Temples

By Elder McCullough and Sister Christensen

11 January 2004 was a great day for all of Africa West. The dedication of the Accra Ghana Temple brought the important saving ordinances within reach of thousands of Church members in this area. Prior to this time only a few members had been able to attend a temple, either in South Africa or Europe.

The Saints in Ivory Coast were thrilled to have a temple within driving distance to their homeland. Three buses full of saints made the long drive to participate in the temple dedication as well as the cultural celebration that preceded. There was much joy and tears were shed as they witnessed a prophet of the Lord dedicate the beautiful edifice unto the Lord.

Over the years, the Ivorian Saints have been actively engaged in the family history work that culminates when members take their own family names to the temple. In 2013, it was reported in the Church News that “three of the five Cote d’Ivoire stakes are among the top 25 in the Church in the percentage of adults who submitted family names for temple ordinances during 2012. Of all stakes in the Church, the Cocody Stake has the highest percentage of adults who have, at one time or another, submitted names for temple work.”¹

What has led to this intense effort in Ivory Coast?

There is not one specific answer, but perhaps a combination of several factors.

The Akan is the major cultural group of the Ivory Coast. Deep reverence for one’s ancestors is an important part of this culture. There is a belief that the dead are looking after the living. When Latter-day Saints learn of the doctrine of the teaching of the gospel in the next life and the vicarious work that takes place in the temples for deceased ancestors, there is an immediate interest.

Priesthood leaders have been instrumental in encouraging the Ivorian saints. In preparation for their first visit to the Accra Temple, each member was asked to bring a gift to the new temple. The members brought the gift of family names. For all subsequent trips, members have been encouraged to continue this tradition.

It can be very challenging to identify one’s family names. Written records are scarce. People often live away from their ancestral villages. But members in the Ivory Coast have not let these challenges deter them. Prayer and fasting have been a part of this work. Visits have been made to meet with extended family, especially the older generation. Sometimes this has involved travelling into neighboring countries. The oral genealogies have been written down.

In the earliest days, there was only one computer that was available. Pedigree charts were written on paper and Personal Ancestral File was the software used. Senior couples came to serve as family history missionaries and entered the information into PAF. Over time, more computers have become available, wards and stakes have trained family history consultants, and family history centers have been established.

5 April 2015, President Thomas S. Monson announced in General Conference that a temple would be built in Ivory Coast. Due to the difference in time, most of the members in Ivory Coast did not hear the announcement live, but heard mainly by word of mouth. Large groups gathered in meeting houses later to view the rebroadcast. They patiently waited to hear the “Ivory Coast” name. There was great emotion when they heard the announcement. Brother Mathieu Brou Baah, a family history consultant exclaimed to all around him, “We got our temple!” There was great joy seeing an answer to years of fervent prayers.

Preparations are now under way for the opening of the Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple. Leaders are teaching the importance of the members being spiritual self-reliant. Firesides and temple preparation classes are being held. In November 2018, the saints gathered next to the Cocody Stake Center in Abidjan and witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony under the direction of Elder Neil L. Andersen. The members are excited to have a House of the Lord in their midst. There is great optimism that it will have a long-lasting and powerful effect upon the people of the Church as well as the nation as a whole.

We have been counseled to record important events in our lives, such as the announcement and dedication of a temple. Keeping a personal journal gives you the opportunity to reflect on those special occasions and see the hand of the Lord in your life and the lives of those around you. It also passes on to your posterity a wonderful spiritual legacy of faith.