Dedication services were held today in Ghana at the new missionary training center (MTC) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The new facility is located next to the Accra Ghana Temple in the African country where the Church is flourishing.
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During his remarks at the new missionary training center, Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles called attention to the 200 young men and women who have left behind their worldly lives to serve as full-time missionaries.
“To see them is a miracle,” said Elder Bednar. “You have heard these young people pray, and say things, and sing in a foreign language they did not know four weeks ago. That is a manifestation of heavenly help. It is a miracle, which is replicated at 15 missionary training centers around the world.”
The newly completed Ghana Missionary Training Center is comprised of four structures, including a five-story residence hall with 80 dormitory rooms, housing up to 320 young people at a time. There are 28 classrooms, 18 practice teaching rooms and seven computer labs where missionaries receive training before they are sent to their assigned areas around the world.The facility also has areas to provide for the daily needs of the missionaries such as a cafeteria, laundry facility, athletic fields and large meeting rooms. The buildings feature extensive glass exteriors to maximize natural light and enhance the opportunity for personal study.
Also speaking at the dedication was Elder Terence M. Vinson, General Authority Seventy and Africa West Area President.
“Four years ago, this site was a vacant lot. It was covered with trees and a path running through it. Now it is a ‘spiritual school,’ which is more than a beautiful edifice,” said Elder Vinson. “Its value does not lie in the bricks, the paneling, or the furnishings; the true value is in the hearts of these missionaries who sacrifice much to pass through here.”
Vinson reported missionaries at the MTC have opportunities that help them in the mission field, as well as throughout their lives. “They learn skills which will help them listen to the Spirit and support their companions as they teach those seeking the truths taught by the Savior.”
During the dedicatory prayer, Elder Bednar asked for a blessing upon “those who labor, who study, who live, and who serve at this center.”
“We dedicate every part, feature and function of this facility and consecrate them for the sacred purpose of helping to prepare Thy servants to proclaim Thy Beloved Son’s gospel so it will sound in every ear and touch every heart, of every people, in every country,” he said in the prayer.
The current group at the Ghana Missionary Training Center is made up of 201 missionaries representing 21 countries of the world. They will serve in 23 missions of the Church on the continent of Africa and in other parts of the world.
There are 148 missionaries who speak English and 53 French speakers. Seventy-eight young people are learning a foreign language and will spend up to six weeks in the center. Those not learning a language will be in the Ghana MTC only three weeks before departing for their assigned area.
A public open house for the new MTC was held in August. The original MTC was built in 2002 in Tema, Ghana, and could accommodate only up to 95 missionaries.
Additional Resource:
New Ghana Missionary Training Center Completed http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/new-ghana-missionary-training-center-completed