From August 13 to 17, Lead Apostle Oscar Kabanga Nwanza paid his first pastoral visit to NW- and SW-Cameroon, accompanied by the locally responsible Apostle Ignatius Chi Nche.  This visit gave a first-hand information on the situation on ground and helped the Lead Apostle to develop his work plan for the area.

There are many ministers who are due retirement, many others need to be ordained, appointed or assigned to replace the elderly ministers. This visit therefore was very important for the lead Apostle to have a full understanding of the situation and serve as a guide in planning his work.

Visit to Kumba, 13TH and 14TH August
In Kumba, the Lead Apostle presided first a meeting with church ministers and wives. The participants listened very properly to Lead Apostle’s explanation about how God speaks to us today through the Apostolate. He advised the ministers to consecrate themselves before each Divine service. Being aware of the Godly call to each servant avoids even useless complaints which just overshadow the true meaning of their serving and preaching. Finally, he emphasized on the true meaning sacrifices and offerings and stated clearly that offering is not necessarily money but our hearts. Meaning each time you give, you must feel that something left you.

The Divine service the next day, based on the Bible word from Matthew 13:24-25 about the parable of the wheat and the tares shows how a farmer plants good seeds in his field. While everyone is asleep, an enemy comes and sows tares among the wheat. The parable highlights the presence of both good and evil in the world and in the kingdom of heaven, where the enemy sows evil while the Son of man sows the good seed. The Lead Apostle encouraged the congregation always to do the good, e.g. in not judging others, in helping the week ones and in loving one another like Jesus expects this from his true disciples. Special parts of the Divine service was the Holy sealing of 5 new members and the appointment of a new congregational rector for Mabanda congregation.

From Kumba, the Lead Apostle and Apostle Chi Nche continued to Numba (see next article).