The Elmina Branch

Last Sunday we were in Cape Coast. It is a favorite retreat of ours. I love the beach - any beach - and Cape Coast is just beautiful with palm trees, sand, and a scenic ocean.

We decided to attend a new branch formed just 3 weeks ago,the Elmina Branch. The Elmina Branch is located next to the Bridge Hotel in downtown Elmina. The bridge to the famous Elmina Slave Castle is just steps away. When we first came into Elmina on Saturday we were pleasently surprised to see the rental building straight in front of our eyes as we wound down the streets of Elmina to get to our hotel. The building is a rental building. It was built in 1854 by the Dutch and has walls that are about 18 inches thick. Physical facilities painted the building a bright sunshine yellow - no one can miss this building! We thought maybe they should paint all of our churches this color - it is a "HELLO!" "We are HERE!" color.

Sunday morning we awoke to rain. It rained hard right up until we entered the chapel and then it began to slow down and eventually stop. About 80 people were in attendance. The previous week 110. The weather kept many from coming - most walk and it isn't easy when the rain is pounding the street, or turning the dirt road where they live into mud puddles or slippery silt. Even with fewer in attendance it was a great experience. The meetings were spirit filled. We went to the gospel essentials class with about 10 investigators. The lesson was on free agency and the plan of salvation. Elder Shipley gave them a roll play experience which they enjoyed and will probably always remember. After that, I attended Young Women, where there were an equal number of young women. It will not be long before this branch becomes a ward.