Submitted by Pr. Katharine Bergbusch for the Global Mission Committee
Pastor Jeanne Fomgbami of our companion Lutheran church in Cameroon (EELC) was in Winnipeg this fall to visit family. Since living in Winnipeg for three years with her husband Etienne and family in the early 2000’s, Pr. Fomgbami has studied theology in Nigeria and was ordained by the EELC. While here, she was invited to preach and lead worship at Messiah Lutheran Church. The scripture reading for the sermon was about the cost of discipleship.
Her message was clear, biblical and straightforward. While members of the synod’s Global Mission Committee met with her over an African dinner, Pr. Jeanne brought us up-to-date on her family and the development of the church in Cameroon. Her husband, Pastor Etienne, and she now have four granddaughters in three countries. With a new bishop, Rev. Baiguele, God’s work is going ahead in the EELC with renewed hope and organization. I enjoyed a day with Pastor Jeanne at Assiniboine Park, where she marvelled at
the statues by Leo Mol, and visited with the group at Gloria Dei Lutheran who are sewing quilts for a local organization which builds beds for local people who lack them. The participants
shared life stories with her. Later, one of them commented on the light that flowed from Pr. Jeanne. The lively, friendly interchange brought our partnership into reality. Being Lutheran and participating in God’s mission has no nationality or borders. She has now returned safely to Cameroon.
