THE FAITH AND MISSION OF SISTER TANDOH

A few weeks ago, I was invited to attend the farewell devotion for this lovely lady. She is called Sister Tandoh.

The invitation from Sister Tandoh to attend her Missionary Farewell Devotion was something I regarded very highly because she is going to Nigeria #Port_Harcourt Mission-my dearly beloved city. #Nigeria Port Harcourt Mission presently covers Rivers and Bayelsa States only.

I was exhilarated as Returned Missionaries – mostly Ghanaians who served in that mission spoke about the lovely culture and conviviality of the people there. The remarks were heartening. They spoke about Port Harcourt and the gospel fun therein, Bayelsa and the many fishes they enjoyed. Most especially, the spoke about the firm believes the people have in God – something most pleasing to any #Latter_day Saints’ missionary.

The most enthralling thing about this program was the fact that Sister Tandoh is going to serve the Lord for 18 months. Anybody familiar with the doctrines and teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints would know that this is not an easy decision for anybody because it comes with gargantuan responsibilities and sacrifices.

She is a young. She is leaving her family, friends, school and lots more to serve the Lord in a land she has never been before. She is an astonishing prima ballerina – one of the finest I know. For 18 months, she would not display her boogying talent, she would only call home twice a year, she would be trekking the streets of #Port_Harcourt and #Yenagoa, knocking at doors, inviting people to come unto Christ.

In all of these, she would not be remunerated, recompensed nor paid in any way. In fact, she would be taken care of by the church with funds provided by her family and members of her home branch.
But Sister Tandoh is embarking on this journey despite the huge sacrifice because of her love for God and her testimony of the reality of the Atonement of Christ and her knowledge of the Restored Gospel. She believes that Salvation comes only in and through Jesus Christ. Therefore, as a daughter of God, she considers it her obligation to spread this joyous news.

Thank you Sister Tandoh for your example of faith and dedication to the word of God. May God guide and protect you and bring you back home safely. Return with Honor. #LDS #MissionaryWork #PreachMyGospel

Fortune Abel: A True Friend and Brother

When I think of Easter, I think of my loved ones who have go beyond. their lives, the great impact they had on me. Then my thoughts always conclude with the firm assurance that I will see them again. Today, I want to talk about my dearly beloved friend Fortune Abel.

Fortune was my Secondary School classmate. We almost all through our Senior Secondary school days sat on the same desk. We participated together in almost all activities in the school. The most common was SU (Scripture Union). He was Sunday School Director and I was the Sunday School Secretary. In our WAEC Exams, we sat next to each other all through the exams. We would often challenge ourselves to burn the midnight candle. He served as the Deputy Senior Prefect while as served as the Chapel Prefect.

Shortly after graduating from Secondary School, I traveled for a two-year missionary assignment-something he was very happy for even though he was not a member of my church. To him, his friend has taken a step further in the Gospel Evangelism. He visited with my family when my younger brother died and tried to comfort me. He was the first person to visit with me on my return. We talked about school, SU, work, girls, marriage, and other plans.

I got a job with Bank PHB as a mobile cashier and he was working at a dental clinic as Secretary. Our offices were on the same road just few blocks away. He would often wait for me to board taxi home after work. He was a kind and caring friend who loved serving others selflessly. He lived a Christ-like life that taught me to be a better Christian. He was gentle and soft-spoken, very slow to anger. He loved God and tried to live his faith.

Enthusiastically, he informed me of his university admission and how he had prayed for such blessing. He, in company of others were traveling to serve a fellow SU member when the bus they were traveling with had an accident. All on board died on spot except him and two others. He spent the next 60 days or so in comer.

I was devastated when I heard of the accident. I visited with his family and was told that his condition was critical and for that, visitors are not allowed including members of his family. Only his mother was allowed to care for him.

I was in Ogwashi-Uku in Delta State when I heard of his demise. I was traumatized because I got the news a day after his interment.

When I think of Easter, I think of him. Because of Christ’s Atonement, I am definite of seeing him again to thank him for his friendship and love. I am the resurrection and the life said the Savior, he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. I know Fortune will live again. My dear friend Rest in Peace till we meet again. 

If Any of You Lack Wisdom

Wisdom is the quality of having knowledge, and good judgment; the quality of being wise. However, Wisdom isn’t simply intelligence or knowledge or even understanding. It is experience and the ability to use these experiences to think and act in such a way that common sense prevails and choices are beneficial and productive.

Wisdom is profitable in practice. It is believed that the older you get, the wiser you become. This is because of the older you get the more experiences you gain in life. An old Ibo Nigeria adage says "What an old man sees sitting down, a young man cannot see even if he climbs the tallest tree" this explains in volume why old age is regarded as an epitome of wisdom.

Wisdom and knowledge are frequent subjects in the Bible. They are related but not synonymous. One dictionary defines wisdom as “the ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting.” Knowledge, on the other hand, is “information gained through experience, reasoning, or acquaintance.” Knowledge can exist without wisdom, but wisdom cannot. Knowledge is the bedrock of wisdom. One can be knowledgeable and still be unwise. Knowledge is knowing how to use something; wisdom is knowing when to use it and when not to use it. Why do we need wisdom?

