On May 18, David traveled to Ndu to speak (three times) at the Mission’s Week Conference at Cameroon Baptist Theological Seminary, at the invitation of Dr. Wilfred Fon, President of CBTS. David’s teaching was, of course, related to disability ministry and the fact that churches have long neglected this area of ministry. Our good friend, Pastor Chia Peter from Bethlehem Baptist Church in Bamenda, traveled with David and attended the sessions. (Since 2005, Peter has become very involved in disability issues.) Nearly all 430 students and faculty attended the sessions. Peter said, upon their return on May 20, that at first people were questioning why I was speaking about disability. But by the time the sessions ended in the evening, their doubts were gone and the intended effect of David’s teaching was evident.
Florence, meanwhile, continues to enjoy working with the CEFED school children. We have spread interest in the school among other American and Canadian missionaries in Bamenda, some of who have come to the school to work with the children and will continue to help teach them after we return to Minnesota in August. Anna, the Spanish physical therapist, has returned to Spain after being in Cameroon for several months. We are hoping that the “hippotherapy” sessions will resume in the fall as the Jackson family becomes more involved with CEFED.
In addition, Florence’s ministry with the children in our neighborhood has continued, although with the close of schools for the academic year, many of these children will probably be sent to their home village. She has “entertained” as many as 11 children, giving them pages to color and books to read – and, of course, some biscuits (cookies).
You may have noticed that nothing has been said about the Center for Biblical Studies. Because of David’s travels, he was not able to teach a course for them this term. However, he will be present at the Bafoussam CBS graduation at the end of June, and the Bamenda CBS graduation on July 18.
There is still more traveling planned – to Limbe in the Southwest Region (later in June), and to Bafoussam (July) to teach on disability ministry. As we near the completion of our two-year commitment to Cameroon, things are winding down. Your continued prayers for health and safety and your continuing support of Crossing Bridges are greatly appreciated.
May God continue to renew your strength, even as he does for us!
Blessings to all!
David and Florence
