chief, it seemed like remote grass land with nothing nearby. Now Abidjan has
expanded and there are many homes and businesses around. The church was
filled with well over 200 people.
The joyful service was the usual three-hour celebration. The choir marched
us in and sang many pieces as the congregation sang and danced. I ordained
three men into the second degree, preached, and recognized five candidates
for the priesthood. There was also an occasion for speeches of welcome and
thanks, during which it was rewarding to praise the strides they had made and
assure them of our oneness in dedication to the New Church.
As the choir led us out at the end of the service, we moved to a ceremony
of a stone laying. I was given a trowel and cement (while in my robes!) to set in
a foundation stone for a school they are planning on building on that site. They
have been moving carefully, not wanting to rush ahead without a clear plan
for a self-sustaining school. They are still a couple of years away from classes
beginning, but I’m sure it will happen.
On Monday morning I met with the current Theological School students
at the Bobby Church and taught them various facets of being a pastor – their
responsibilities to the Lord and to the people. There was a lively give and
take as we covered many topics. Also Gretchen had been asked to meet with
the ministers’ wives. They had a very productive session, considering what
is involved in being married to a minister and how to help the church grow
there, with requests for much more time set aside for this in the future.
In the afternoon I met with the clergy. We went over in detail what is
happening there and addressed a number of issues that would help them in
their work. They face many challenges, often due to their growth. They have
high aspirations and work very hard to accomplish them. But there are never
enough resources. It is amazing what they accomplish with so little. They make
great sacrifices and we are fortunate to be able to help them in building the
Lord’s New Church.
Tuesday was more casual, with some touring. T