Latter-day Saints Across West Africa Unite in Christlike Service

During the last two weeks of August 2025, thousands of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout West Africa united in a variety of displays of Christian discipleship. Participating in the annual All Africa Service Project (AASP), members from Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Nigeria, The Gambia and Togo dedicated their time and resources to follow the Savior’s teaching to love and serve their neighbors.

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The continent-wide initiative mobilizes Latter-day Saints to perform coordinated, large-scale service founded on the belief that faith in Jesus Christ is manifested through love and good works. This year’s efforts provided a tangible witness of the Savior’s love, transforming public spaces, supporting critical institutions and touching countless lives. Catalogued below is a small sample of the many projects undertaken by the various stakes throughout the area.

Emulating the Savior’s Ministry of Healing

In a direct reflection of Christ’s ministry to the sick and afflicted, numerous projects focused on improving healthcare access and hygiene. Notable among them were the following:

In Bamako, Mali, members of the Bamako Branch gathered at the Niamakoro Community Health Care Center for a day of cleaning and donation. Volunteers thoroughly cleaned the hospital yard and donated essential sanitation supplies. The director of the health center personally thanked the Church, stating, “We are grateful for this generous support and timely intervention. This effort has not only improved our environment but uplifted our spirits.”

In Nigeria, the healing ministry was expansive. In Port Harcourt, stakes provided crucial medical equipment to a local health center. The Port Harcourt Nigeria West Stake offered a free medical eye clinic. Augustin Eze, a businessman who received care, attested to the impact: “The Project is Good. My [blood pressure] and other vitals were tested. It will help to maintain my health and my eyesight.” The Honorable Okokon Mkpanam of the Calabar Municipal Legislative Council was deeply moved by the work he witnessed, saying, “It has been a very long time that I have seen a church working to clean a health center. I am very impressed and I will report to the chairman of the local government over the good work of your Church.”

Safeguarding the Rising Generation

Echoing the Savior’s love for children, a significant focus was placed on supporting education and ensuring safety for the young. Examples of this type of service include:

In Port Harcourt, Nigeria, the South Stake launched a “Back-to-School” initiative, distributing 300 school books and over 50 uniforms to primary students. To protect them physically, they painted a 250-meter zebra crossing on a busy road to enhance pedestrian safety. Similarly, the Calabar Nigeria Akamkpa Stake cleaned university hostels and donated supplies. Igbolo John David, a university hostel president, felt the love behind the action. “The Book of Mormon, packs of noodles, detergent and toiletries really made them feel loved,” he said.

Building and Cleaning Communities

The foundational Christian value of charity was vividly displayed in numerous projects that strengthened community infrastructure and beautified public spaces. The following is a sampling of some of them:

In Côte d’Ivoire, approximately 4,000 members contributed over 14,000 hours of service through blood donations, large-scale cleaning operations and distributing goods to orphanages.

In Ghana, members of the Teshie Ghana Stake spent a morning clearing weeds from the median along a busy street.

In The Gambia, members collaborated with the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) for a large-scale clean-up. Her Worship Mrs. Binta Janneh Jallow, the Deputy Lord Mayor, participated and expressed her support, noting the Church's ongoing commitment to improving the environment and supporting local government efforts.

In Togo, the spirit of unity inspired spontaneous generosity. During one cleanup event, a passerby, surprised by the work of the Agoe Stake volunteers, was so impressed that he voluntarily offered to pay for water for everyone. Sister Loccadie Vignihoede Devo from the Agoe Ward expressed her joy, stating, “We are happy now. When we arrived, this place was not pleasant... We have followed the Lord’s example by serving the community.” Echoing this sentiment, Bruno Mawouena Sokel, Bishop of the Apedokoe Ward, added, “According to the teachings of King Benjamin in the Book of Mormon, when you serve your fellow men, you serve God.”

A Lifesaving Gift

Several blood drives were organized in different countries and stakes throughout the area. In Lomé, Togo, members gathered at the National Blood Transfusion Center (CNTS) to donate blood. Mr. Tete Sena Yao, head of blood donation promotion at CNTS, expressed his gratitude: “We want to thank The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Togo for its ongoing partnership. We are delighted with this renewed commitment during this period of great shortage.” President Kouegan Anani of the Lome Togo Be Stake explained the motivation: “We want to follow the example of our Savior Jesus Christ, who gave His life to save all of humanity.”

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Environmental Stewardship

The joy and energy displayed in all projects show that serving the Lord by serving His creations can be fun and uplifting. Scriptures teach that when God gave man dominion over the beasts, He intended for us to care for them, as shown in Proverbs 12:10. "A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast.”

So in one of the more unique and fun examples of service that occurred in Togo, members joined with the association ERD Afrique for a beach cleanup to ensure a safe nesting environment for sea turtles. After collecting approximately 20 bags of plastic waste, volunteers participated in the release of about 60 rescued baby turtles into the ocean.

An Invitation to Follow Christ

The annual All Africa Service Project is a manifestation of the Church’s core belief that serving others is a fundamental expression of discipleship. By addressing the practical needs of their neighbors, Latter-day Saints across West Africa sought to follow the ultimate example of Jesus Christ.

As President Godwin Oyigoja Oboh of the Calabar Nigeria Etta-Agbo Stake stated, “We wanted to show our love for our neighbors as the Savior taught. The objective of the service project was achieved as members and non-members turned out in their numbers.”

Through their actions, they demonstrated that turning one’s heart toward Christ naturally develops a greater desire to love, serve and bless those around them.