Bound for a New Area

Fantastic baptisms took place on Saturday. However, Elder Ndala has been sick most of the week. And Elder Hall is being transferred. He is headed to a suburban area in the greater Accra metro area.

Elder Hall tells a touching story about a little girl on a trotro, the Holy Spirit, and revelation.

Elder Hall’s email:

Subject: Bound for a New Area

Hello everyone!

This week wasn’t really productive as my companion was sick the whole week. We had our three baptisms on Saturday though which was absolutely fantastic! I know that they will all be strong in the gospel, especially Augustine!

Because of some complications I didn’t get to email yesterday, but my mission president, President Heid has informed me that Elder Ebinum and i are being transferred. So I will arrive in my new area some time this week and meet my new companion Elder Iyip, from Nigeria, who will finish my last four weeks of training.

On Sunday while riding the trotro i was singing to myself as i often do. There was a young woman with a little baby girl on her back sitting next to me. The little girl kept touching my shoulder so that I would look at her and she would smile. She ended up holding my hand when I reached the chorus of the song that says “Christ the babe was born for you” And with the spirit in my heart and tears in my eyes it was confirmed to me. Christ was born not only for that sweet little girl but for all of us, that we may all may live as well. I am so grateful for this opportunity and hope I can do my best to help my brothers and sisters in Ghana come unto Christ and experience the joy that accompanies it.

Alma 7:11
11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

A poor wayfaring man of Grief- a Hymn

1. A poor, wayfaring Man of grief
Hath often crossed me on my way,
Who sued so humbly for relief
That I could never answer nay.
I had not pow’r to ask his name,
Whereto he went, or whence he came;
Yet there was something in his eye
That won my love; I knew not why.

2. Once, when my scanty meal was spread,
He entered; not a word he spake,
Just perishing for want of bread.
I gave him all; he blessed it, brake,
And ate, but gave me part again.
Mine was an angel’s portion then,
For while I fed with eager haste,
The crust was manna to my taste.

3. I spied him where a fountain burst
Clear from the rock; his strength was gone.
The heedless water mocked his thirst;
He heard it, saw it hurrying on.
I ran and raised the suff’rer up;
Thrice from the stream he drained my cup,
Dipped and returned it running o’er;
I drank and never thirsted more.

4. ‘Twas night; the floods were out; it blew
A winter hurricane aloof.
I heard his voice abroad and flew
To bid him welcome to my roof.
I warmed and clothed and cheered my guest
And laid him on my couch to rest,
Then made the earth my bed and seemed
In Eden’s garden while I dreamed.

5. Stript, wounded, beaten nigh to death,
I found him by the highway side.
I roused his pulse, brought back his breath,
Revived his spirit, and supplied
Wine, oil, refreshment–he was healed.
I had myself a wound concealed,
But from that hour forgot the smart,
And peace bound up my broken heart.

6. In pris’n I saw him next, condemned
To meet a traitor’s doom at morn.
The tide of lying tongues I stemmed,
And honored him ‘mid shame and scorn.
My friendship’s utmost zeal to try,
He asked if I for him would die.
The flesh was weak; my blood ran chill,
But my free spirit cried, “I will!”

7. Then in a moment to my view
The stranger started from disguise.
The tokens in his hands I knew;
The Savior stood before mine eyes.
He spake, and my poor name he named,
“Of me thou hast not been ashamed.
These deeds shall thy memorial be;
Fear not, thou didst them unto me.”

I appreciate you all very much. Please, have a great week!
Elder Hall