Bishop Oti-Akenteng received the notice during the late afternoon on Friday 13 March 2020. What happened next was a work of art as he contacted his local leaders, Elders Quorum President and Relief Society President to asked them how to proceed forward in ministering to the ward and preparing for members to be able to participate in home services as well as participation of partaking of the sacrament. The sacrament being the most important part of worship for the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints on the sabbath as members are able to renew covenants.
The Bishop had previously created a WhatsApp platform for his ward leaders and used that platform to discuss the announcement from the First Presidency to the world. He wanted the ward to know about the announcement and together with the Relief Society President, Sister Hannah Gano and Elders Quorum President, Lawrence Ayim, they determined how to reach out to the members and give them the information. The Bishop and his wife Joana, created and recommended eight zones, much like mission zones, to the ward leaders to share the message and prepare for Sunday worship. The Zone Leaders consisted of priesthood leaders from the Bishopric and Elder’s Quorum presidency, along with a High Councilor and the former Bishop of the ward.
Bishop Oti-Akenteng collected sacrament cups from the Ward Building and delivered them to each family. He gave them what he hoped would be a month supply of cups. The Zone leaders ensured there were priesthood holders available to conduct a home service as well as administer the sacrament. Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthood holders worked together to serve in their homes and other homes in the ward.
Services were held, testimonies were shared, and the Spirit was felt in the homes through this home centered, church supported experience. The members reported back to the Bishop through the Zone Leaders that they “really felt the Spirit and had wonderful experiences”.
