Lost and Found…

Feb 28, 2025. On this day in 1983 (or 42 years ago), My life changed for the better.  That took a long time to say, but I have a good life now despite a difficult day that day and many days that followed for a couple of years.  Losses can lead to gains.  I can see it now for the good that came out of it. On a normal 28th of February, I will get a text from an old girlfriend who is the only one who remembers every year.  Thank you.  Then I will try to ski, bike, or jump in the water (Cabo being my favorite place to do that with a DJ I know) and honor him by having a little fun, eating some good food, and hopefully just hug my wife (my home for 37 years).  Today, I am on a mission, and I am right where I need to be.  I spent the day serving others (which is fun in its own way if you make it fun—I do) and I took notes on some (not all) of why I was glad for my Dad.

What Happened…Most of my friends at BYU went on a mission when they turned 19 after the first year of college.  I was an athlete so I didn’t need to go…(False narrative of the time).  I was reading my scriptures, saying my prayers, and had a really nice girlfriend at the time.  I got the impression in my prayers to pray about going on a mission.  Heck no, not going to ask that, and I would quickly try to go to sleep.  After a week, I finally humbled myself enough to ask and got the impression that Yes, You need to go on a mission to really know what you say you believe.  I put my papers in and then told my Dad.  He flew me home to make sure it was my decision and to make sure that I knew that he was not in support of it.  He also included a credit card to allow me to come home when I wanted.  Tepid support…Thanks, Dad…

Premonitions?  We went to Mexico where we had a home on the beach (then surrounded by cactus and vacant beaches; now surrounded by hotels and tourists).  It was one of our favorite places and I loved the pounding waves, tacos, and sun.  We had a small skiff for fishing and a guy named Stubbs would spearfish out in front of the house and we could eat fresh red snapper.  One night after a few Cervesas, my Dad told me that he lost his Dad when he was 19.  I was also then 19, and maybe he was worried about me going on a mission and something might happen.  I didn’t think much of it, but it turned out to be what happened…that was our last time in Cabo together…many good memories and I think he spent more time with me in 19 years than he had with his dad.  Thanks, Dad.

“This could be our last vacation…”

-My Dad would say this so we enjoyed the day we had…

Fair thee well:  Missionaries have a farewell when they leave, but I really had not planned it until my Dad was told he got to address the church (more colorful language).  So I tagged onto another young missionary’s farewell.  My Dad woke up and did not want to say anything if he could not say something nice. Karen, his girlfriend, talked him into showing up.  First time at church; everyone knew my Dad—tall and with long red hair; he was greeted with smiles and handshakes and the next thing he knew he was on the stand.  When it was his time to speak, we did not know what he would say, and it was tense, but he spoke from his heart and said that the church was getting the best he had.  Al was taught to make his own decisions and he was doing this on his own and without my support, but I love my son and wish him well. (My memory may falter, but close enough).  It was nice.  Thanks, Dad.

Mission to Korea...Never made it to that country.  Loved my district in the MTC and was eager to learn, but after a few physical mishaps, I was told that my Dad had disappeared in a plane crash.  I was learning the business of faith so I really thought (had faith) he would be found and I would be on my way.  After an extensive search, I was told that I was on a flight home that day.  I was still 19 and maybe a teenager, but when I went home, I was officially an adult.  I was not ready to be that much of an adult and there was a lot to go through in that year.  Dad was not found until July and he is laid to rest in the Pacific Ocean (D-Rock, Madsen).  I had to navigate forward on my own in many ways, but I had close friends and family also…in many ways, my Dad had prepared me to be my own person.  Thanks, Dad.

Mission to Japan:  I went again with my brother in 1984 at age 21.  I was called to another mission but more importantly a different mission president. President Robert Goodwin was a great man to teach me the things that were missing from what I learned from Dad.  He was the right mentor at the right time…Maybe I don’t meet him if Dad doesn’t force me to travel at a different time to a different mission.  Some of my best friends and best lessons came from that time in Tokyo… Thanks, Dad.

Brother:  Before my Dad was found, so still a missing person, that could at any time walk out of the mountains, my only brother was set to graduate at the top of his class from St. Albans in Washington DC.  My Mom, of course, was there, but so were some of my Dad’s closest friends to honor and step in when my Dad was not there to support his son.  Dad had the kind of good friends who set a great example by showing up.  Thanks, Dad

Mother:  I might not have had the best relationship with my Mom at the time.  In hindsight (hate that direction), it was mostly the dementia of a youthful mind.  I was not ready to let her back into my world as much until after I lost my Dad.  Half your parental units are gone, you need to take care of what you have left.  I repented and asked her to forgive me for being a knucklehead of sorts.  She had no manual on how to parent and really did an amazing job.  She was even better as a grandparent.  She moved to California and was part of the lives of my children and my brother's children as they were growing up.  She would have never moved to California if my Dad was there.  She worked for me at my office for 11 years.  I have a great relationship with “M" because my Dad was out of the picture.  Thanks, Dad! 

