News Release

How Will You #LIGHTtheWORLD This Year?

West Africans Join the Worldwide Initiative

“If Christians in Ghana ‘Light the World’, then I, as a Muslim, will benefit also,” said Honorable Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, Minister for Information and Spokesperson for the Presidency in Ghana, He was speaking to a group of government, religious, media and traditional leaders at an event sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Accra, Ghana.

 

Minister Abdul-Hamid reminded guests, “When the sun shines on the righteous, it shines on the sinner as well. When it rains on the sinner, it also rains on the righteous. Blessings come to all people. We must not let religion divide us, but allow our religion to unite us in serving and blessing all mankind.” The Minister stressed the importance of “all humanity” coming together under the same umbrella to ‘Light the World’.

The red-carpet occasion on November 24, marked the launch of the 2017 #LIGHTtheWORLD Global Initiative in West Africa. More than 60 guests were welcomed to the breakfast event which included music performed by the Ghana National Symphony and choral arrangements by the Bountiful Tabernacle Choir.

As part of the festivities, Elder Marcus B. Nash, First Counselor in the Africa West Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, introduced resources available for personal use; as well as suggestions for the month-long service initiative.

An Advent Calendar titled ‘25 Ways in 25 Days’ was presented as a resource for service activities suitable for individuals or organizations to consider this Christmas season.

Elder Nash asked each person to ponder this question “What difference will it make in the history of the nation of Ghana if we, as children of God, unite for twenty-five days to share the Light of Christ through serving our fellow man?”

A short video and scripture reference will be available daily from December 1 through 25 at mormon.org or mormonnewsroom.com.gh. Individuals are invited to use these sources to determine what act of service they might perform to help others enjoy the ‘light’ of Jesus Christ.

"In 2016, hundreds of thousands participated in #LIGHTtheWORLD service activities around the world. It was an inspiring thing to witness," said Elder Brent H. Nielson of the Seventy, executive director of the Church's Missionary Department. "We hope this year, many more will celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ by following His teachings and sharing His light and love with those around them."

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