M E R I D I A N     M A G A Z I N E

For The Welfare of Our People
by Sylvia McMillan Finlayson
Photographs by Scot Facer Proctor

Editors’ Note:  See all the articles on Ghana “under one roof” here. 

click photos to enlarge

Imagine being a bishop gazing out over your congregation knowing that 75% of them are unemployed.  You are charged with the temporal and spiritual welfare of these people, yet many are without an education, adequate housing, transportation and few prospects of receiving such any time soon.  The task before you is overwhelming.

Great need is at every turn and this small flock of God's followers looks to you as His representative to help them rise above their circumstances.  They have come into the fold with the hope of a better life in every respect; not just for the salvation of their souls but for physical relief as well.

Welcome to Ghana—the former Gold Coast, where foreigners used to find treasure while they exploited the natives.  Today the economy is 70% home industries.  Drive down the streets and you can see the economic base of the country.  Hawkers with strong shoulders who carry baskets on their heads and markets with little shops selling cloth or handicrafts. People with anxious looks hoping they can clear enough money to buy dinner tonight. Farmers whose herds of goats scavenge for food.  Established industry is only the smallest part of the economy in Ghana, and that means looking for a job that can support your family is often a bleak prospect.

Yet, the welfare program of the church was designed to teach its members self-reliance and provident living.  In 1936, President Heber J. Grant said of the church's goal, “Our primary purpose was to set up, in so far as it might be possible, a system under which the curse of idleness would be done away with, the evils of a dole abolished, and independence, industry, thrift and self respect be once more established amongst our people. The aim of the Church is to help the people to help themselves.” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1936, p. 3.)

Self-reliance is a fine goal, but is it possible in a country where the per capita income is under $400 a year and there is massive unemployment?  One of the Church's most experienced and capable welfare experts, Isaac Ferguson, has been called to Ghana and given such a task.

He’s had the experience he’ll need for a job like this.  He’s worked for the Church for 30 years, received a PhD in health sciences and directed the Thrasher Research Fund (a child health grant-making organization) and the Church Humanitarian Services.  From 1998 to 2001 he served as mission president in Arizona.

Now, as Africa West Area Welfare Manager, he’s back for a stint in the field where every insight will be called upon. For Ike, it’s a dream to put his knowledge to work on the frontlines. Ike knows that with the principles of love, service, stewardship, hard work and consecration members in Ghana can be lifted to success, despite the ostensibly dim outlook before them.

Click here to read Part 2 of “For the Welfare of Our People” by Sylvia Finlayson.

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