Baptism Beach


 After it was announced in 1978 that "all worthy male members of the church may be ordained to the Priesthood without regard for race or color."  The first baptism's happened here at Baptism beach in Cape Coast Ghana.  Billy Johnson was one of first African's baptized at this beach and was the first African to exercise his priesthood and begin baptizing others at this beach.  Billy Johnson had obtained a copy of a restoration pamphlet and the Book of Mormon from a friend in 1964 and he knew from the start that it was true.  He began preaching from the Bible and Book of Mormon to his friends.  He contacted Salt Lake City but it was not time to expand into Africa so the Prophets told him to be patient.  He began to preach the gospel without the priesthood and established 3 congregations with thousands of members waiting for the gospel to come to Africa.  When he joined the church in Oct 1978, hundreds followed him into the waters of baptism.  His story is not unique as this happened in Nigeria as well as in Takoradi Ghana.  We visited the grave site of Billy Johnson and had lunch with his son Brigham Johnson who is now a District President in the Praso District.  We visited Billy's grave in the back lot of Forever Young, a non-profit set up by Steve Young and Robert Gay in Cape Coast Ghana

 

Today the church in Africa is growing at unprecedented rates.  The people of Africa are the best!  They believe in Christ and are so excited about the message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.  Baptisms are not happening on the beach any longer.

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

  1. I love this so much! What a beautiful people - so faithful and patient! Thank you for taking time to post these pages.

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