Proverbs tells “wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all, they getting get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7. Perhaps this was the reason why King Solomon in the Bible chose wisdom instead of riches. “And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king:” 2 Chronicles 1:11. How do one get wisdom?

In his letter to James, Apostle Paul advised: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James 1:5. Again in Proverbs, we read “For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:6. True wisdom comes from God as a gift to man. It is given to help. I am happy to learn that God gives this wisdom to all men liberally. The question is: are we seeking for it?

“IMAGE OF THE INVISIBLE GOD”

Colossians 1: 15. I consider this scripture as one of the finest verses in the Bible that teaches about the creation of man besides the known account in the Book of Genesis.

In the Book of Genesis, we read “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” Genesis 1: 26-27

Many people have argued that the account of the creation of man does not mean physical but spiritual. They interpret the scripture to mean that resemblance of Man to God is in the spiritual because God is a Spirit. And because God is a Spirit, he cannot have a body of flesh and bones.

Perhaps this was the same understanding the Colossians had that when Apostle Paul wrote to them, he taught “[Christ] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:” Col. 1: 15-16

It is interesting to note that Apostle Paul sent similar message to the Hebrews “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,

Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;” Hebrews 1:1-3.

I love the use of the phrase “express image of his person.” This means that Jesus Christ was and is in the express image of His Father-our Father. And if Jesus Christ is in the express image of God, then we whom He created certainly must be in his “image and likeness” as the Bible tells us.

Many people may doubt this truth, but I am grateful to know that I am a child of God created in His image and likeness.

Where is President Muhammadu Buhari?

I have been following with keen interest the happenings in Nigeria.  For the past few weeks, millions of Nigerians are craving to hear the voice of one man. This man is not one of those super talented Nigerian musicians we know nor is he any famous opera singer. This individual is Muhammadu Buhari the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

President Buhari left Nigeria to London on what they called sick leave. This was long before Yahya Jammeh of Gambia made of his mind to go on exile. Since then, Nigerians never heard his voice nor do they know the state of his health.

As a citizen of Nigeria, as a person who believes in ethical and moral leadership, I consider the silence of the president as a blatant insult on all Nigerians, an absolute disregard of Nigerians, a chimney display of lack of good leadership. 

Who does not fall sick? Why should the health condition of the leader of the most populated black nation be a game of secrecy? Do not Nigerians deserve the right to know the true state of their president? How sick he is that he cannot appear for five minutes on air for Nigerians to hear his voice? How long would our leaders treat us like this? Nigerians are not sure if our President is dead or alive. The same drama that enshrouded and shadowed the death of President Yar'Adua, is the same drama we are watching now. 

The fact that Nigerians are traveling to London just to see our silent president, the fact that he would receive an important national call on a foreign land, adds salt to injury. 

Mr. President Buhari, where you are, Nigerians know you are sick. We pray for you to get well and return safely to Nigeria. You are our president and you not speaking to us on your health is very bad, undemocratic and does not portray you as a leader who cares for his people- as a leader who want to bring change to our economic situation. Take whatever time you need to treat yourself but give us the respect we deserve.

Will January Ever End?

Will January ever end?  President Nana Addo of Ghana got inaugurated and the vetting of his Minister-designate is almost done, Yahya Jammeh of Gambia asked for weeks to leave office and finally left, President Adama Barrow inaugurated, President Donald John Trump of USA inaugurated, President Mohammedu Buhari of Nigeria is yet to return from his sick leave. One week funeral of the Queen Mother of the Ashanti Kingdom, Manchester United has played 5 matches already, AFCON is getting to the semi-final stage. Trump is building a wall, deporting people, etc. and we are still in January. Is something wrong with the calendar? 

When you consider the too many things that have happened in 2017, you may think we are in the middle of the year or in the last quarter of 2017. But we are still in January.

January is the first month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars and the first month to have the length of 31 days. The first day of the month is known as New Year's Day. It is, on average, the coldest month of the year within most of the Northern Hemisphere (where it is the second month of winter) and the warmest month of the year within most of the Southern Hemisphere (where it is the second month of summer). In the Southern hemisphere, January is the seasonal equivalent of July in the Northern hemisphere and vice versa. (Wikipedia, 2017)

But January is much more than what it appears on record to be. It is seemed to be the longest month despite the fact that it is not the only month with 31 days. It is a month in which the prudence and frugality of individuals, families, and cooperate entities are put to the test. The month becomes longer for those who believes that December means spending all savings.

Those whose savings were all spent in Christmas celebrations must have fasted and prayed for the pay-day to come quickly. I reminisce calling my friend and he told me he is studying endurance. Initially, I thought he was just doing what most Christian’s does-studying the Bible. Interestingly, he mentioned he is studying about enduring to the end. That is good I remarked and then added, we must endure to the end to be saved. Disappointingly, he said he is enduring to the end of the month when he would get his pay because he was broke. I am sure by now he must have gotten his salary.

