, MTC, and Church offices are located is held under a 100-year lease.

As for the shortage of Church materials (scriptures, manuals, etc.), I suspect shipping plays a major role. If grocery stores struggle to keep food stocked due to shipping challenges, it makes sense that these issues would affect everything in Ghana. We have also noticed that when materials are provided, they are not always well cared for—something that certainly isn’t unique to Ghana. But I digress.

The new building was absolutely beautiful. We intentionally chose seats toward the back to remain somewhat inconspicuous. However, other plans were made for us, and we were escorted to the front row—right in front of the podium! It was quite the experience to have Elder Cook looking directly at us as he spoke.

It was an unforgettable meeting. His closing words were especially powerful. He asked us to listen carefully and then declared, “I know the Savior's voice, and I know Savior's face.” Those words pierced our hearts. We were left with no doubt that he is a special witness of Jesus Christ—a prophet, seer, and revelator.

We had three additional opportunities to hear him speak: once at the MTC, once at an Area Office devotional, and once at a devotional for all three Accra missions. Each time, he closed with the same testimony: “I know the Savior's voice, and I know the Savior's face.” Each time, the Spirit confirmed the truthfulness of his words. It was a sacred privilege to sit at the feet of one of the Lord’s latter-day Apostles. We are profoundly grateful for that opportunity.

In addition to staying close and available for Elder Cook and Elder Ringwood, it was an extremely busy AMA week. Doug had 20 missionaries hospitalized. In one mission, over 30 missionaries suffered food poisoning after a mission conference.

One particularly serious situation involved a sister at the MTC. She had been playing basketball and went to her room because she felt tired. At some point, she passed out and began seizing. Doug received a call and initially assumed it might be another emotional episode, similar to what he had seen before. However, upon arrival, her oxygen saturation was in the 70s, and she was completely unresponsive—even to painful stimuli.

There is no ambulance system here, so they quickly carried her to an MTC van and transported her to the nearest emergency room. There were no available rooms, so they laid her across three chairs while starting an IV to administer anti-seizure and muscle relaxant medications. Doug counted at least ten seizures while they were there.

That hospital’s CT scanner was not working. The next hospital they contacted also had a broken scanner. Finally, they located a facility with a functioning CT machine and transported her again—IV and all. By the time they arrived at Euracare, she was beginning to regain consciousness and respond. Four and a half hours later, Doug returned home, and this sweet sister was in a facility where she could receive proper treatment.

Another sister at the MTC has been in a sickle cell crisis and spent a week in the ICU on oxygen and morphine for pain management. It is difficult to watch these missionaries suffer, but we have witnessed the Lord’s hand again and again. There is no doubt in our minds that He watches over His missionaries.

Because Doug needed to remain close to home and the office, I spent much of the week at home—but I was able to accomplish quite a bit. EnglishConnect for missionaries is moving forward! I’ve heard back from most of the missions regarding the status of their programs and where they feel additional support is needed.

I was able to FaceTime with a wonderful service missionary in Arizona who works with EnglishConnect for Missionaries. She was a wealth of knowledge and even shared an editable PowerPoint designed to train mission leaders and language coordinators in their responsibilities. I am currently adapting it for the West Africa Area missions. I believe it will be extremely helpful in guiding leaders step by step as they strengthen their EnglishConnect programs. I’m very grateful for this assignment—and a special shout-out to Sister Hatch for her generosity and expertise!

I also spent some enjoyable time with Jenny finishing my king-size comforter and Christmas wall hanging. I am so blessed to be serving alongside and learning from her. My next project is an “African Queen” quilt, made from scraps of fabric from dresses I’ve had made here. I’m also planning a March door hanger with birds—extra meaningful since my maiden name is Bird. I’m not sure what has come over me, but I am loving sewing! 😊

I missed my YSA beading class this week due to the MTC medical emergency. The teacher sweetly texted to say they missed and loved me and hope I’ll come next week. They truly fill my bucket—I don’t think they realize how much! I’m looking forward to being back with them.

Doug and I also continue to spend a couple of days each week helping with new missionary intake, clothing distribution, MTC choir, and other responsibilities. We love serving at the MTC. There is always an abundance of the Spirit there. We cherish hearing the missionaries’ stories and serving alongside them.

This week in Come, Follow Me, we studied the Abrahamic covenant and the blessings associated with it. We learned so much and look forward to learning even more as we continue our study of the Old Testament. The Come, Follow Me program has transformed my (Lori’s) gospel study. I have grown to love daily scripture study. My understanding has increased exponentially as I study, ponder, and pray. I am deeply grateful for the scriptures, which help me feel closer to Jesus Christ.

I pray that each of you will make time for daily scripture study—individually and as a family. The Lord will bless you as you do.

We hope you are all doing well! Enjoy the week ahead—and don’t forget to pray!

Much love,
Elder and Sister Baker

P.S. This was our amazing balancing act view of the week: