3 PCC Moderators celebrate 'God’s servant’s life service'

Three Moderators of Presbyterian Church in Cameroon, PCC, and the church’s three Synod Clerks, joined thousands of other Christians at PC Bonamoussadi, Douala to celebrate Justine Abeng’s life of service to the Lord and the PCC for over 25 years.

The occasion celebrated recently, coincided with the new Moderator, Rev Samuel Forba Fonki’s first visit to Douala.

As Rt. Rev. Dr. Festus Asana remarked, it is rare in the PCC to find as many as three Moderators and three Synod Clerks at one occasion. Amongst the Synod Clerks was the newly elected, Rev. Georges Babila Fochang.

During the Thanksgiving Service, which was organised by the Abeng Family with the ‘technical’ support of the PCC Bonamoussadi, John D. Abeng, husband of Justine Abeng, also known as ‘Ma Abeng’ said it was a thanksgiving for her successfully serving the Church at the frontline for more than 25 years, and now retiring.

“We are also thanking God for saving Ma Abeng from a ghastly car accident wherein she sustained cracked ribs, saving her from a recent ghastly motorcycle accident in Bamenda.

Ma Abeng was involved in both accidents while out for Church work. We also thank God for sustaining good health of the family, successes of children in their career lives, gifts of grandchildren, a happy retirement, and many other blessings”.

Member Of Synod Committee Executive

Justine Abeng, through her hard work, humility, honesty and dedication to the service of the Lord, over the years, rose from an ordinary Christian in the PCC to become, a member of the most powerful committee in the PCC; the Synod Executive Committee, where she served for 10 years before retiring from active service.

John Abeng, also a former Elder at PC Bonamoussadi, disclosed that Ma Abeng’s work began at PC Bonamoussadi in the early 90s when she became a member of the pioneer Christian Women Fellowship, CWF. She later became President of the CWF Group of PC Bonamoussadi.

He remarked that Ma Abeng also served in other functions in the PCC beyond the East Mungo South Presbytery. She also served as Acting National Secretary for Women’s Work Department after Ma Gana’s death, and also headed the committee that selected the new National Secretary. Ma Abeng also served as National President of the CWF for 10 years.

At the international level, this woman of God served in the World Council of Churches, WCC, as a Commissioner of Churches in the International Affairs Committee, during which she visited many countries including Brazil, Norway, China and Switzerland. During a visit to Sudan, she met with Maria Schlenker and they started the East Mungo South-Tubingen Germany Partnership, which has become a veritable reference in PCC partnerships.

‘Honour People While They Are Alive’

Meanwhile, the theme of the sermon of the Thanks Giving Service was: ‘Thanks be to God’. Delivering the sermon of the day which was drawn from Psalms 105:1-7, Rev Dr. Festus Asana stressed the importance for people to give thanks to God: “We do not give thanks to God because all is perfect. Give thanks for what you have.”

Congratulating the organisers of the Thanks Giving, Rev Asana called on others to learn to honour people for a job well done while they are alive, than wait to give medals to people when they are dead.

Turning to Ma Abeng, Rev Asana said he was so impressed by her character, when they worked together for many years in the PCC, including trips they made abroad in the service of the church.

“We took note of her honest attitude and frank talk. She would present the truth firmly, but calmly, no matter the situation,” Rev Asana said adding that Ma Abeng faced some very tough challenges in life, but maintained her faith and calm.

Rev Asana said he was elated and thankful to God to hear from Ma Abeng the wonderful things her lone son, Barrister Roland Abeng, does to the family, and that “he alone is more than 10 children”.

He had some very encouraging words for Barrister Abeng, who was the main sponsor of the January 24 occasion, for the great love he constantly shows to his parents.

The Chairman of PC Bonamoussadi Congregation, Thaddeus Fon, said the Christians find it difficult to see the congregation without Ma Abeng at the frontline.

In her reaction, Ma Abeng thanked God for having chosen her to serve. “I rejoiced serving God,” she said, adding that she was humbled and honoured by the presence of several pastors, including as many as three Moderators and the massive presence of Christians and other well-wishers.

She told her family and the other organisers of the occasion: “Thank you!” Several choir groups graced the occasion.