Training of trainers

Presbyterian Christian leaders build their capacities
By Polycarp Labah in Yaounde
Some 136 men and women leaders  of the Christian Men and Christian Women Fellowship movements of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon PCC drawn from the parishes of Obala, Saa, Nkoteng, Belabo, Batouri, Bertoua, Sangmelima, Ebolowa, Kribi, HEVECAM – Nye’ Ete, Ngoke, Makenene, Ndikinimiki, Mbandjock, Kye’ Ossi, Ambam, Abagmiko, Eseka, Bafia, Mfou, Soa, Ekounou, Bastos, Nsimeyong, Etoug Ebe, Nkolbison, Simbock-Mendong, Mbalmayo, SOCAPALM, which make up the East Mungo North of the PCC assembled in a one week training of trainers’ workshop for grass-root leaders of the Church. August 12  - 16 2014. The one week capacity building workshop sharpened the skills of these Christian leaders on the 2015 study book prepared by the PCC Departments for Men and Women’s Work  on the theme: “Free To Serve” the watch word of which is “The Covenant God Appoints And Anoints” with inspiration from the Book of Prophet Joshua. In its introductory note the Book of Joshua tells the Good News in the Old Testament in the same way as the Letters to the Ephesians and the Philippians do in the New Testament. The Book of Joshua tells us that God led the nation of Israel out of bondage in Egypt through the wilderness to the edge of the Promised Land of Canaan, the Israelites lacked faith and courage to go in. This explains why they wandered for forty years in the wilderness. They all died before the final liberation. With the exception of Joshua and Caleb, only their children and their children’s children had the opportunity to enter the Promised Land. Just before they entered the land Joshua the rightful successor of Moses told them – Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or discouraged , for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” Joshua 1 6, 7 & 9.

    This study book is a rich, impact-full document with Joshua Chapter 24. 15 a key verse which is the basis for all Christian belief. The book’s Introspection Retreats emphasize on Christian unity and Bible Meditations are on the Sermon on the Mount and as in previous publications, it contains Basic Training for social transformation, liturgical singing, evangelism and entertainment and guidelines on sustainable development.
    The co-authors of the study book Dr Fai and Mrs. Ngeh Beatrice opening the book last July 22-17 in Douala for leaders of the East Mungo region of the PCC upheld that after the book of Exodus in 2014, the liberation story, and after being freed, God’s people should now serve, that is why the choice of Joshua who complements Exodus was necessary. They substantiated that the book shows how God fulfills His promises that is why the 2015 studies are focused on service having in mind the crucial elections in the PCC expected to restore God’s church with selfless leaders as Joshua. Finally the two departments decided to honour the CMF taking the character of Joshua as a role model to be emulated with the key chapter 24 and key verse 15 which remains the basis of our Christian faith and belief key mission of the Christian Men Fellowship movement.
    Facilitators included Rev Fonki Samuel Forba, Presbyterial Secretary for East Mungo North; Rev Professor Emmanuel Anyambod, PCC Secretary, Committee of the Ministry, Rev Tembeng Emmanuel Parish Pastor of PCC Simbock-Mendong, , Rev Dr Mrs Fonki Perpetua, Lecturer Presbyterian Seminary Kumba, Rev Bulex Binda, Regional Secretary for East Mungo and Associate Parish Pastor of PCC Nsimeyong, Brother Elder Dr Fergus Ambe, Immunologist, Brother Barrister Tanda George, Brother Elias Fon Mokom, CMF President, EMNP,  Brother Emmanuel Etchi Takang, CMF Secretary East Mungo North, Brother Obed Louis CMF Evangelism  Secretary EMN, Brother Polycarp Labah, CMF Publicity Secretary EMN, Mrs Epoh Cecilia, CWF President EMN, Mrs Meh Zang Dorothy CWF Secretary East Mungo North and Mrs Nchotu Patricia, Women Work Helper, EMN.