“I, Albert being born and raised of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in the learning of my father and my mother, and having seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days; yea having a great knowledge of the goodness all around me….”

-Modified from the first verse of scripture in the Book of Mormon (1 Nephi 1:1)

Friends that are family:  Steve Brown lived in our beach house longer than my Dad did.  He was my Dad’s friend, and he is like a brother to me now.  He got married to Wendy (who lost an “e” for him) in front of the house at low tide. He raised his daughter, Lily, and made me live with dogs which was good for me.  My Dad taught me to do the dishes whenever you are invited to a person’s home; Steve taught me to do them fast and "while you are cooking so you don’t have them pile up".  I relied on friends more than most young men growing up for subtle guidance.  I have more friends that I think I am close with than most people…He had good friends that stayed with us…Robinson, Briggs, Ingold, Brown, Davies…Thanks, Dad!

“Your Dad would do the same…”

-Ted Robinson who kept us as business partners all these years

Love of the Ocean:  My dad built a house on the beach and I was able to spend summers and high school there.  I have a love of the ocean because of that (and a good friend named Jose).  My Dad was from the South Side of Chicago and had no ocean experience, but he tried really hard.  Surfing was a no-go, and gave us hilarious stories of him at Cottons Point (Nixon Era).  He did take to sailing and broke a few masts sailing into the beach.  Hobie Cat racing with Jimmy Sutton never would have happened without that introduction from my Dad.  My dad trusted me to Sail a 28-foot islander from Newport to Dana Point whenever I wanted…that was trust!.  Thanks, Dad.

Saturday Chores:  Before President Hal Eyring talked about it in conference, my dad was doing it in our house having us shine the brass hardware in the kitchen and doing Saturday chores from his list.  He taught us to work and when he was gone, I still worked (but the brass can go to a patina!).  My kids learned how to work because I was taught by my Dad (same with Sandy.). My son, for Father’s Day, made me a sticker of a broom that represented me giving them Saturday chores and teaching them to work.  A rewarding gift!  Thanks, Dad.

Eat Healthy:  He drank a little, but then always stopped cold turkey when he was training for a bike race.  He ate spinach when it was not a thing.  Bee Pollen and spirulina in your pancakes!!  The result was…you better roll down the windows!  He ate a lot of grilled chicken…and if he left on a trip, Karen and I would grill a steak. (Yahoo).  I like my desserts, but I (think) I eat healthy enough.  Thanks, Dad (and Mom)

Desserts:  Berry Pie from Karen Tarr.  She would bring two down for the Small Wave Warm Water Body Surfing Championship held in front of our house.  One would go to the dessert table and one would be hidden.  At about 3 am, I heard the footsteps of my dad heading past my room, downstairs…He’s going after the pie!  I jumped up and ran out to follow him and ran into my brother who also was awakened by the Pie Sneak….we all made it down to the kitchen and may have finished the whole pie….one pie and three forks, tasty memory.  Thanks, Dad.

“He who eats slow eats least…”

-Bertha-ism

Driver’s Seat: (Song by Sniff and the Tears).  When I was 16 and driving the 1974 Car of the Year by Motor Trend (they later said that was the biggest mistake in the 50 years of the award), I would race my Dad from Capo to Newport on Coast Highway.  There were a few places he would pass on the right in the turn lane and maybe do some less-than-safe maneuvers.  The cars were not fast so we didn’t get hurt, but I learned how to drive and look ahead on the road and NOT hit things, cars, or people.  Lucky or good, I don’t know…but it prepared me well for driving here in Ghana. Thanks, Dad!

Kindness:  I recall my Dad sharing his camera with a woman who broke on a river trip (she was an artist only there to take pictures).  I recall his house being the place where a lonely man or woman could join our meal on a holiday.  I recall that he would not go to a party without his boys.  Thank you Stan Davies for letting the Bertha Boys be the only ankle-biters on the boat.  I recall kindness done to many people and then it coming back.  Thanks, Dad.

Temple Legacy:  At a temple sealing for Fred’s sister in Newport a man recognized my name, Bertha.  Are you Brian Bertha’s son?  “Yes, I am.”  “I was his banker for years.  He was one of the most honest, straight-up men I worked with.  We all thought, if there was one guy that would survive a plane crash it would be your Dad.  He was a very good man.”  Thanks, Dad.

“I love a list”

-Sandy

Check Lists:  Both my Mom and Dad flew planes and you need to follow a checklist to make sure everything is OK before you leave the ground.  My dad would give me a list of chores to be done before I hit the beach or went out.  It was good training for Sister Bertha… Thanks, Dad.

