Dear Family and Friends,
On the afternoon of Wednesday, July 16, we started our journey back to Cameroon with a one hour drive to Toronto’s airport. Were we ready? Are we ever ready? From Toronto we flew to Montreal, then took an overnight flight to Brussels, Belgium, arriving in the early morning there. We waited in the terminal until the late afternoon, then boarded our flight to Douala, Cameroon. We landed in rainy Douala, cleared customs, reclaimed all of our luggage without incident, then reached a rest house in the city at about 1:00 am Friday morning. After some much needed sleep, we got up to more rain (its rainy season here), made a few contacts in the city, and then headed on the 6 hour drive to Bamenda and our home on the mission station. We arrived around supper time Friday evening, blessed to have one of our friends prepare for us a hearty meal of fufu and njama njama. Praise God for journey mercies!
First Sunday back in Cameroon July 20, 2014 – After enduring a night of significant intestinal instability, I resolutely set out at 7:00 am Sunday morning for the worship service at Nkwen Baptist Church, Bamenda, where 50 people were being baptized. As I crammed in to the hard wooden pew with so many other worshippers, a small lad of about 8 years old sat down close beside me. We watched the baptisms, 2 at a time, in the ultra-modern baptism tanks at the front church. The 8 year old boy, because of the crowd in front of us, strained to see the baptisms by leaning in on me, sitting on my suit jacket, invading my space. He was really acting like a jigger to me. (A jigger is a parasite found in this part of Africa that burrows into the exposed skin at the bottom of your feet to lay its eggs.) I was vividly reminded that African personal space is different than North American personal space. Walter, get used to it, again.
Despite bodily discomfort from the crowding and my intestinal problems, I was glad to be at this service where so many were making a public identification of following the Saviour Jesus Christ. One among them was Raymond, who for some years now had a part time job in our household, gardening, and washing the car. It was a joy to see him make this step of faith. The service, which also included a devotional, announcements, praise, worship and the Lord’s Supper, ended up lasting 4 hours and 45 minutes. I did not stay for the fellowship meal that followed, as I needed to rest. Nevertheless we all need to rejoice that so many are choosing to follow Christ.
Augustine resigns from the accounting office – About 6 years ago, Augustine came to me seeking capital funds to start a roadside phone booth business. Losing both his parents early in life, he came from a rather disadvantaged background. I learned he was fairly active in our local church. His business plan did not excite me, but I was impressed by the thoroughness to detail in his business plan. Needing a clerk in the accounting
office, I instead offered him a position as a casual worker. Later, proving his faithfulness, he was made a permanent worker. He has been very conscientious, humble and agreeable to work with. Now Augustine believes God is calling him to further spiritual equipping at the Cameroon Baptist Theological Seminary, Ndu, starting this August. At his “send off” dinner hosted by the office at a local restaurant, Augustine shared how much I had been an encouragement in his Christian walk. REALLY!?! God can sometimes startle us, how much our character and behaviour, influences others in the body of Christ. We salute and commend Augustine to God’s further equipping.
Florence and I still have much transition to contend with in our adjustment from time in North America to life and ministry back here in Cameroon. Our house is starting to be a home again. One of Florence’s long time dental clinic staff has resigned. A replacement will be needed. Florence is eager again to minister with the English (Immanuel) choir at Nkwen Baptist Church. The accounting office has a good number of new staff that I have to get familiar with and build good working relationships.
If you are looking for a special project to support, let me recommend the following:
Cameroon Ndu – Seminary work/study program
Many seminary students do not have sufficient funds to cover their education expenses. By working to help maintain the large school campus, they can earn money that is applied to their tuition. Contributions are used to pay these students who work maintenance jobs.
We are grateful for our senders, and encouraged that God is our rock and refuge in this ministry. Despite the recent safety threats in Cameroon and neighbouring Nigeria, it remains our privilege and honour to represent NAB sending churches and individuals here. Thank you so much!
In Christ
Walter & Florence