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Jean-Claude and Jacqueline Lajeunesse
“Return from Cameroon”
Jean-Claude Lajeunesse, Pastor, Mauritius
My wife and I went to Cameroon for six months on a missionary trip.
Following on from the national conference in Douala in November 2006 and other follow-up visits, CTMI sent us in order to build relationships with the local pastors and churches. What a joy it was for us to meet our Cameroonian brothers and sisters!
Cameroon is predominantly a Christian country. For many years, missionaries were sent there by Presbyterian and Baptist churches. Because of this, many of the servants of God I met were from these denominations. As a French-speaking country, Cameroon plays an important role in the region. It has close ties with Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Central African Republic, Congo, and also Nigeria, which is English-speaking. Out of 10 provinces, 7 are French-speaking and only 3 speak english.
The local church is also rooted in tradition, be it in everyday life, or in the spiritual domain. That is why CTMI’s presence has confronted certain habits and lifestyles, as the revelation of the gospel of the cross and of grace is new for many. The people of Cameroon and the servants of God who we met acknowledged that they needed this gospel. Many had been wearied by the messages on blessings and prosperity. They have a lot of biblical knowledge but no revelation. The message of the cross needs to come back to the centre of Christian life.
We travelled in the interior a lot, and I preached in 200 meetings and organised seminars. I also had the joy of giving fifteen radio interviews, on “Magic FM” and “Radio Good News”, a Christian radio station with a branch in Douala and another in Yaoundé. I think that radio is one of the best ways to communicate the gospel. In Buea, the director of a local radio station asked me: “Where are the spiritual fathers? We need them.” Certain pastors realise that they need to be guided in the truth, as they find themselves without a relationship in the spirit with anyone, and sometimes even feel manipulated.
The phrase which often comes from the mouth of certain leaders is “We feel like orphans!” While listening to them, we get the impression that they are living in a body without a head. They are alone in their ministries and, although they are aware that there is something more to live, without the apostolic anointing they don’t know how to move forward. Some have asked us, “Will you be a spiritual father to us? You have been signs for us”. That’s when we realise the grace we have to belong to an apostolic church, where we have this revelation which establishes us. In spite of the state of the church, they have faith.... but they search and hope for something more.
On hearing what I preached, many have said that they have done well by hoping and waiting. Amongst them, some are really sincere.
It’s definitely the time of the Lord for the Church in Cameroon and for certain pastors and leaders! Even though they are still committed to their habits and doctrines, they testified that something has happened in their heart. Many pastors that we met are really thirsty for something more. Meetings with them have been set up for November in Yaounde. There is a revival and its the Lord who is leading us. Many of the pastors who were touched during our time there, want to come to Mauritius and spend time with our local churches. They come from all over the country of Cameroon, and have expressed their desire to spread this gospel. There are some churches there consisting of 1000 members.
It is now time for brothers Clarence, Joseph and Fabien who came after our visit to Cameroon, to follow-up on the work that has begun in their hearts.
My wife Jacqueline also had some wonderful moments with the sisters. It’s true that CTMI addresses itself mainly to the men of God, but there is also much to do for the women. It is important to see the churches well-established and structured, otherwise sisters will not be able to take their place. It’s not easy to encourage some of them in this area, as many of them are pastors or evangelists… but we continue to trust the Lord! They will find their place when the revelation comes to their heart, but this will not be possible unless the churches are on a solid foundation.
Jacqueline Lajeunesse
The women I met were thirsty for the gospel and desired truth; they realised that they were not living the reality of the cross. I helped them to see how at some point, in their homes and families, they were able to either build or destroy.
I have a lot of respect and admiration for them, because they don’t neglect their responsiblities. Those who are married to servants of God are ready to live a life of sacrifice, and to go to work so that their husbands can be free to serve the Lord. I was also really marked by the children, as they sincerely love the Lord.
The gospel of prosperity has caused a lot of deception in this country. Some women don’t even trust the Lord anymore, as the men of God have trained them in error and lies. They sometimes suffer as a result of their harshness towards them. I could see why they didn’t know what to believe anymore. This gospel of the cross has come as a light to them.
I was also priviledged to hold special meetings where they came to ask my advice about their family lives. During our trip, when the Spirit of God gave us the answers, we were already able to see the change. We can see the power of this gospel!
This trip was an very important experience for me. I learnt a lot by seeing the determination of all of these women, even as the wife of an elder! I thank the Lord, because through this he had brought a greater spiritual unity between my husband and I. I am so greatful to have been able to go there!
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