Tie it down:  I learned how to pack from my dad and how to tie things down.  I did not always do it right…I lost a surfboard coming back from San Onofre when I used weak bungee cords.  If you want something to stay, you need the non-stretch rope.  If you think you can stretch the commandments to the edge and justify a little sin, you might lose something.  Tie-down tight your heart and your testimony.  Stay firm in the things that count the most.  Thanks, Dad…

Reconciliation:  My Mom has told us that it is OK to seal her to my Dad in the temple when she decides to go to her Florida in the sky.  “We will have some words, but we will work it out”. (that is what I remember mom1?).   Given time, your hard feelings soften, and you see the person for the good traits that may have led to your marrying him.  I think my Mom looks at it as the sealing of the family.  With my Dad, she had her two boys and AMA is a family that needs to be a “BAMA.”  (Brian, Al, Mary, Andy) That will come in time…. All good things take a little time and patience and most of all faith and commitment to take a step in a direction.  My vote is to step toward God… Thanks, Dad for giving me more of my Mom; Thanks Mom for giving more of you to our family…

Let Momma Shine:  Thanks Mom for trusting us for that time and for being there for us in CA.  We were blessed to have family near us.  She now lives in Florida which I understand more having lived in Ghana.  I like the heat now.  Florida OK; Houston, no thanks.  I like the idea of going to Florida on the way to Cayman to see the Flakes or enjoy the warm water.  Thanks, Mom for living in a place worth a stopover.  Thanks, Dad for letting Mom shine brighter.

“Roll Tide” that is my favorite college football saying because I use it for teaching repentance and looking forward.  If you write all your sins in the sand, and the tide comes up, can anyone read those sins in the sand…no and God has told us that if we give them to him, His son has paid the price and we are forgiven and the sins are forgotten.  It is ME who remembers them and Satan uses a big neon highlighter in my mind to make them really POP like graffiti on the wall of my nice house.  I keep praying and painting over it in my mind, but if I can get over the fact that it is not my paint job, but God’s ocean of love that CAN and WILL cleanse me if I write it in the sand and not hold on it to it, then it really can and SHOULD go away.  The other reason I like Roll Tide is that while I live on the edge of land and sea in a dangerous place on a sandy foundation in Capistrano Beach when we have high surf and big waves and nature converges to beat upon us, I can remember the saying “this too will pass”…wait 6 hours and the tide is lower.  Hard times have a half-life in most cases.  What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, but sometimes it kills you….don’t let it kill your faith in God.   Isn’t going back to live with God part of the plan of happiness?  It is, and we all will pass from this life to the next.  No Instagram bio-hacking method will stop that!   When we die, the pain ends, and we reunite with our family in heaven…I am good with that…when that happens.  It came sooner for my Dad and for others…I will participate in the next part of eternal progression.  It’s part of the covenants we make, “roll tide” …Next chapter, is next to my eternal companion Sandy, and looking for the time our kids and grandkids come join us in the great reunion….

I will say “Go BYU,” but in my life, I really say “Roll Tide”

A before B is fine for a guy often called “AB”

My Wife:  this is a stretch and some may not understand it, but my kids will.  I have, in recent years, thought…what if?  What if my Dad agreed to, in the preexistence, to check out early and change my life? (1983 changed my trajectory in almost everything)  It delayed my schooling, stopped a mission, changed a lot of things…. What if?…he did that to make sure I married Sandy who might have been younger and not in the picture had I kept going on a mission when I did?  I like to think that I am with the right person and have the right kids.  We were sealed in the temple by the right authority for an eternal marriage.  I love my wife and I love my kids and my family….timing was important…. Thanks, Dad.

Today is a good day:  I was raised by good parents.  I still have one alive.  So many of our African missionaries do not have any living parents.  I am blessed greatly.  My kids have lived past 19 with me still alive and I have grandkids to celebrate.  I am still married to the woman I love in a world of divorce, contention, and strife.  My wife still likes me and for that, I can be grateful for many traits I learned from my dad.  I wish my companion, Sister Bertha could have met my Dad, but then the timing of this life would not have unfolded for us to be together.  I need this woman to make my life right and to have the kids we have (now grands too!).  I am grateful for this life as it is and I will trust God that his plan is better than mine.  I had a great Dad and I celebrate him today.  Thanks, Dad.  I loved you then, I love you now, and I have faith we will meet again in heaven.

Elder Bertha (with Eternal Companion Sister Bertha)

Ghana Accra West Mission

Feb 28, 2025

Super Sunday(s)

Big Game?!  Whatever…saw the headlines and really didn’t care.  Had our own Super Sunday here and then another Super Sunday today.  The Sunday Ticket is in the churches in Ghana!  We look forward every week to going to a new venue/ward/branch to feel the spirit and see the growth.  The big celebration is when you see a person get baptized that you have been able to meet when they are first taught or their first time visiting church.  While the Chiefs were caving to the Eagles, we had two people on that Sunday get baptized.  One of them was a guy that Sandy had taught with Karen when she visited, the other was a guy that I sat next to on his first day he visited the church and I gave him my Book of Mormon.  Today we visited the Bortianor Ward again to see 6 people get baptized. 

