tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73217912012-01-26T12:27:05.821-06:00The official blog of the Magruder family, United Methodist missionaries to CameroonWes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.comBlogger6341100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-34836047259887377032009-01-05T18:59:00.003-06:002009-01-05T19:00:57.559-06:00

I'm now blogging in a new place, from a new home and a new job. Check out the new blog, "The Constant Missionary," at wesmagruder.wordpress.com.Hope to see you there!

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-63515465449989958782008-04-03T10:58:00.003-05:002008-04-03T11:03:28.100-05:00

I have neglected to mention a very important event coming up ... the Mission Initiatives Summit, which will feature up-close and specific information on the fifteen initiatives of GBGM, including Cameroon!The Summit will be held at St. Andrew UMC in Plano, Texas, from April 17-19. Mike Slaughter, pastor of Ginghamsburg UMC, will be speaking at the event, as well as UMCOR director, Dr. Sam Dixon.

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-24448465437192027772008-03-31T21:58:00.001-05:002008-03-31T22:00:37.438-05:00

I’ve been back in the States for a couple of weeks now, reunited with family, and praying about our future. In the meantime, I’ve received a bunch of questions about what’s going on from friends all over the country – in emails, phone calls, and through the grapevine. So let me use this post to answer those “frequently asked questions”: Q: What is the status of the United Methodist Mission in

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-89289430570776181622008-03-01T00:08:00.002-06:002008-03-01T00:18:22.180-06:00

After four days of tension, Friday was a better day in Yaounde. Everyone woke up with a weary eye to the streets, where only a few taxis were running at first. By midday, however, the streets were beginning to fill.In the afternoon, I even got in the Mission car and drove downtown, where I ran into the usual traffic jams caused by rude taxi drivers! People were walking the streets, shops and

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-66579131499412352372008-02-28T04:36:00.002-06:002008-02-28T04:43:55.015-06:00

Yaounde is extremely quiet this morning ... maybe too quiet. No shops, schools, or offices are open. The streets are completely empty of cars, taxis, motorbikes, trucks.The school located next door to our house is closed, though a few students showed up early this morning. They've all been sent home.I am happy to report that when I awoke, we had electricity and water. Rumors were circulating last

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-58066054800805958242008-02-27T14:37:00.001-06:002008-02-27T14:41:36.805-06:00

I’ve spent the last couple of weeks packing and preparing to move back to Dallas. But things have taken an odd turn here in Cameroon. On Monday, taxi drivers throughout the country staged a strike to protest a recent hike in fuel. But the strike has turned violent and deadly in several cities, especially Douala. Though the labor action was officially called off by labor unions and government

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-84902593500736942832008-02-12T14:15:00.001-06:002008-02-12T23:26:07.297-06:00

I look back at that last post and think to myself, “Dang, am I pitiful-sounding or what?!” I used the word “grief” in the post, and it occurs to me that our family is truly grieving. It means that we’re going through the same process that we’d go through if we’d lost a loved one, or faced some other disaster. That would explain my alternating feelings of anger, depression, guilt, and resistance.

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-24279631112598808052008-02-06T02:32:00.000-06:002008-02-09T00:38:47.415-06:00

Ash Wednesday is an appropriate day to announce that our time in Cameroon has come to an end (see January 10 post). It’s not our choice, nor our decision. We’re not happy about it, and we’re greatly heartbroken. Ashes represent, of course, repentance and fasting. But they can also signify loss, grief, the end. And that’s exactly where we find ourselves at the moment. We’re at the end of a

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-24329911288803093962008-01-10T08:00:00.000-06:002008-01-10T08:03:05.099-06:00

Yes, it’s been almost two months since I last posted. No, it’s not because I a) am lazy, b) am tired of blogging, or c) have mysteriously disappeared in the rainforest. Let’s just say that the last two months have contained a number of surprises for the Magruder family. The biggest surprise is that I am writing this post from Dallas, where we have been for the last several weeks. To make a

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-54415430725846949492007-11-13T03:21:00.000-06:002007-11-13T03:26:46.771-06:00

Hooray, Internet access is back! You can't believe how difficult life can be without email, Dallas Cowboy game results, and the Methoblog ...Anyhow, I have a lot of catching up to do. Here's the second week's worth of posts from John Thornburg concerning his work recording music with the Cameroon Hymnal editorial team: Subject: First day of recording Hi, friends. After the extraordinary day

