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Embarking on Faith’s Journey: The Evolution of the Kpong Branch (1983–1999)
The Kpong Branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has a rich history of faith, dedication, and growth. Bro. Francisco Kwabena Adjei and his wife, Sarah Adjei, founded the Kpong Branch in 1983. After arriving in Accra from their home in Germany, the two began attending sacrament meetings at the Laterbiokoshie Branch in Accra. However, after several weeks of worship there, they moved to Kpong, creating an 80 km journey every Sunday to attend sacrament meetings in Tema. The geographical distance posed a challenge.
In 1985, President Miles H. Cunningham, then president of Ghana Accra Mission, suggested establishing a group in Kpong. This suggestion was met with mixed feelings, but the group was eventually formed, with Brother Adjei serving as the group leader. The first sacrament meeting in Kpong was held on December 25, 1985, in the sitting room of Francisco’s house, marking the humble beginnings of what would become the Kpong Branch.
As a fledgling group, they encountered trials, including theft and logistical hurdles, yet their faith remained unshakeable. Through member-missionary endeavors and the support of couple missionaries, the branch experienced expansion and spiritual enrichment. On August 10, 1986, the Kpong group was officially declared a branch by President Cunningham, following a conference presided over by President Russell M. Nelson. The branch started with 25 members and a sacrament meeting attendance of 35. Key leaders were called to serve, including Brother Adjei as branch president, Sister Adjei as Relief Society president, and Hermis Tyson as elders quorum president. This leadership played a crucial role in the branch’s continued growth and stability.
With growth came the imperative for a permanent meeting place, and on November 22, 1996, Larry B. Duke, president of the Ghana Accra Mission, dedicated land for the construction of a chapel. The construction was completed within a year, and members began worshiping in the new chapel on February 8, 1998. The chapel was officially dedicated on March 11, 1999, by President Larry Bodhaine. This marked a new chapter in the branch’s narrative, further amplifying missionary activities and community engagement. Full-time missionaries played a pivotal role in fostering the branch’s growth, baptizing numerous converts, and fortifying the faith of members.
Amid adversities and challenges, including the blackout period of 1989 where members faced difficulties in conducting regular meetings, the Kpong Branch remained steadfast. Members organized isolated sacrament meetings in homes, maintaining their faith and commitment to Church principles. Over the years, the activity reports reflected good progress, with increasing testimonies from the members. Their steadfast commitment to weekly sacrament meetings, family home evenings, and fellowship underscored the branch’s enduring growth and cohesion.
From its humble beginnings with six brethren, the Kpong Branch, now part of a district with eight branches, boasts a membership of 250 souls. The branch has seen numerous young men and women serve missions and complete their service, with some families being sealed in the temple. The story of the Kpong Branch, a story of resilience, dedication, and unwavering faith spanning over a decade, reflects the power of community and serves as a compelling testament to the transformative potency of faith and unity in advancing the kingdom of God on earth.