Latter-day Saints in Ghana jailed during “The Freeze“
In 1989, the government of Ghana banned all activities of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For 18 months, members couldn’t gather publicly, and some were even jailed for worshiping quietly in their homes. But their faith didn’t fade.
Can you imagine being thrown in jail for worshiping in your own home? On June 14th, 1989, the government in Ghana suspended all activities and public meetings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This became known as the freeze. Most members at the time had only belonged to the church for a few short years. There were misunderstandings, misinformation spread, and suddenly they were told they could no longer gather to worship.
But instead of walking away from their faith, they found quiet, faithful ways to hold on. Acting mission president Emmanuel Abu Kissi received word that members could hold sacrament services privately in their homes. And that's exactly what they did. Families put on their Sunday best, sat together in their front rooms, sang hymn softly, blessed and passed the sacrament, and taught one another the gospel.
One member, Joseph Larby, said something beautiful about this time. He compared members to coals in a pot. He explained that when coals slip out, it grows cold. But when the coals stay together, they keep each other burning. So members quietly visited one another to stay spiritually strong. Home teaching and visiting teaching weren't just assignments. They became lifelines of faith.
Members later said, "If we didn't have home teaching during the freeze, it would have been catastrophic." Even though members were careful not to hold large group meetings, some members were still reported to the authorities by their neighbors and thrown in jail where they were treated roughly. And yet, instead of fear, they saw opportunity. While in jail, they shared the story of the restoration and testified to fellow inmates.
For nearly a year and a half, members remained patient and prayerful. Letters were written. Church representatives visited. Gradually, government leaders came to understand the church's purpose. Then, in November 1990, the restriction was lifted. The saints could gather again. The first meeting after the freeze was joyous, members greeting each other and reuniting, and they compared that joy to what it will be like on the other side of the veil.
Soon after the freeze was over, a stake was formed in Ghana. No unhollowed hand can stop the work from progressing.
