The dishes are washed and the trash is bundled, only the chairs are sitting like sentinels as reminders of a lovely evening. I have walked the Amako family, their relatives, close friends, and the missionaries up to the gate by the temple and bid them farewell. Now I am pondering on the fact that I am watching history unfold.
The Amako family in 2021 had a few people in their home for meetings to keep them in remembrance of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Nor formal branch or meeting house just twelve faithful members. In fact their son was preparing to serve a mission. In 2022 they were finally recognized and became the one and only tiny branch in the whole of The Gambia.
Jeffrey went back in 2023 and found that they had 48 members. Today in 2024 they have just shy of 100 members of the church. Brother Amako introduced me to each person at the table. One man he said was a pioneer in Ghana and again in the Gambia. One lady had five boys, four of which were or had been missionaries. Everyone has a unique and great story.
This family just has a way of pulling us in with love and acceptance. The hug he and she gave us at the temple was heartfelt and long. I love watching and witnessing this family and their efforts to be faithful and bring the gospel to others. They may not be traveling over a hot prairie or over mountain passes, but they certainly are working hard for every inch the church grows in their country.
Brother Amako's wish is that a temple will be built in the Gambia. I am pretty certain they will do everything in their power to make that dream a reality. And I will watch it happen.
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| Gathered around the table |
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| Visiting |
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| The Ghana and the Gambia pioneer, Jeffrey, Brother Amako with his granddaughter |
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