NW Women pray for peace, unity, security and health

An inter-faith prayer service for peace, unity, security and health took place at the Bamenda Congress hall with over 5.000 women in attendance.

The women who were from different religious denominations and different political backgrounds gathered September 13, 2014 hand in hand to call for God’s mercy to shower peace, unity, security and good health on the Cameroon and the world. Also present at the inter-faith prayer for peace was the chief executive of the Region, Governor Adolph Lele Lafrique.

In a landmark speech, the chairperson of the coordinating Committee, Mrs. Regina Mundi expressed gratitude to the thousands of women and the head of the religious bodies for their presence and participation in the solemn event. She also thanked the traditional rulers who by virtue of their function ensure the peace and stability of their land through cultural mores and traditional religious practices.

She noted that “in 2013 the UN Security council demonstrated renewed determination to put women at the center of all efforts to resolve conflict and promote peace”. She also added that women have to stand up to decry any action that goes contrary to peace and the wellbeing of mankind. “And so we have come here today as wives, mothers, sisters and daughters to join and raise one definite voice from one heart.

Hands all linked, we have come to proclaim ourselves as one body from our region, one nation, one people”. While appreciating President Paul Biya’s leadership as commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, Mrs. Regina Mundi also congratulated the forces for the sacrifices they make to keep the borders secured.

“We raise them to the mercy throne of God. We commend all leaders of the world to the light of God’s wisdom for the continued assurance of world peace, order and prosperity”. She added that perhaps the time for the commendation would not have been more appropriate than now given that it is in these days that “we observed with the anguished hearts of mothers and grieving sisters that some of our own children, our own very brothers and sisters and our neighbours are hurting. And whether they are hurting others or are being hurt is not a thing we can be indifferent to”.

Mrs. Regina Mundi cried out that “we denounce all cultural and religious causes of terrorism. We are taken aback by the human heartlessness and cruelty which is like a divine visitation the Lord God himself can stop”. Quoting from the Biblical 2 Chronicles 7:13-14, which the Lord Himself states that: When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people.

If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

She continued that the current atmosphere of insecurity starts up great fear for the future, but “evil” she continued “doesn’t and cannot have the final word in human affairs”.

To Regina Mundi, the women of the North West have come to invoke the Lord to forgive and heal the land especially at this point in time that Ebola virus is threatening humanity on the heels of HIV/AIDS as well as the rising rate of maternal mortality. All of which are becoming causes of very grievous concern. “And we are confident that He will hear our prayer as He tells his Prophet Mohammed; when my servants ask thee (O Mohammed) concerning me, tell them I am indeed closer to them. I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls upon me” (Qur’an 2:186).

She used the opportunity to call on everyone to instill the culture of peace and security, vital principles of mutual respect and tolerance, respect of law, respect for rights of others and the respect for the laws of the land. In her conclusion, Regina Mundi said the women of the North West hand in hand have risen as one woman to cry for God for his peace, “his peace that can be sustained for generations to come”.

Adding that God should continue to bless and protect President Paul Biya and those with whom he governs the nation, including all leaders, be they political, religious, academic, socio-cultural or simply respectable opinion leaders.

On her part the regional delegate of Women Affairs and the Family, Judith Abong called God’s miraculous intervention for peace to continue to rein in Cameroon. She also appreciated government efforts in fostering peace and security.

For over four hours, the women prayed for peace with the intervention of the pastors, Rev. Fathers and Imams. The prayer ended with a symbolic fundraising.