Greetings from Cameroon,

In our devotional for Feb. 24, the verse was;
"Say there, is any one thirsty? Come and drink--even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine and milk, it's all free! " Isaiah 55:1 (if you have time...read the whole chapter)

With the events of Feb. 17-24 we do hope that many will continue to come through the doors of the churches that were dedicated, as well as the many that have been built in recent years...to receive the gift of eternal life!!

Preparations have been a long time a coming, the foundations were done years ago, the walls went up, the roofs went on, travel arrangements were made, the finishing touches were being done....and the floors being washed the eves before Feb. 17 and Feb. 24th. This has been the result of many construction committees, many fund raising projects and many planning committees to be a part of. This was all being done here in Ngaoundéré for three different churches.

-Bethel Lutheran Church..right down town, a block off the main street. Funding was through LWF, Norway and private donations, designed by Msaada and built under Dick Blundell's supervision in the early 1990s. Art glass windows adorn the front of this beautiful church. Final work on ceilings was done during the past few months thanks to special gifts. It has been a privilege for me to work with the congregations on these finishing touches as they are so motivated. It has two offices, bathroom and a balcony. The church extends out of both sides and has a very high ceiling in the central area. Seating capacity of this building is about 800-900 I believe, though it is common to have 1200+ in attendance. Two distinct congregations, a French speaking community and a Gbaya speaking community. Dedication day was Feb. 17, from 2 PM until 8 PM. There were nearly 3000 in attendance for this joyous service!

-University, Dang Lutheran Church..located SE of the University of Ngaoundéré campus...about a kilometer off the main highway. This construction project was the result of funding by Njelle and Ingrid Lofthus, former Norwegian missionaries here in Cameroon. It is a large hexagon shaped church which includes offices, classrooms and bathrooms, no balcony. Unfortunately during the construction process, Njelle slipped off some scaffolding causing serious injury, he has been paralyzed from the chest down since that time 2 years ago. Because of the size of the structure and the way it was designed I was asked to assist some of Njelle's Norwegian colleagues in insuring the roof was properly finished. It was built to hold about 1200 people. Dedication day was Feb. 17, from 9 AM until 2 PM. There were approximately 2000 in attendance for this beautiful service. The church chose its name, Congregation of Njelle Lofthus!

-Millennium Lutheran Church..built just north of the original Ngaoundéré Station church that was built in the early 1930s when there were 4 Christians. The new building was designed by the son (Norwegian Architect) of Mr. Berg who built the large church over across town by the stadium. The design is in the form of a half circle, with a balcony and a roof design that looks like a bird with outstretched wings. The offices, classrooms and toilets are planned for the next phase. The initial funding for this project came from a Lutheran Church in Menomonee, Wisc. and the rest of the funds from Norway, Lutheran churches in France, and local contributions. Dick Blundell supervised cement work, which, given the size and shape of the structure was very complicated. Mr. Berg has been supervising the roof work, doors, benches and finishing work along with electrical technicians from Norway. The front of the church has three large windows made from colored art glass and some 150+ lights are suspended from the high roof structure. Given the large and complex roof structure I worked together with a construction company who loaned us a 60 ton crane to install the trusses. The front corner of the church stands 52 feet above ground and the cross that is erected in front of the church, facing town stands 78 feet high. This church was built to seat 1500 people. Dedication day was Feb. 24, the service started at 8:30 AM and ended at 2 PM. The church was packed, inside and outside with an estimated 12,700 people in attendance.

Given the importance of these three dedications, as I already mentioned...a lot was put in place to prepare for these special events. There were of course many people who came from all over Cameroon for the events, there were 175 Norwegians who leased a plane from Norway to fly into Garoua and then were bussed to Ngaoundéré. This group of Norwegians included Njelle and Ingrid Lofthus and his nurse. There were 15 French who came from Lutheran churches in Alsace and then Bishop David Zellmer and his Associate Susan Marone from our South Dakota, ELCA Synod. There were local dignitaries for all dedications but for the Millennium dedication we were joined by the Minister of Tourism, the Adamaoua Governor, Prefet of the Vina and several others. Bishop Njida of the Catholic Church was also there as were many other church representatives. Can you imagine what Ngaoundéré was like with so MANY people from all over...there was not even a single room left in the INN...everything was FULL with many activities to keep everyone busy and occupied between the 17th and 24th.

The cutting of each ribbon and subsequent liturgy for each dedication service was used as printed in the new liturgy book now being used by the ELCC. As usual there were many wonderful pieces of music by many different choirs. The Cameroonian Women's Choir-FPC and the Southern Gospel choir of 30 from Norway took the honors each time! There were two special events included in the service on the 24th, they were, a special recognition of Dr. Koulagna Jean's studies in Strasbourg, funded, thanks to an ELCA scholarship and then my being decorated/honored, with three service medals, by the Governor of the Adamaoua Province. Many words of appreciation and support were given, especially noteworthy were those by Bishop Zellmer, the Governor and the Minister of Tourism. The sermons and communion services were also very special with that many participants as you can well imagine!

I was unfortunately not in attendance for the ceremonies on the 17th as I was working my way up country from Douala with a delegation from three companion synods in the US who were spending a week with the ELC-Central Africa. I enjoyed my time with them and was happy to be able to help them get to the CAR border, even if they were late in arriving due to their plane out of Chicago being canceled. I was thankful that Karen was able to attend some of the ceremonies on the 17th.

We are thankful that all travels to and from these dedications went as well as could be expected...given the circumstances and unrest we faced here in Cameroon the following week. There were a few small delays, here and there, but everyone was safe and well...kept in the hollow of HIS hands! We continue to thank the Lord for PEACE, His Peace, and peace here in Cameroon.

As we look back at these very special days...we cannot help but think of the sacrifice, perseverance and dedication of all who answered the CALL to be part of the Lord's ministry here in Cameroon. Pastor Edou Kempf said it very nicely during his greeting when he pointed to the 60 plus rows of carefully shaped rocks that make up the front walls. He said we can think each row represents a generation...and we often feel we are at the top...and look what we have done, unfortunately often forgetting the layers of generations under us...who ministered before us, helping us stand strong in the faith!

In closing...thanks to you all for your prayers and support, AND, "THANKS BE TO GOD FOR HIS INCREDIBLE GIFT." I Cor. 9:15.

Jim and Karen Noss
Shalom... with God Blessings