“Welcome to the Church of Joy”

-Elder Kiernan 2024

“Just save souls and baptize baby!”

-not said by Al Davis

“Just love them…”

-Said often by GAWM Sisters

Medie Baptism:  A few weeks ago, there was a shortage of Book of Mormons.  The missionaries did not have them so they could teach from it, but they could not give them away.  I did not know that at the time.   We came to church in Medie and I sat next to a guy who had accepted the invitation to come to church.  He had had one lesson with the sisters and I asked him if he had a Book of Mormon.  He did not have it, so I gave him mine. The ward was so welcoming of him and answered his questions and when we left, he was talking to a new guy that looked like he had found a friend.  The next day he called me and we spoke briefly.  I had not heard from him since…. The sisters there sent me the picture of his baptism!  That is a happy day.  Challenge to my friends…don’t let a person sit alone.  Go sit next to them and introduce yourself or invite them to join your family on the bench…people did that to me in San Clemente and it helped.

English Baptism:  Sister Bertha and Sister Karen taught this guy with the sisters and then the next thing you know he also is being baptized on that Big Game Sunday.  He did not get a good reception from his family when he chose to join.  In fact, it was a brutal tackle and shunning by his family, and he STILL chose to follow Jesus Christ into the waters of baptism.  Hard to see me making the same choice under similar circumstances.  It is things like this that make me appreciate where we are, but it also reveals that I need to have the faith of a Ghanaian Muslim changing his whole life to follow Jesus Christ, WOW.  Such faith.  I want to be better and be more like the guy named English.  I am not changing teams because I am on the right team, but I appreciate those who sacrifice so much more…

Bortianor Baptisms:  Six points of light joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints today in Bortianor.  The extra point was missed with Mama Freida who was supposed to be there but did not show up.  She is old and we hope she is OK-later we found out she had a heart attack.  So much joy with these new members.  Love from the ward welcomed them in and the kids received CTR (Choose The Right) rings from Sister Bertha.  I was called out of class early to help the sisters do a bucket brigade to fill the font.  Then I took a picture of the sisters moving the concrete cover….that’s where I should have helped… Doh!!  Such a great day to attend church with some great sisters.

Nkanatan:  I gave a Book of Mormon to our teenage friend Bismark.  When the missionaries came to interview him for baptism, the District Leader missionary said there was a picture of Elder Bertha and Sister Bertha in the front of his book.  That means he got the limited edition Al & Sandy Book of Mormon.  That means his name is Bizmark.  Happy baptism Sunday.  I love that he showed the missionary.  I love making friends here and I will miss these people greatly when I leave.  Enjoy the season while it lasts and when it’s done start working out to stay strong and available for the next season…

Seasons Change:  For some little guys, like Owen and Alvin, it is football season every season, but they are young and will learn that there are other sports (maybe not to Papa J).  We are on God’s team and a member of the winning team all the time (Yes I believe God will win every time in the seasons of eternity).  The team is the same, but the seasons change and you move from mountain bikes to skiing and then to pickleball and maybe a surf session for cross-training.  When God calls via one of his servants, we do what we are asked to do.  One day we are the driver,  and the next the bike master, then we are called to do a campout (I try out for that position), then we are called to clean the church or lead a choir (I have never been asked but Sister B has that talent).  The point is, that we do what we can when asked, with a good disposition and a smile, and give it our very best effort (VBE).  Prepare to play whatever is in season…for the seniors, which may include a senior mission to Ghana, France, Tennessee, or Oregon.  Whatever…just have a sense of humor, enjoy the ride, and help God.

.500 teams: There are going to be half of the teams that rise up and win more than half their games and then there are teams that will lose more than half their games.   We love the parable of the ten virgins—5 had oil and 5 had none….think about it though…the 5 that had oil did things to fill their personal lamps: kind acts, prayer, reading, attending church, adding a little oil at a time.  Did they all have full lamps? Who knows; they had enough to light the way to the wedding…maybe you don’t need a full lamp, just enough.  Some teams make it into the playoffs with losing records…that means there are worse teams than them around them.   They still played their games, did not qui,t and did the best they could.  If you win 6 games in college you can go to a bowl game, but it might be the Mayo Bowl (Yuck).  The point is that we don’t know where the line is so do your best and let Christ do the rest.  If we are looking to Jesus Christ, we have the best chance to make it and He will give us all we need to get there.  The best play of the game of life: HIS GRACE.

