21
July 2013
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| COCOCODJI GROUP |
This is the first branch that Francine and I had an opportunity to
have a lot of involvement. The missionaries were assigned to this area only
in February of this year (2013). The mission president had a tug-a-war as
to where we should send two sets of missionaries because of the very limited
number of missionaries in the field. He could have sent them to Porto
Novo which was the expected place to send them since there are several members
there. Another area that was a possibility was Calavi. The members out in
Cococodji were being serviced very well by the Menotin Branch. The
President sent me out to explore all three areas with an office elder. A
set of Assistants to the Mission President were also sent to Porto Novo to get
their opinion. Our reports said that all three areas could support
missionaries. The President consulted with the Branch Presidency.
Their input was invaluable. They liked Calavi and Cococodji.
The President then decided after careful consideration and imploring with
the Lord what he should do. He decided to send them to Cococodji.
As I have mentioned the first week we had 47, then 54 and today
there was 103 on a rainy day. Last week there were 110.
Getting the building we now meet in was an interesting event as
well. Today was the first day of meetings in this beautiful building.
This building can accommodate two branches at the same time. The
lot is beautifully landscaped. I love it! And I have some new ideas
that I could incorporate in my yard. Not that I could have the same
vegetation, no palm trees grow where I live in Utah. Nevertheless I have
some new ideas. Oh dear, says Francine.
The available buildings for a branch were in reality not in
existence. We us Paul Toffi to help us find apartments. I requested
his assistance. In a day or two he was at the office explaining to us
what he had found. Now it seem that Paul knows everyone. He found a
building that was occupied some Chinese road consultants that were about to
vacate the building. He found the building because he knew someone who
knew about this landlord. So we entered negotiations. The price was
way too high which is normal. We got it down to where we could be serious about
it. The members in the area frequently could not go to the Menotin Branch
building because of its cost. So, Paul went a day’s journey north to
visit the landlord (the wife and owner) her husband was in Liberia.
As it turns out the village Paul went to is where Paul had lived and he
knew the wife. They agreed on a price and then he brought the proposal
back to which we negotiated the final agreement. The Lord absolutely
knows and directs people to fulfill his purposes. He is involved in the
details. I am but an instrument in his hands for I could never have known
about this place, I didn't know the landlord, I didn't live in their village as
a youth, I don't speak French. Stop and think how things can turn out.
Yesterday, Saturday 20 July 2013, the elders and I went to prepare
the building for the meeting. We had to make five trips to take chairs,
etc. I wasn't surprised when many members just showed up to work.
Youth and adults and a couple of babies. I had Elder Welch be the
supervisor. His companion Elder Mulumba was the chief coordinator to the
members. The work that was completed was nothing short of spectacular!
People just went to work! Willingly! A couple of sisters swept the
entire long driveway (125 yards long) and the walkways that beautifully mark
the attractive landscaped facilities. Of course the women were their
beatiful clothes to perform this service. They do not wear
"grubbies" for work done for the Lord.
I am so touched by the respect that they have for the church
grounds and that they know that the Lord is well pleased.
Today, there was adequate room for everyone. They were as
excited as children opening presents on Christmas morning. Though that
for them is but a dream. But, they feel and felt the need to be there to
perform this task.
I took a lot of pictures. After the meeting everyone wanted
their picture taken. It really started when a father requested (in
French, but I understood perfectly what he wanted) that I take his picture with
his family. You see this marks a great day in the lives of these people.
And it does. It also, makes a great day in Francine and my life as
well. They were very reverent and respectful during the services.
Thank you for your missionaries and for your support and prayers,
Elder Semken
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