Three different guys

It is Thursday morning. I took a walk this morning with Nick.  He and Irene are the Human Rights Missionaries who arrived just a few weeks ago.  They live in apartment #7.  This is their 3rd African Church Mission.  Nice people.  I will talk more about them sometime.  They are not the reason nor the subject of my short post.  He and I walk most mornings now.  

We walked through part of the neighborhood and then headed over to the Koala store.  On the way, he wanted to see the Chinese restaurant in that part of the neighborhood so I took him that way.  Upon entering the gate to the place (many businesses and homes have gates), I noticed the security guard off to the left sitting on the bench.  It was way too early for the restaurant to be opened.  He mentioned something about that. We just wanted to get acquainted with the place and go for dinner sometime soon.

He noticed my badge (we wear our missionary badges everywhere we go) and asked what church I go to.  He is friendly and not afraid to talk. I asked if he was a member and he indicated yes.  English is not good at all, but much better than my Asante or Twi.  He smiled broadly showing crooked teeth, and a happy face.  He had memories of going often to church some time ago.  He lives with his sister now not too far away from us. His work does not permit time for church on Sunday.  He has asked his employer, a security company, about it.  Be patient, he was told.

I told this guy about my young friend, Bennett, in Elmina whose work prevents him from going to church as well.  Bennett, who is 18, works at a small beach resort, and is paying his tithing.  He told me that with a gigantic smile on his face.  He can't go to church and he pays his tithing!  I love that boy.  I will tell you about him soon.

I asked whether he is reading the scriptures or other church material.  No.  He is carrying a smart phone in his hands.  A small one.  Do you have the church library app?  Didn't know there was one.  I showed him mine.  I carry my phone most everywhere.  I use "Runkeeper" in the morning for my walks/runs.  I showed him the icon and how it works; the scriptures, come follow me, conference talks for example.  He was interested.  Downloading is a problem.  He is not allowed to use the Wi-Fi at this restaurant.  At home isn't good.  He pays for internet time.  Most people do. It can be expensive for them. We suggested he go to the church closest to him where the Wi-Fi is available.  Since he wasn't sure where his church would be, I brought up my "Tools" app and showed him where the area churches are.  We decided the closest one is Maamobi.  Okay.  He wrote down the name of the church library app, and our names ("Elder" for both of our first names).

Friendly, willing to talk in halting and mostly grammatically incorrect English, wanting to know about, and attend church.  His name is Frederick, Fred for short.  We promised to come by again.  He said he would introduce us to the restaurant owners.  He smiles as we walk back from where we had come.  The restaurant is in a cul-de-sac.

Most people work 12 hour shifts each day.  His is likely 6 am to 6 pm.  They are paid very little.  I like Fred.  Almost childlike.   He needs more employment opportunities.  We reminded each other that, at least, he has a job.

Elaine and I ordered a pizza the other night.  It was delivered by a guy on a motorcycle. I met him outside the gate and asked how he likes his bike.  125cc?  No, 150cc.  Most of them are.  Too small he says.  He wants a bigger bike.  About early 30s I guess at his age.  His English isn't bad; easily understood.  I paid for the pizza and mentioned I had a bike once.  A Harley Sportster, 1200cc.  That really got his attention.  That's what he wants.  He is saving his money and when he has enough, he will find me and get me to ship the bike to Accra and he will pay for the shipping too.  Since I sold the bike a few years ago I will have to track down the owner and see what I could do.  Deal he basically said.  He drove away.  The guy is serious.

Fred, Bennett and the motorcyclist pizza deliverer (should have asked for his name.  Maybe next time).  Three different people.  All doing what they can in this part of the world to make a living and pursue their dreams.  

The gospel is the guiding light to follow.   Challenges are constant, successes come along now and then, and our dreams and passions can change.  The gospel is constant, because He is constant.  That guiding light.

I hope you have a good day.