Church Services today!!

Dad used to say that a person never wants to miss a Sacrament meeting because you don't know what you might miss!  Today was one of those days.

We were just starting to sing the Sacrament hymn when 5 guys in orange t-shirts walked in the side door and went straight over to the organ.  The organist stopped playing and we stopped singing.   Then 2 or 3 more guys came in -- a couple of them were pretty big, solid looking guys.   There were more outside. 

The Bishopric and a few others went to them, along with Elder Bullock and Elder Pack.  There was some discussion of sort going on and finally the Bishop managed to get one of the big guys to go out with him (to his office) and a couple more Church leaders took guys out.  There was still 3 or 4 in the chapel.   In the meantime, we were told to remain calm.

One of the young Elders told Sister Pack and myself that there were others outside around the building, which was not reassuring.   After about 15 minutes they got back into a 15 passenger van and left.

Apparently there is some 'traditional' law here for about a month when things are suppose to be quiet - no loud music etc.   Our church is not loud, as you know, unlike many of the Church's here.   Obviously it was all planned to show up when they did though.    They threatened to take the organ away but then it seems it was more a ploy to get a bribe.  The Bishop said they wanted 500 cedi (about $200).  He told them we did not keep money at the church but did end up paying them 100 cedi.   We don't think they should have paid them anything but......

The Stake President was notified and he alerted the other Wards in the Stake.  The Bishop and the Stake President will go to the police tomorrow and make a complaint.  Some of the people in the congregation knew some of the men.  The group that intruded had no right to do what they did.  The Church was not doing anything wrong.  Just some guys after money.  At least they didn't threaten any of us -- it could have been much worse.

It sounds pretty scary but we all just sat there and waited.   After they left, the meeting carried on as scheduled.

Now for a peaceful Sunday afternoon!!   All is well! 

Love, Elder/Sister Bullock