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-57598647417305977242007-11-07T12:03:00.001-06:002007-11-07T12:03:15.728-06:00

Thanks to a fiber-optic cable problem 60 kilometers offshore of Douala, we have had no internet connection in Cameroon for the past week and are not expecting it to be repaired anytime soon. I am writing this short note from the office of a friend who works for the United Nations and has a satellite connection. I expect you won't hear much from us for the next two weeks or so, but I'll catch you

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-23476546348628183082007-10-31T00:54:00.000-05:002007-10-31T01:15:11.883-05:00

These days have been exciting and intense. Not only have we opened a new church in the last week, but we have been hosting another visit from Rev. John Thornburg. He’s been meeting with the Cameroon Hymnal editorial team at the Mission Office over the last week and a half. Every evening, he returns to the house and writes an email to supporters and donors, with some of each day’s highlights.

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-42823522929423543282007-10-30T00:46:00.000-05:002007-10-30T00:54:25.974-05:00

While we were home during the summer, a local reporter interviewed Leah and I for a story which is this month's cover article for The Allen Image, a magazine in my hometown in Texas. Peggy Helmick-Richardson did a great job of telling the story of our lives for the last three years. Read it here!

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-82389651157793302322007-10-29T14:34:00.000-05:002007-10-29T14:41:41.155-05:00

Simbok is a new neighborhood in Yaounde, which is one of the reasons why Simeon and I thought it’d be a great place to start a new congregation. You might even call it the leading edge of urban growth. New houses are being built in every direction from the church. But new housing developments also have their drawbacks. For one, nothing in Simbok is paved yet. Even when it’s dry, driving to

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-72237911597630779012007-10-29T01:34:00.000-05:002007-10-30T03:45:17.575-05:00

Yesterday was one of those dichotomous days that I WOULD have traded for the world. First, we had our opening day for Gateway UMC. It was wonderful, and we saw the potential for God's work to be done in the neighborhood of Simbok. It was lovely with lots of visitors and a wonderful meal to follow. It couldn't have gone better, except...During the middle of worship time, Wes left the room and had

Leah Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16075501765860309034noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-42098390638847015712007-10-28T01:29:00.000-05:002007-10-28T01:30:28.337-05:00

Tonight, Jesus’ resurrection was a rainout at Gateway UMC …Simeon had the idea to show the film, “The Passion of the Christ,” on Saturday night before the Sunday morning opening worship. I must confess that I wasn’t real thrilled about this choice. For one, I question whether the gruesome film is appropriate to be seen by small children, who certainly would be in the audience. Secondly, I also

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-64082150692951863702007-10-27T05:28:00.000-05:002007-10-27T05:34:31.796-05:00

It rained all afternoon in Yaounde, forcing us to move our Friday evening program at Gateway UMC indoors. This was only a problem when we realized there was no power … Fortunately, there is a generator in the office, and we were able to get it going. Simeon had asked me to prepare a PowerPoint presentation on the subject, “Who are United Methodists?” In the end, thirteen brave souls showed up

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-32085602524490391092007-10-26T01:44:00.001-05:002007-10-26T01:46:33.277-05:00

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-86224406608320745182007-10-26T00:12:00.000-05:002007-10-26T00:38:11.715-05:00

Pastor Simeon has been bugging me for over a year to start a new church. Last September, when I asked him to move to Yaounde to attend seminary, I told him that we would be able to open a new congregation in the building where our new office is located. Simeon immediately was excited – he named it Gateway UMC, after a church we’d visited near Houston, Texas. He began making plans, assembling a

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-62591594605869754132007-10-24T07:59:00.000-05:002007-10-24T08:05:38.500-05:00

The second installment in my new series of taxi slogans is confusing, and requires a bit of exegesis. If you can't quite make it out, it reads: The Very Boy. Which raises the question, "How is 'Very' used in the phrase?"Does it mean the driver is extremely masculine ... as in, "he is very boy-ish" ... or is it a kind of precise identification ... as in, "this is the very one ..."?Interesting

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-52968619673570480982007-10-22T03:47:00.000-05:002007-10-22T03:51:29.781-05:00

