“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant…Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal”. (1 Corinthians 12:1-7)
Fifteen LDS university graduates chose to magnify their spiritual gifts, as described by the Apostle Paul, by fulfilling their year of National Service at the Africa West Area administration offices in Accra, Ghana. These students applied, and were accepted, to fill positions in the Finance, Purchasing and Distribution, Self-Reliance, Facility Management, Travel, Information Communication; Services and Publishing Services departments for the year 2016/2017.
These interns have set themselves apart from their colleagues, who have confronted them with pressing questions regarding their decision. They have been asked, “Why would you want to serve in a church instead of gaining professional experience in public and private business-related institutions, such as banks, hospitals, media firms and so forth?”
Regardless of these questions from their peers, they have stood firm in their quest to serve the Lord in their various capacities—and gained wonderful professional experience as well.
Sakyi-Hans (Distribution Center), Laura (PEF), Helina (HR)
Helina Akua Bewu-Azagodo, a Human Resource Management (HRM) intern, expresses love for her daily work as an intern and attests the reality of her spiritual growth through her whole-hearted service. As part of the HR team, she facilitates employee interviews, serves as receptionist, and helps to process missionary forms at the Area presidency office.
“I love what I do,” expressed Calvin Adams, who serves in the Purchasing Department. He manages office supplies, controls Church mailing services and assists in the Travel Department. “Even though I have an ICT background, my work here has given me more experience to add to my professional skills.”
The Self-Reliance team has three enthusiastic ladies with accounting, human resource and psychology backgrounds. Their work as interns is to guide and mentor individuals through the process of the Perpetual Education Fund (PEF), a student loan program established by the Church.
Laura Mensah, who doubles as a loan disbursement specialist and loan processes intern, is grateful for the opportunity to serve and learn: “Dealing with different students with different characteristics and opinions has broadened my knowledge about service to mankind.”
“I am optimistic that, having gone through this assignment for a year, I will be equipped to serve in any capacity in the job market.” She added.
Sakyi-hans Nyarko, who serves in the church distribution center, also seized the opportunity to speak on his daily assignments and spiritual achievement.
“I am almost always at the distribution store, my main duty is to sell garments to LDS members, to input data for Liahona subscribers, and assemble scriptures and other related church books and magazines for sale.” He expressed great spiritual satisfaction from engaging professionally in the Lord’s work.
“I must say that my faith in the Lord has increased as I serve as part of the preparatory process which allows members to perform ordinances in the Temple.”
They agreed that it is important to be equipped in wisdom, understanding, and experience as they enter the job market, and felt that their experience as interns has given them the experience they need to progress.
Their resolute effort toward their duties have enabled them to withstand earthly pressures as they have learned from Elder Quentin L. Cook, who said, “If we are to be valiant in our testimony of Jesus, we must avoid the stumbling blocks that entrap and impede the progress of many otherwise honorable men and women. Let us determine to always be in His service. While seeking knowledge, we need to avoid the philosophies of men that lessen our commitment to the Savior.”