Coaching and Leadership:  President Jacobsen is our president and the head coach for 3 years here in Accra.  He is a good leader and we follow his lead.  We practice and do what we need to do to keep all the players fit and healthy and in the same playbooks (Scriptures). Our ownership is God and Jesus Christ.  They literally own us.  We are the players, God has the game plan for us to return to him:  The plan of Salvation or the Plan of Happiness. (Off Tackle Right or Off Tackle Left—it’s a simple plan).  Jesus Christ has earned the right to be the coordinator…both offense and defense. 

OC: As the Offensive Coordinator, he gives us the playbook to advance in life and step toward him, and eventually if we play well and endure (Live a good life-VBE).  Even if you are not the center of attention, you run your route because you don’t know when the ball will come your way.  Be prepared to serve…sometimes life is a broken play and it does not go the way you think, but if you are strong and run the route and keep moving, something good can happen…have faith in God and the Game Plan and know that if you don’t make it on this play, you get up and do it again.  DO NOT give up and walk off the field (Antonio Brown AKA Judas?) Your team is your family and they want to see you do your part, run, block, throw, catch…you will get to do all kinds of things in life.  Jesus was the first cross-trainer!

DC: As the Defensive Coordinator, Jesus set a perfect example of refusing to let Satan tempt him.  But what Jesus did was really hard, like what the English did getting baptized.  Some of us need other coaches to help us along the way.  My Bishop, my Stake President, and the Apostles and Prophets will help me with workouts and encouragement to make sure I am ready on the field.  Satan’s team has pretty girls and big strong-looking players that wilt when challenged by a faithful man or woman who stands firm on holy ground.  They may come in hot and fast but the evil will bounce off a good holy man who spent the morning exercising faith and lifting his scripture a few sets and following the program given by Jesus.  Stay close to the program and Defense is easy…they can’t get near you.  But you have to stand in holy places.  Know your position (do your duty and callings) and know what to look for (pay attention to the Mikey Jacobsens of the world…our coaches that work with the Coordinators)

A Good Team:  Super Sunday is always a win when you bet on whatever team that Jesus and the Apostles are leading.  YOU may be called to be on the field for a few years in Ghana like the Jacobsen’s or Liberia like the Thomas’s or Sierra Leon like the Jarvis’s.  Offense is teaching the Gospel and bringing people the game plan of salvation.  Defense is trying to prevent the great cheater of eternity from stopping the progress of people to have their best outing on the field of life.  Whatever position we are called to do, do our best and try to be prepared for the call-in.

Gridiron thought: Scriptures are a Warn-er of what to look for and what is to come.  The Book of Mormon was written for our day.  It proves and supports the Bible, but it also gives us specific direction for the world we live in, the games that are being played, and the way the rules are being changed even at the law level.  Fortunately, God does not change his laws or rules.  The commandments are still the commandments and we get flagged when we don’t obey…

“Our tolerance and respect for others and their beliefs does not cause us to abandon our commitment to the truths we understand and the covenants we have made”

-Dallin Oaks 2011 BYU Speeches

“We cannot legislate morality”

-Dallin Oaks (from memory)

Meanwhile, on the sidelines in Ghana….we are not on the bench, we are fully engaged in the game of saving souls and growing young men and women on the mission

….Sister J had a big birthday and now has a number 55 jersey.

She has always been on God’s team and is an amazing coach to the Accra West Black Stars (Ghana National Football/soccer team). Sandy was the wrapper and also did a scavenger hunt for Sister J in her own house. I think she liked it.  The Mission Presidents from Liberia and Sierra Leon are on the same time track as the Jacobsen’s and joined us for a birthday dinner at Shogun.  They were so happy to have good food for a change.  They made us really, really glad we were in Ghana and not where they are.  We realize that living near the temple and having a city like Accra around us, we are in one of the best places to be in West Africa.

Final Thought:  We all want to be numbered on God’s team and we want to look for direction and coaching from Jesus Christ.  While we have a number on our jersey, the name on our shoulders is “JESUS CHRIST” so we play together as a team trying to get all of the players back to the Team Baquet with God and Jesus.  It doesn’t matter if you win or lose, it’s how you play the game.  Play it well and be a good teammate to our brothers and sisters in the world.

A great couple of Super Sundays in Ghana.

Elder and Sister Bertha. February 2025

An Apostle Visits…

This was a good week.  After Karen’s visit, we looked forward to another friend in Carol and Chris Waddell who came with one of the 12 apostles-something to prepare for and look forward to. On Sunday we went to the Kaneshie ward.  Sunday school (D&C 10 & 11) was in separate groups just like what we just did in our zone conference.  A lot of work went into the preparation of the lesson and again happy to see the Ghanaians just keeping it real and basic and straight plain doctrine.  No mysteries; just Christ’s doctrine…preach repentance…keep the commandments…

