Mission

National/Global Opportunities
Partnership with Presbyterian Church Bastos in Cameroon, Africa

Letters from the BPC Delegation in Cameroon, Africa
September 15-27, 2005

September 21, 2005
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

What a relief to finally get word to you at the midpoint of our Cameroonian adventure! This will be short, as our hosts are awaiting our presence at dinner.

As was probably announced in church last Sunday, our flight to Cameroon was delayed by a dispute between our airline, Air France, and Cameroon Airlines, which the French authorities had recently deemed unsafe to fly into France. Air France was concerned about reprisals and cancelled all flights for several days, including ours. As a group, we engaged in much discussion of options and much prayer, reminding ourselves that God is in charge. There's much more to the tale, but it ends happily. After a stop in Chad, we were finally in Yaounde, the capital of Cameroon, two days late, exhausted but happy. The greeting awaiting us there was a harbinger of things to come. First, a news camera awaited us at the end of the jet way. We later learned that our visit had been the subject of both TV and radio news stories. Then we found ourselves greeted by Lydia Efimba, congregation chairperson of PC Bastos Church, along with members of their congregation who handled all of our baggage for us. And one member who works for the police force impressively whisked our entire group through customs in two minutes. We were greeted with gifts and, best of all, incredible singing by members of their church. It was an event we'll never forget, one well worth all the angst and inconvenience we'd just endured.

On Tuesday we met with members of the PC Bastos Session. The rest of the day was spent primarily on a trip to Makenene to help break ground on a church that is an offspring of PC Bastos church. While the Bastos congregation is in the city, with cars and buildings, we walked about a mile back into the bush to visit this congregation. It was interesting to see people walking by with bundles of sticks on their heads as we sat in the open-air sanctuary, consisting of a thatched roof supported by 2 x 4's. We all agreed it was a wonderful way to experience God. We spent the evening having dinner in host homes where they had invited special guests. We are to stay with these families for two nights.

On Wednesday we were treated to a visit to the American Embassy, to two organizations that do translations of the Bible into native tongues as well as teaching literacy, and to a Protestant seminary. Another highlight was being introduced to PC Bastos' Youth, Women's and Men's fellowship groups. We were greeted with incredible African rhythms as we danced up the aisle! It was wonderful. There is so much more to tell you, but it will have to wait. We love and miss you all and treasure this opportunity to represent you here.

With love from your brothers and sisters in Christ,

Lynne Evans

Read the next letter ...

• Caregiving for Members
• Mission
  • Local Opportunities
    650 Westminster, CASA, Chrysalis, CLARE Foundation, Common Ground, Saturday Dinner for People Without Homes, Habitat for Humanity, My Friend's Place, One Day Mission Ministries
  • National/Global Opportunities
    Building Homes in Mexico; Nicaragua Covenant Relationship; Embangweni Hospital in Malawi, Africa; Partnerships with Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
  • Committee Opportunities
    Patio Table Coordinator, Mustard Seed Group Liaison, Angel Store Chairperson and Team, Mexico Work Camp Planning Team, Nicaragua Covenant Relationship Team
  • The Angel Store: A Christmas Tradition
• Volunteer Opportunities