First 54 missionaries enter first training center in Africa
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TEMA, Ghana — Fifty-four missionaries entered the Ghana Missionary Training Center on May 22 to become the first batch of missionaries to be trained in the first missionary training center in Africa.
Missionaries came from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Uganda and Togo.
The Ghana Missionary Training Center was dedicated on the morning of May 17, signaling an era of growth in the number of missionaries serving from Africa. An open house followed the next day during which parents of prospective missionaries, along with other Church members and community leaders, toured the site. Nearly 400 people attended the open house, with 250 attending the dedicatory service.
The three-story building, located at Community 10, Hospital Road, provides dormitory accommodations for 104 missionaries. The facility is 24,456 square feet and includes housing for the Missionary Training Center presidency, 10 classrooms, administration offices, an infirmary, laundry facilities, dining hall and chapel.
"This will be the 16th training center now in use by the Church," said Elder H. Bruce Stucki of the Seventy and president of the Africa West Area. "It is a historic achievement."
"The purpose of the training center is . . . to help missionaries draw nearer to God and develop converting power so more of Heavenly Father's children will accept the gospel," said Missionary Training Center President Stephen M. Hadley.
Prior to the dedication of the Ghana training center, missionaries from Africa relied on their mission presidents for training and preparation. Missionaries will now receive a more uniform, concentrated training. The Ghana Missionary Training Center will serve missionaries called to all missions in western Africa.
"Many of these young missionaries grew up in homes with thatched roofs and dirt floors," said Elder Norman Noorda, who, with his wife, Sharon, serve as public affairs missionaries. "Those who had televisions probably ran them on car batteries. Some struggled to find safety between warring factions.
"Yet, they grew up reading the Bible and were baptized in small villages," Elder Noorda said. "They now give eloquent, respectful prayers and are eager to proclaim the gospel."
In the training center they will learn the gospel. They will also learn social graces, personal hygiene and personal upkeep, he said.
Also attending the dedication were Elders H. Ross Workman and R. Conrad Schultz of the Seventy and counselors in the Area Presidency; Elders Emmanuel O. Opare and Emmanuel Abu Kissi, Area Authority Seventies; President Hadley; and President Richard K. Ahadjie of the Christiansborg stake and President Charles Sono-Koree of the Lartebiokorshie stake.
Music for the dedication was provided by a 22-voice choir comprised of full-time elders and sisters in the Ghana Accra Mission. Visitors during the open house were given a guided tour and shown a video presentation highlighting the Church and its various programs.
