Presbyterian Church in Cameroon celebrates 66 years with call for rejuvenation

The Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC) marked a significant milestone as it celebrated its 66th anniversary, themed “Rejuvenation.”

The theme emphasized the need for revitalization in the face of contemporary challenges.

Throughout the nation and in the diaspora, PCC members engaged in worship and prayer sessions, seeking divine guidance for the Church’s revival.

The festivities extended beyond a single day, with two days of vibrant activities at most congregations, including Presbyterian Church Makepe, in Douala.

Kicking off the anniversary, sports activities set the tone, followed by a grand culmination featuring joyous singing, dancing, and communal feasting, bringing the congregation together in spirited celebration.

Remarkably, social activities preceded the commemoration in other PCC congregations across Cameroon.

PCC Christians at the Bamenda Central Prison in the Northwest Region organised various social activities on Saturday.

Among these activities were a match pass, singing of the church’s Anthem, Bible drill, sugar race, and a common meal.

Reflecting on the jubilation, congregants expressed their satisfaction with the well-coordinated festivities, emphasizing the absence of major incidents that could mar the celebration.

“This year, the celebration was a great one,” said Ako Adeline, a congregant of PC Makepe.

“We had no major incidence which could affect celebration at our level. Everything was well coordinated and the celebration was a great one.”

In prayer and reflection, worshippers sought divine intervention for the Presbyterian Church’s guidance and the steadfastness of its members.

Their sentiments resonated a profound appreciation for the jubilant occasion, acknowledging the grace bestowed upon the Presbyterian Church and its faithful.

“I want to thank God for this year’s celebration. Last year on my side was not the best. I really had a great time it was a merry one. We pray God to continue blessing the Presbyterian church and her Christians,” another worshipper at PC Makepe said.

The annual Presbyterian Church day, celebrated in November, commemorates the PCC’s independence from the Basel Mission.

Since November 1957 the PCC has been headquartered in Cameroon, with an indigenous management body that oversees the Church’s activities.

“We no longer rely on foreign missionaries to propagate the gospel. We rely on indigenous pastors… We’re not just celebrating the work done by missionaries on us, but other arms of the Church,” Rev Dr Atem Wang Gladys of PC Kumba Mbeng told CBS Radio Buea.

This year’s theme, “Rejuvenation,” drawn from Isaiah 40:31, calls for a transformative renewal within the institution and among its members.

During the commemorative service, the Moderator of the PCC, Rt Rev Dr Fonki Samuel Forba, stressed the challenges that have tested the Church in recent years.

Encouraging steadfastness, he reminded the Presbyterian community of their core purpose amidst tribulations.

“We are calling on them to be able to face the challenges of life and also to be a symbol of hope in these trying times. As we celebrate, we know that this is a great responsibility for us Presbyterians,” the Moderator said in an interview.

The Presbyterian Church stands as Cameroon’s largest indigenous Church, boasting a membership exceeding 1 million across the nation.

It has contributed enormously to the country’s development in terms of education, healthcare, information and communication and infrastructure.

Operating through 27 Presbyteries, decentralized units overseen by the governing body, the Synod, the Church maintains a structure inclusive of various grassroots movements.

These movements include the Christian Youth Fellowship, Christian Women Fellowship, Christian Men Fellowship and the Young Presbyterians.

The Synod, the supreme governing body of the PCC, is headquartered in Buea, South West Region of Cameroon.

Within its precincts, key officials, including the Moderator, Synod Clerk, and appointed secretaries, manage the Church’s operations.

The anniversary celebration underscored a renewed commitment to rejuvenate the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon. This will ensure its enduring significance and influence in the lives of its members.

Mimi Mefo Info