Seeds of greatness:  Sister Bertha made another great meal on Sunday.  The meals Sandy makes are way better than the buffet at the best hotel in Accra.  Grateful!  She is getting really good at trying new recipes.  She needed some sesame seeds for this recipe.  She did not have them so she took out the Everything Bagel from the freezer, picked off each individual seed, and then toasted them for her recipe!  So tasty! Soy Ginger Salmon (Norwegian not African Salmon)

Visit the Mosque Again:  We got to see the Ghana National Mosque when Anika was here and it was beautiful.  The elders that work in the office wanted me to take them there so I did on their P-day.  It was fun to see my buddy Nashir at the gate.  I think because we gave him a good offering on the last visit, he took us on the tour.  We talked about how all are equal in God’s eyes.  The rich man and the beggar share the same carpet for the gathering of prayer on Friday evening.  The smaller mosques all over town are for the daily prayers (5x).  Nice to see the faith of others and be respectful of their beliefs.  We will be better when we honor each other rather than compete.  I look at the inscription in Arabic of Allah and Muhummed and I think they are so close, but in my world of faith, it is God, our Heavenly Father, and his son Jesus Christ…

“Missed it by this much…”

-Maxwell Smart

“This 50 is for you, and this 50 is for Allah and the Mosque”

-my deal with Nashir

Bike-Master issues:  It is a delicate balance between having too many bikes available and running out.  It’s like I run a fleet of old cars in a rental fleet that gets busy on weekends and holidays and it ebbs and flows.  I have to fix my fleet and redistribute.  The goal is to have a good fleet all over the mission before I leave.  Success is the fact that after the last zone conference, we were able to make it cool to wear your helmet and reflectors.  We already look like nerds with white shirts and pocket protectors—might as well complete the look.  Own it.  Just made it to 10 days without an accident.  Double digits! Baby steps…Went all the way to Adesio to help fix a bike, but really it was to give an elder some protein, some beef jerky, make sure he ate a Sandy sandwich, and make him laugh for a few hours.  He needed attention to get back in the game (no reference to High School Musical, but loved the Father-Daughter Campouts with Captain Jack)

Mission Espionage:  On our Monday staff meeting before the big devotional with the Apostle, one driver heard from the other driver where the East mission was getting their box lunches.  They went to a place for Chicken and Rice, we made a deal with KFC for our tailgate lunch.  Funny how they try to figure out where we will go and what we will do.  I had Karen bring bike tools over so I could bribe the bike mechanic Isaac to make my bikes a priority before the other mission.  I am set apart to take care of my missionaries…by any means necessary?  Just keeping my eyes open for leverage so we can better served…hahaha!

Big Wednesday:  It’s a big deal when a rock star visits your mission.  Apostles and General Authorities are rock stars to us missionaries.  They are set apart for life to do what they do and we listen to them at Conference and then share the messages over and over.  It is interesting how their talks and insights hold up over time.  Listen to President Benson in 1973…amazing and still relevant.  We were organized and ready for this special devotional…

“This is the first time I have seen an Apostle this close”

-Elder Martin

What is an Apostle?  When Jesus was on the earth, he chose a diverse group of men to represent him—12 men called the Twelve Apostles (appropriately as many as the tribes of Israel, but not sure if that matters).  He gave the priesthood to act in his name; after he died and was raised, he also gave them the comforter or the Holy Ghost to help guide and direct us.  Jesus had 12 of these men to guide the church (His church, named after him); when one died (or was killed more often) they gathered to replace them.  Ironically, Paul the Apostle never met Jesus in life, but Jesus was the one who talked to him and changed his mind.  He was one of the 12 and wrote more of the New Testament than any of them (13 or 14 of the 27 books in the New Testament). An Apostle is a special witness of Jesus Christ.  They have the keys to the priesthood and share those keys by calling and setting apart different people for positions for a time (Like Bishops and Stake Presidents and Mission Presidents).  My Mission President and his wife, Erik, and Renee Jacobsen, were set apart for his leadership of the Ghana Accra West Mission by Elder Eeyring, one of the current 12 apostles.  The Apostles are called for life…they are all considered prophets and seers and the most senior Apostle is considered the next prophet.  They are only released by death…ouch. 

“Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets"

-Amos 3:7

Prophets, Seers, and Revelators:  We believe that as special witnesses of Jesus Christ, these apostles have the ability to see around the corner and let us know what we should be looking out for.  Most of the inspiration they get, they get the same way we do…ask questions in Prayer and look for answers by reading the scriptures and listening to the Holy Ghost.  I get my revelation for me and maybe my family, they are set apart to get inspiration and guidance from a broader audience including the church.  Personal revelation is an amazing thing to people that we teach…don’t trust me, get your own answer through the spirit.  We teach people to find the answers and when they do, they have their own testimony of truth and own light to guide them to Jesus.  Missionaries will leave; we want those we teach to have their own belief that God can speak to them through the scriptures, in their mind and heart, and with Prophets and Apostles…

“…what do you hear that is not being said…”

-the way you should listen for the spirit to guide

Like a Concert:  There are the opening acts and then the headliner.  The Apostle is the headliner, but the other speakers are great opening acts also.  (think how good Ed Sheeran was opening for Taylor Swift on the RED Tour!). In a way, they set us up for the main messages, and get our spiritual voices warmed up and are ready to receive something good.  It was also interesting to see Elder Christofferson put his seal of approval on each opening act. He commented on how the messages all worked together to teach us and keep us moving together forward.