I have recently wrestled with the age-old problem of ecclesial supply and demand: too many churches, not enough pastors. In the case of the Cameroon Mission, the problem is particularly acute because of poor transportation and communication networks, as well as a lack of adequately trained people. I was comforted by the fact that John Wesley had the same problem in 18th century England during

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-8684085965686828552007-10-17T15:15:00.000-05:002007-10-17T15:25:35.171-05:00

I recently paid a visit to Bova I UMC, which is located on the side of Mt. Cameroon in the South West Province. While there, I was able to pass on a couple of symbolic gifts from their partner church, Brewton UMC.Our family visited Brewton UMC and Rev. Ed Glaize while we were in Alabama this past summer. While we were fielding questions that evening, the pastor wanted to know what kind of gift we

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-1863968082728756342007-10-15T01:51:00.001-05:002007-10-15T01:58:09.351-05:00

Taxis are a common feature of life in Cameroon -- whether yellow cabs, motorcyles, or white passenger vans (called "bush taxis"). Often, these vehicles have slogans or phrases printed across the back bumper in French, English or pidgin. Sometimes they make sense, other times ... not so much. I've started collecting photos of these bits of taxi wisdom, and want to share them as a regular feature

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-56966464564634223432007-10-13T14:21:00.000-05:002007-10-13T14:47:02.399-05:00

Where Are the Other Nine?Lectionary Inspiration from CameroonLuke 17:11-19 I am preaching this Sunday at the International Fellowship in Yaounde, before a congregation of fellow missionaries. Over the past week, I have found myself reflecting on Jesus’ question, “Where are the other nine?” Good question. We reserve our praise and commendation for the one lone leper who returned to say, “

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-26540493383834084952007-10-13T01:58:00.000-05:002007-10-13T02:19:08.076-05:00

We moved the Mission Office across town a few months ago, as you know. Our offices are now housed by the Fobang Foundation, a non-profit public health organization run by our friend Dr. Wilfred Mbacham.One of the main activities at Fobang is the production of mosquito nets. Dr. Mbacham's original idea was to create a small business opportunity for persons living with HIV/AIDS. Thus, he made sure

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-74386871620167286632007-10-03T06:34:00.000-05:002007-10-03T09:36:50.008-05:00

Lectionary Inspiration from Cameroon: Hungry or Not?Week of October 7World Communion Sunday This Sunday is World Communion Sunday, so I thought I’d share two very different “communion” stories from Cameroon … The first is an experience I had the first time I visited our church in Buea. I prepared to serve Holy Communion to the congregation; they hadn’t celebrated in several months, since I

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-49633033085670313342007-10-01T09:34:00.000-05:002007-10-01T09:39:36.976-05:00

I received this email this morning from Pastor Njie's daughter. But I don't deserve to receive it ... for all those who gave donations to the PK Education Scholarship Fund, this "thank you" is for you:Dear Rev. Wesley, Greetings to you and your family. I am the daughter of Pastor Njie. PLease sir, my main aim of writing you this letter is to thank you from the bottom of my hert, for the concern

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-83805611990872807362007-09-29T09:40:00.000-05:002007-09-29T09:57:48.713-05:00

Last weekend, Pastor Simeon buried his younger brother. Alain Damase was only 31 years old when he died in a Yaounde hospital of hepatitis. As the eldest male in the family, Simeon found himself largely responsible for the burial process. The first step is to remove the body from the morgue. Simeon’s family couldn’t afford to hire a hearse; instead, a taxi backed up to the front doors of the

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-70479076686240458632007-09-28T15:56:00.000-05:002007-09-28T16:04:25.937-05:00

Lectionary Inspiration from CameroonWeek of September 30 -- The Great Chasm Luke 16:19-31 Apologies to any preachers who may have visited this blog earlier this week desperately looking for sermon inspiration. My trip to the Southwest kept me away from the computer until today … 19“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20And at his

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-63228519276887205072007-09-24T11:26:00.001-05:002007-09-24T11:26:32.132-05:00

I left Yaounde two days ago for a trip through Douala and the Southwest, and was supposed to be in Kumba right about now. Collins and I were cruising along fine in our Toyota Land Cruiser (also known as 'Four Wille Drive' which is painted on the side of the car) when we hit the notorious Kumba road.Driving on the Kumba road is a little like traveling on gigantic washboard, while dodging potholes

