It was reported in the news that the hospital had been intentionally set ablaze. Other reports include private homes burned down and fairly regular gun battles between the military and the separatists (who wish to secede from La Republic du Cameroon). Many people are being killed while others are losing all they have. We have refugees galore who have run from their homes in fear, and it’s safe to say that most of the population in the Southwest and Northwest Regions of Cameroon (where WELS carries out the bulk of its mission work) are discourage – inclined to give up.
On the other side of town, on top of the hill towards Mbalangi, sits the Headquarters and the Seminary for Lutheran Church of Cameroon. It seems to be sorted out now, but for about a month, even here, some thieves thought they might be able to get something from the place. It’s a bit of a mess. In the midst of all the chaos, we are sending a statement: We are still operating as a church body and making plans to train called workers for the future.
Milton is our welder as well as general handy man and administrator these days for our mission while the missionary cannot be on site. He also painted the gate to our LCC compound at Barombi Kang. The gate painting was a gift from the WELS mission in memory of student Zacheus Amibang who passed away last summer.
While we appreciate the work Milton has done, we appreciate even more the spirit of our called workers in Cameroon: The Lord’s work is not defeated by bullets nor any other form of hostility.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms… take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6). We are stubbornly and confidently NOT going to be discouraged from the work the Lord has put in front of us. We want everybody to know that we trust not in earthly weapons, but in “Faith Alone, Scripture Alone, and Grace Alone”- based on the empty cross of Christ. While we cannot deny the worldly suffering amongst the people of Southern Cameroon, the LCC stands to focus on spiritual matters. We focus on God’s promise of protection and guidance here on earth and eternal glory with him in heaven through Jesus’ death and resurrection. May his Spirit hold us in that focus as we continue to make the statement of our faith and look for ways to serve him better in Cameroon.
Missionary Dan Kroll
Please pray for those working in fields that are ripe for harvest. Share their story, engage with future news and receive updates. Go to this link to learn more about our mission fields in Africa and how the Holy Spirit is working faith in people’s hearts https://wels.net/serving-others/missions/africa