Old Friend Chris Waddell:  It was fun to see my old stake president and friend Chris Waddell.  He is a General Authority and serves in the Presiding Bishopric now which means he is over all the buildings and land from Branches to Ranches and Temples all over the world (lots of work). His wife Carol was him.  It was good to see real San Diego people in Africa.  Carol taught about the importance of Desire and Commitment to being successful as a missionary and doing the little things like practicing your teaching to get better.  Bishop Waddell talked about 15 important words:  …Here am I, …send me. … Not my will but thine be done. …It is finished.  These all relate to Jesus and his divine role in God’s plan for our happiness.  He said he might add 3 more words that are equally important: “He is risen”

“…life is a homeward journey back to our heavenly father.  It’s why we do what we do…”

-Bishop Waddell

 “Pray always, that you may come off conqueror; yea, that you may conquer Satan, and that you may escape the hands of the servants of Satan that do uphold his work”

-D&C 10:5

The Ringwoods:  She talked about the scripture above and keeping Satan out of our life.  “don’t go too fast, stay steady, pray always for guidance”. When you don’t feel like praying, we should pray.  “Satan tries to make us feel that we don’t need to pray…’Stop and pray’”.

Elder Ringwood had five words for us:

Consider.   “Consider your ways” Haggai 1:6-7 (rarely read book in the Old Testament).

Settle.  Settling your heart that you will follow (Jesus) Luke 14:27.

Contend.  Declare the truth, assert day by day D&C 112:5

Astonished.  Alma 10:12 Feeling overpoweringly confident and grateful. 

Generational.  D&C 117:14 ..what we do on our missions has generational influence on our family. I can see that in the fact that I married a different person and had a different family and they have all chosen to serve missions and follow on the path in their own way.  God’s path is the best path and now is the time to teach our grandkids that way….

“Doesn’t matter what you do, it matters how you do it.  It shapes the character of the spouse and children for generations.” 

-Every family needs a firm foundation as a launch pad for generations

Elder Christofferson: His wife also taught about striking down Satan.  Love changes things.  Look into their souls and see what they need…she quoted Alma 17…

2 … Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God.

3 But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God.”

-Alma 17:2-3

“Let me look at you..you are not much to look at but you are the best the Lord has right now”

-Gorden B. Hinkley to Christofferson at a similar devotional when he was a young missionary

“Take Charge of your Testimony”:  He made a point to remind us to protect our testimony. (Testimony is what you believe in your faith—like a muscle, it can become stronger or weaker based on its use).  To “take charge” of it, protect it, and nurture it.  Don’t rely on the church or your parents for your testimony—it is what you believe and know to be true.  If you are not careful, and if you do not feed it, it can wither and become weak and go away. 

Feed Daily:  A good way to feed your testimony and your faith is to Pray and Read the Scriptures…every day, every day, every day!

“The Lord is merciful, he gives multiple witnesses with his spirit to affirm and reaffirm our testimony”

D. Todd Christofferson

Pray to be an excellent teacher.  Study and keep improving as a missionary.  If you teach with the spirit, they cannot disbelieve your words…they may not choose to join, but they will know that they felt the spirit and know that you believe what you are teaching about Jesus Christ and his church.  That’s all we can do is share the message of Jesus Christ and invite others to follow, but Agency is why we are on this earth.  We are here to choose good or choose bad; it's our choice….the consequences come with and are embedded in our choices.

“Say nothing but repentance unto this generation; keep my commandments, and assist to bring forth my work, according to my commandments, and you shall be blessed”

-Doctrine and Covenants 6:9

 (repent means to change and turn to God)

Sisters remember:  His remarks reminded me of the sisters' conference last month…Sister Bertha used a Christophersons’ talk to teach us that we need to fully bury our weapons of sin and disobedience.  Sometimes, as noted in his talk, we bury weapons with the handle still above ground just in case we need it…that is not truly trusting God.  Bury your past in deep so it is gone and not available to you. 