As we bid farewell to January, I do hope we would make the promise to ourselves never to spend all we have saved in the name of Christmas because January can be very long, even longer than you can imagine. In my opinion, January is a true test of patience and endurance. If you get your things right in January, then be sure you would right for the rest of the year. Beware, January debts or mistakes has a way of staying all year.

Happy Birthday Mama

Mama

It takes a whole village, says a Yoruba proverb, to raise a child. In my case, I think it is taking the whole of ECOWAS to raise me. I am, perhaps, the only person with a Nigerian root and foster branches all across West Africa. I have a Nigerian Mother, a Ghanaian Mother, an Ivorian Mother etc. and that means I have families in all these areas.

Today, I wish to pay homage to my Ivorian Mother. The woman behind the little broken French I speak. She is an Ivorian and as you would expect, had problems speaking the English. In order to communicate well with her, I had to force myself to speaking the French. Although I have not made much significant improvement, she thinks I am doing great. I can say unambiguously that she loves me as her son. I do love her too as a mother.

I think my love for her is stronger than the love her daughter Esther has for high-hill-shoes and selfies. It is stronger than the love her son Daniel has for “Mallam.” It is stronger than the love her grandson Emmanuel has for “Kalypo”. This unexplainable love is fueled by few things we have in common. Example, her birthday is 14 days away from my biological mother’s birthday. Her love for music is equal to none etc.

She is a woman of great worth. She’s a mother who is ever alacritous and ready to open her door to you any time, share with you whatever she has whether big or small. Because of her, I am an adopted Ivorian. Her kitchen skills are so excellent that I found it so hard to resist her food. She is ever ready to prepare any food for me especially delicious Ivorian dishes. Her name is Marguerite but tenderly called Mama. 

Motherhood is a divine role and I can say that Mama is playing it divinely well. When the June 3^rd disaster happened in Ghana, my apartment was flooded. Mama came without any qualms, eviscerated, washed, and kept my things in order. I am so grateful to Mama for her love, care, support, and prayers for me. Things would be impeccable if I become her son in-law J'ai essayé que si mais cette porte est fermée.

Mama is woman of strong faith. Her love for God influences all she does. It is only once Mama gave a shot prayer in family home evening. Her prayers are usually long and she would mention the names of all in the room in her prayers. It’s isn’t surprising to hear her grandson praying like that. What a great example.

Mama as you celebrate your birthday, it is my prayer that God will continue to bless you with good health, sound mind, and Beaucoup de petits-enfants. You would live to enjoy the many sacrifices you make for your children and all around you. Et que Dieu fournisse des moyens pour que deux mille dix-sept, nous voyagions en Côte d'Ivoire. Happy Birthday Mama.

Happy 1 Year Wedding Anniversary

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Duku

Marriage, they say, is ordained of God. I read in my Bible that the first marriage in the history of this earth, between Adam and Eve, was performed by God. Thus solidifying the belief that marriage is ordained of God. I further read in my Bible that “he who finds a wife has found a good thing.” This verse of scripture makes me want to get married now because I desire to have “good thing(s)” from God. I believe this is one of the reasons why people get married and promised to live together for better or worse.

Nevertheless, there are some men who think marrying was the worst mistake of their lives. This is because the reverse of “good thing” is what they got or are getting from the women they married.

But to my Brother and dearest pal, Joseph Kwame Duku, his marriage to his charming Priscila Duku was and is the best thing in his whole life. The kind of love, affection and care they show to each other is something I really would love to have when I “grow up.” The feelings I get whenever I am in their love shrouded home is something I can’t fathom at this moment.

Having been friends before marriage, the two love birds are just opposite of each other complementarily. While one is hot, the other is cold; making the marriage a balanced ship.

Since their connubial, I have seen many things transmogrified in my dear friend’s life in all corollaries. He now talks, eats, dances, walk and work like the good married men I have known. Indeed, Priscila is a help-meet to Joseph. She is helping him meet his responsibilities as the cranium and patriarch of their home. She is helping him meet his entrepreneurial challenges. She is helping him meet his pious onuses. She is helping him meet his social canons. Most conspicuously, she is helping him meet his faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Although they are not perfect, together, they are endeavoring to live the gospel of Jesus Christ and to be chivalrous neighbors. It ecstasies my heart seeing my friend bourgeoning from nothing to something with his dear consort always lending a helping hand ardently.

One year of their nuptial conglomeration today, I have seen my friend grow deeper in appreciation of the divine role of women in the home and for the good scrumptious food that only women provides. His love and devotion to God has upsurge ominously. He has become humbler and acquiescent like a child even when he disagrees with proposals. He gives an understanding heart to details than before. He rushes home quicker than before. Love, they say, changes everything but to Joseph, it is marriage that has changed everything in his life.

As you celebrate your one-year wedding anniversary, it is my prayer that the love in your hearts for each other will continue to grow. May God continue to shower great blessings upon you. Happy One Year Wedding Anniversary.