From the 15th to the 19th of February we were with a group of 24 missionaries in Accra.  These were missionaries who started their missions after the COVID pandemic closed temples all around the world.  Usually young missionaries go to the temple to receive what we call “an endowment of power” before beginning their missions.  This group, and others like them all over the world, started their missions without that gift.

Some temples now are opening for special sessions.  Accra is one of those temples and John and I had the gift of accompanying these missionaries there.

We stayed at the Missionary Training Center in Accra for our 5 day visit.  The MTC is right next to the beautiful temple in a complex housing the Area Administrative Offices, the Temple and Patron Housing, a Stake Center, and a Distribution Center.  It’s a glorious place of peace and beauty and learning.

We call the temple “The House of God.”  In these sacred places we are taught about the creation of the world and our relationship to God.  We make covenants or promises with Him to be obedient, to keep His commandments, to keep ourselves morally clean and pure, and we dedicate our lives to Him.   In return we are endowed with His power, which is an incredible gift.

The blessings of the temple give us perspective and hope.  They fill our hearts with peace and calm.  We learn the true order of things and we more fully understand who we are.  I love going to the temple.  Considering the last month (in this COVID world), it was a true miracle to be here now, with our missionary friends.

I am grateful for a Heavenly Father who is mindful of me and every single person here on earth.  We are His children and He loves us.   I’ve felt that more than ever this week in this place.