A Little Perspective

Today is kind of a sad one for our ward. We are losing one of our most faithful members. His name is Bro. Ampuma (short "a" sound). He joined the church just over a year ago and has made some amazing steps in his life. He is in his 70's and walks very cautiously with a cane. Bro Ampuma doesn't speak english very well at all. His native language is Twee and came to the US from Ghana. I don't know what it was that brought the missionaries to him (or vice versa) but he is the most humble, gentle soul I think I've ever met.
Today he is making the long journey back to his village outside of Accra, Ghana. Just the thought of this little man making the long trip all by himself scares me. I hope it all goes well for him. His brother was serving as the family patriarch back home in Ghana and recently passed away. Brother Ampuma is going home to fill that role. It's a cultral thing, I suppose.
I should rewind a bit perhaps. It's been facinating to watch the ward take such a liking and interest in Bro Ampuma. Brent says he always stands there with a smile and says, "Thank you Bishop, thank you Bishop" ~ over and over. He's not able to speak much english, but can understand it a little. Over the past year, Bro Ampuma was challenged by a brother in our ward to prepare to recieve the priesthood. After a few visits it was discovered that Bro Ampuma was reluctant to learn how to pass the sacrament because he didn't have a pair of shoes or white shirt. Right then and there, the brother in our ward slipped his own shoes off his feet and gave them to Bro Ampuma. The following week, Bro. Ampuma passed the sacrament for the first time. If you knew the brother that gave his shoes away, you'd know he doesn't have much. He has been unemployed for a while and is a very quiet person about his own needs. When Brent shared that story with me I cried like a baby. That is true service and love.
As the year has gone on, Bro Ampuma has been preparing to attend the temple. Yesterday was the day. Brent, the whole Elders quoruom presidency and Bro Ampuma's home teachers all attended the temple with him. Brent said it was an amazing experience. At the end of the session, Brent said he sat down next to Bro Ampuma and asked if he had any questions. Bro Ampuma simply replied, "No. I believe it all." Here is a man that most likely didn't even understand all the words that were spoken and still has the faith to trust in the feelings he had there in the temple. Most of us are a bit overwhelmed by the things we learn and feel inside the temple, yet his feelings are so simple. To me, Bro Ampuma is faith. I wonder if I would've had the same feelings if I had gone to the temple the first time and not heard anything. Only watched and felt.



As they were leaving, Brent asked him how special it would be if one day all of Bro Ampuma's family were there inside the temple with him. Bro Ampuma said, "They will be." Brent has no doubt they will all be there together soon. We would love to be able to attend the temple in Ghana with Bro Ampuma the day his family joins him there. What an amazing experience that would be.
On the way home, Brent asked him if he was packed and ready to travel back to Ghana. Bro Ampuma said the only thing he really wished he could take home was his matress! He'd never had one before and enjoyed the comfort. The thought of him sleeping on the hard ground at his age and health is a hard one for me. We are all so blessed. We have grown up with the gospel in our lives and enjoy many comforts of the world. Bro Ampuma always has a sparkle in his eye and a ready smile. I will never forget that man. He has brought many of his friends here in the states to the gospel as well. He may not have much in the eyes of the world, but to him, he has the greatest riches of all.