Christmas greetings to one and all from beautiful snow-less Bamenda, Cameroon! We have heard from our daughters that snow has fallen in the US. Here, it remains hot and dry — but at least that means no slipping on the icy stuff.
Our letter will be short this month, as our primary interest is in sending you our prayers for a blessed Christmas celebration as, around the world, Christians rejoice once again at the birth of our Savior and Lord. It is our hope that you will experience in new ways the joys of our Lord, both at Christmas time and throughout the New Year.
The school term has ended, for which David is grateful, as it brings a welcome break from traveling and teaching. On December 10, David and Magdalene spoke on disability issues at a church growth conference in Belo, not far from Bamenda. The theme of the conference was “breaking down barriers.” This was a great opportunity to talk about the cultural and religious barriers which prevent persons with disabilities from being a part of Christian fellowship in many churches. This past week David went to Douala with Magdalene to teach on disability awareness and ministry with church leaders, ministry and organization leaders, and several persons with disabilities. About 50 persons were in attendance — not a bad number, given the fact that the local government officials “took over” the hall where the meetings were scheduled and our meetings began about three hours later than advertised. The message was well received, nonetheless, though we did sense some spiritual opposition.
A highlight for CEFED was the Christmas activity at the school in Santa. Gifts for each child and some general gifts for the school had been sent to us from members of Hope Alliance Church in MA, where our daughter, and Crossing Bridges Board member, Amy, fellowships. Florence and the students of CEFED decorated the main classroom and the students thoroughly enjoyed the gifts (which included a lot of candy).
A second highlight was the baptism of four of the children at CEFED earlier this month. This was done in a small stream in Santa not far from the school.
The next term begins for David on January 9 at the CEFED Special Education Training Institute. He will teach a general course on special education planning and programming. The two groups of students will be combined for the remainder of the program, meaning a total of 74 students (in a rather small room!).
On January 10, he will begin teaching Hermeneutics at the Center for Biblical Studies in Bamenda. And in early February, he will teach a short course on Hebrews at the Center for Biblical Studies in Bafoussam, which will mean making the 1.5 hour journey into the Western Province once a week.
Also in the works is disability training in Melong and Kumba, both of which will require a day’s travel to and from, and probably two evenings of teaching in each location.
In the midst of all the busyness of the holidays, may we all take time to reflect on God’s love and grace. For unto us a Savior is born. Hallelujah!
David and Florence Anderson