Q&A Highlights:  Sometimes the best teaching comes from questions.  Did God create evil?  That’s a deep one.  No--Satan created evil.  Evil is moving away from God.  Evil is disobedience, God asks for obedience.  Satan will do all he can to get men and women to be disobedient and turn away from God.  Evil is moving away from God and choosing disobedience…

Missionaries Gather: the devotional for Elder D. Todd Christofferson was to start at 930 am.  Everyone needed to be in seats at 830 am, we got there a little after 7 am to secure a good parking spot to set up our tailgating operation.  KFC of course!  When we got there a little after 7, it looked like all the missionaries were there already.  Some left at 3 am to catch a trotro into Accra.  There was a 2-hour limit or distance so kids from far away places like Abomosu and Asamankase had to watch on Zoom.  East Mission had all their missionaries and North had half of them like us.  Missionaries love to gather…

EyeBrow talk:  I had fun making faces with the islanders.  They like to get together and talk in Tongan or Samoan.  Whenever I show up, they raise an eyebrow or two.  I tell them, I speak eyebrow!  Freddie, my business partner taught me.  Less talk, more face, and mostly eyebrow. IYKYK.  They tolerate me and I just love them…

“Have you ever seen Spider-Man and me in the same room? You never know!”

-Elder Parker (as in Peter Parker) sowing the seeds of doubt…

Power Outage:  Ugh, again.  A missionary to the hospital for an issue so Sister and Elder Kaaen were out late.  Our power goes out at 1230 am…going to be a hot one.  I tried to sleep on the floor, the couch, and back to the bed.  Sandy disappeared…at 3 am she was doing email on her phone and couldn’t sleep.  I tried to run the generator, but it would not crank over…weak battery.  At 3 am, Sandy asked if we had a charging block.  BRILLIANT, we do, but it was a light one in the car that already failed to jump our Nissan, it was not strong enough for our big diesel generator.  We got dressed for the day around 5 am, I am glad I brought my camp lights for the office. I am itching all over my ankles from mosquito bites from working on the big generator at midnight… Finally got it going when Patrick brought a better charger

Relentless with Love:  Sister Bertha is also known as the “Air Plant” because it seems that she needs no sleep, water, or food.  This morning I was really grumpy…I like my sleep and I am achy all over.  She is starting the day like Cinderella talking to all the animals…Add to that her speed element and it was hard to take…I asked her to slow down and ease up a little.  I admitted that I was grumpy, so she switched languages… she responded, “Oh you want the grumpy talk?  “….Hold this and stop complaining.  We are going out to decorate the gate for the guard…”. She is relentless in doing good for others and when needed, just goes around me…that’s a good trait.  Her follow-up was a big hug, a morning prayer together and life is good.  She makes me laugh!  She is kind and good, more than me (it’s 6 am and we have not slept!)

Reach Out with Text:  I love WhatsApp and texting people.  I should be careful at times because I can be sharp, but it’s still a great way to communicate and let people know you are thinking of them. I send pictures to the missionaries and I try to include some encouragement.  We are doing a 40-day fast (Two companionship fasts every day for 40 days so at any one time, someone is on the fast). I like to reach out to those companions and give support.  We are seeing mini-miracles as we are doing this.  The wards and stake are praying and helping in the fasting efforts.  It's really cool what we are seeing happen…

“Don’t fight the wave”

-what they tell Girls with Curls

“you are so thin! You need food.  You are emaciated. You need sleep and food”

-Ukrainian Grandma to Sandy

“We thank the young men for blessing and passing the sacrament….

We thank us for being reverent”  “We thank ourselves for singing beautifully.”

-Appam Bishop on Sunday

Temple Run: Sister Bertha and I attended the temple this week.  It is close and we want to go more often, but we have to fit it in around a busy schedule.  So good to be there even if it is presented in French this time.  One of the superpowers of Sister Bertha is that she forgives fast and is always moving forward looking for good, not bad.  I like to say sorry (maybe for being grumpy etc.) in the celestial room, and she forgives me and I forgive her and the past is left where it should be, in the past.  Any time we rehash a past wrong or offense I didn’t know I did, it doesn’t end well.  She wants my future, not my past and we are both striving to be better. 

“Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of Hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.” 

-Isaiah 6:3

“There are only two ways to live your life.  One is as though nothing is a miracle.  The other is as though everything is a miracle.”

-Message from my Mother

Beach Town?  Accra is on the coast.  The beach is nice to look at but has a crazy rip current that can pull you out to sea and you will end up in Cameroon.  Not worth the swim and apparently not the expensive real estate either.  I went to see a really nice beach and all the poor people lived in plywood houses on the edge.  Big common shower complex.  No trash service…it’s all on the ground.  I was there with my woodcarver friend…I would not walk there alone, but I don’t feel unsafe.  Someday this has to change, It’s a beautiful coastline if that can clean it up…

Ones for the week.  Seeing the Waddell’s this week was a highlight this far from San Diego.  Getting hugs from Sandy in the kitchen in the middle of the day and a continuing diet of chocolate-covered bananas makes me happy.  Best to friends and family that we missed over the holidays…I'm just now seeing Christmas cards that are scanned and emailed.  Thanks and Love.

The Berthas …still in Ghana

February 2025