My great-grandmother was the queen mother of Gomoa Mangoase, a town in Ghana’s Central Region. On a recent visit to learn about my ancestry, I spoke with the town’s chief, Nana Okofo Ogyefo Amoako II Odikro. He asked if my nonprofit organization, Citizens Taking Responsibility, could help provide a computer center for the school there. Many of the students had never touched a mouse or keyboard before.
My nonprofit provided 40 computers fully loaded with software, and we partnered with the Church’s Humanitarian Services to renovate the schoolhouse in September 2025.
In my conversations with the chief, I explained that I was serving in collaboration with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I told him that each month, Church members fast and contribute the funds that they would’ve used for food to bless those in need. This principle was intriguing to him, and he wanted to learn more.
One day, the chief mentioned he was not feeling well. I felt prompted to ask if he would like a priesthood blessing. Usually, you don’t ask a chief something like this or put your hands on his head, but he gladly accepted. So, I anointed him, and a senior missionary in the area pronounced the blessing.
That simple act of service made an impression on the chief. As a member of a Pentecostal church, he said he was touched that members of a different church would give him a blessing. He’s such a kind, gentle, and humble person, and I sensed that he had a deep love for Christ and His gospel.
The chief later told me that around this time, he had a dream in which I beckoned to him, saying, “I want you to come and see my church.” He responded, “No, I am a Pentecostal. I already have a church.” But I insisted, “Just come and see. And you can make a decision for yourself.”
This dream prompted him to meet with the missionaries. Months later, he was baptized on January 17, 2026.
A small group of members now meets in one of the classrooms at the schoolhouse. Thirty-five people, including the chief, attended the first meeting. Since then, the area has had at least five baptisms, with more scheduled, and the stake president is planning to create a branch in May 2026.
It’s amazing how such significant events can happen through small and simple things. Because of a computer center and a priesthood blessing, this chief was inspired to get baptized. And now he is inviting others to learn about the gospel, too.
I am grateful for opportunities to stand in fellowship with those who are in need. It truly takes a village, and through serving together, we can bring more people to Jesus Christ than we could alone.
Editor’s note: This article first appeared in the May/June issue of LDS Living Magazine.
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