Cameroon has become in
some respects a second home for Val and I over the past 14 years, as we have
spent about half of that time in Ngaoundéré.
Soon
after our arrival on the 31st of December 2012, I was requested to
participate in the confirmation class and mid-week Lenten services for Cross
and Crown Lutheran Church. Cross and Crown was the congregation I was called to
serve in our 4 years as missionaries in Cameroon from 1999 to 2003.
It
was difficult to say anything but “yes”.
The
plan was to teach a group of eight young students (one was 12, six were 13-15, and
one was 20). Classes were to be twice a week and we would be able to have at
least sixteen classes prior to Easter when the Service of Affirmation of
Baptism (Confirmation) would occur. During our first class I was informed that
I had baptized some of the children seated before me.
I
had no material but the small catechism was available on-line, and thus we
proceeded.
Confirmation
Class offered an opportunity to explore the universe in creation and
investigate spinning planets and gravity, early concepts of a flat earth with a
dome that had windows to allow the rain to fall, and the knowledge of where
Galilee, Samaria and Judah were located in respect to the massive continent of
Africa. Together we drew maps of the area where Jesus travelled and preached,
and discovered in a geography lesson the flow of water from the mountains north
of the Sea of Galilee, down the Jordon River to the Dead Sea, and recorded the
distance as the crow flies from Nazareth to Jerusalem.
In
the midst of physics, geography and whatever science raised its head in the
course of our studies we discovered, via the commandments, the creeds, Baptism,
Holy Communion, the Lord’s Prayer and the parables in Matthew, Mark and Luke,
the compassion of Jesus Christ. Our focus was Care and Concern for others in
the same manner that Jesus cared and cares for us.
My
Confirmation Class was amazing. On Wednesdays after confirmation, the entire
class would remain for my mid-week Lenten Service. After we had completed over
half of our sixteen classes the Class had swelled to 10 children.
I
had to inform the two late comers that they could not be recommended for
Confirmation as they required more instruction. They immediately informed me
that they were already confirmed.
 |
| a barely visible cross at 5:45 |
The
Class was confirmed at the Easter morning service in which I presided. Prior to
that, there was a sunrise service on the side of Ngaoundéré Mountain. Actually the
word Ngaoundéré means Belly-Button Mountain, which
is quite obvious when you see the large boulder precariously perched at the
peak.
 |
| children and their dog attend the Sunrise Service |
 |
| a chilly morning at Belly Button Mountain |
Cross
and Crown continues to use the old Red Hymnal, but the books are decaying
before their eyes, and I am trying to introduce the Green Book, which I had
also attempted many years ago. Change is difficult.
 |
| Elizabeth and Charlotte are baptized and blessed |
We
did use the LBW (Green Hymnal) at Easter, and the congregation interjected
their own Hymn of Praise which can take up to fifteen minutes to perform with
much drumming, clapping and swaying bodies. Totally exhausted we proceeded to
the prayer of the day. The first and second lessons are preceded by the Sunday
School Class singing (one of my favorites: “You can’t get to heaven on roller
skates.”) Prior to the lessons the Zion Choir sings and after the Gospel the
Youth Choir sings.
 |
| Let your light so shine before others... |
In some Lutheran churches
in Ngaoundéré there are as many as eight choirs.
 |
| Sunday School sings before both 1st and 2nd Readings |
 |
| Youth Choir |
Much
singing and long services!
The
Gospel reading is also preceded by a very lively long performance in a tribal
language (usually) again with much body action, which offers a totally
exhausted congregation prepared for the sermon. Although in the service there
is much action, in reality you have virtually been standing or sitting in the
same spot, and to compensate for this leisure, the offering greets you with a lively
stroll from your pew around the church to deposit your alms accompanied by
another invigorating tribal song. In the midst of all the spiritually
influential action: the services for baptism (there were two) and the
Confirmation of the eight students had occurred.
The
introduction of the students was performed before the proud parents and
relatives, who were even more elated when after the laying on of hands and the
individual blessings, the students recited there bible verses without
hesitation. Most students recited one or two lines of scripture, but one boy
had memorized a large part of a chapter which elicited a loud bringing together
of hands.
The
loud applause caused our young confirmands to entertain with much enthusiasm
and appreciation via high pitched singing, and a conservative tribal dance.
In
a slightly exhausted but happy moment, the young people proceeded to the altar
for their first communion.
Our
pleasure with the outcome of the whole day was extended beyond expectation,
when the confirmands invited Val and I to dine on a vegetable stew meal they
had prepared. We said grace with words I had taught them:
“Oh
the Lord is good to me, and so I thank the Lord, for giving me the things I
need, the sun and the rain and the mango seed, the Lord is good to me , Amen,
Amen – amen, amen, amen!”
Gaius one of Jack's Youth from 1999-2003 all grown up
This
past Tuesday (after Easter) two of my class had stopped at the house to visit,
and told me as they departed, “see you tomorrow”! A look of surprise crossed my
face, as my calendar for Wednesday was blank. Confirmation was “fini”. They
brought me back to reality when they commented that we had begun rehearsing a
play “The Heavenly Express” to be performed before the congregation at a future
date. The play must go on.
The
next day, Wednesday, was a torrential downpour (yes the rains have returned).
Torrential downpours curtail people from showing up at meetings or church. Six
of the eight kids showed up and the rehearsal continued. See you next Wednesday...
There
are days here in Cameroon when I become despairingly frustrated. Easter Sunday
in 2013 was not one of them.
Amen!
Alleluia! Jack & Val
Beautiful butterflies fluttering amongst Jasmine blossoms
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