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-13951557347988065702007-09-22T04:42:00.000-05:002007-09-22T04:58:59.724-05:00

Well, today is one of my very favorite person's 70th birthday! Happy Birthday, Vonnie! This is my Mom and the grandmother to my three girlies. We just spent a most wonderful summer with her and PawPaw, first at DisneyWorld and then in Texas. Mom, I wish you a wonderful day and a year full of blessings. We love you! From Wesley, Leah, Rachel, Chloe and Mallory (Jina and Pierre!) Birthday wishes

Leah Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16075501765860309034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-49718581382254494122007-09-20T13:19:00.000-05:002007-09-20T13:22:13.497-05:00

Lectionary Inspiration from Cameroon: Week of September 23 Luke 16:1-13 “There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. So he called him in and asked him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management, because you cannot be manager any longer.’ The manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do now? My master is taking away my job. I’m not strong

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-57512914623541648602007-09-18T03:19:00.000-05:002007-09-18T03:25:28.449-05:00

If you are aware of what’s happening at the general church level, you may know that a budget is being prepared for next year’s General Conference. And the press release about this budget warns that things are getting tighter … Here’s the lead from the United Methodist News Service story, as well as a few paragraphs that pertain directly to the General Board of Global Ministries:NASHVILLE, Tenn.

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-19916312065007239052007-09-13T00:08:00.000-05:002007-09-13T00:15:32.722-05:00

Week of September 16: Luke 15:1-10 “Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. 2And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, ‘This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.’ 3So he told them this parable: 4 ‘Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-69197411206917662082007-09-10T23:51:00.000-05:002007-09-10T23:57:56.311-05:00

Ever since we returned to Cameroon, I’ve been playing Santa Claus. Several of our partner churches in America sent gifts with us to their congregations, and I have started distributing them. Yesterday, I visited Sion UMC in Obala, and presented three special gifts from St. Andrew UMC in Plano, Texas. First, they had sent an Emmitt Smith Cowboys’ jersey to the pastor. Lemec put it on and wore it

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-84676964417621359352007-09-04T10:25:00.000-05:002007-09-04T10:30:16.157-05:00

Many of you have already heard me proclaim that the church in the Third World will very likely one day save the church in the First World. I honestly believe that the spiritual rumblings around the world are genuine, authentic, and can transform the local church in America.So I’ve decided to start a new feature on this blog, entitled “Red Dirt Ramblings.” Every week, I will choose one of the

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-22993764236146568502007-09-03T08:08:00.000-05:002007-09-03T08:26:04.022-05:00

After being elected president of the war-torn Liberia in 1995, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf was asked what her priority in office would be. At the time, there were gaping holes in the country’s infrastructure, health, education and security. She responded, “Everything is a priority!” That’s a little how I feel at the moment. Upon returning from itineration, and facing the Mission, I can’t pick out

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-80017537394085239822007-09-01T17:23:00.000-05:002007-09-01T17:29:40.001-05:00

The wheels touched down on the Yaounde airstrip in a driving rain. After gathering laptop cases, mini-suitcases, plastic bags -- and children! -- from the cramped plane, we made our way cautiously through the terminal, fearing that the worst was still to come. We stood in the passport control line, clutching our documents anxiously and shifting our carry-ons from shoulder to shoulder. After

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-17185710222797395522007-07-23T22:24:00.001-05:002007-07-23T22:35:21.577-05:00

Yikes. Is the summer over yet?It's been a rather hectic tour so far. We've seen lots of friends and family, eaten a lot of potlucks, and shown a lot of PowerPoint slides.But it's not over ... if you haven't had a chance to catch up with us, then here's our August schedule:Aug 1: Meridian UMC, TXAug 4: Holdenville UMC, OKAug 5: FUMC Durant, OK and FUMC Ada, OKAug 8: FUMC Carrizo Springs, TX and

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-20906072012976032552007-05-30T23:29:00.000-05:002007-05-30T23:35:20.710-05:00

Furlough begins today! We'll be hitting the airport for our flights to the US this afternoon.I have decided to keep blogging through the summer, as wifi is available and as we get a break between Sunday morning worship and UMW presentations.In fact, here's a brief rundown of where we'll be in the months of June and July. If you're a blog reader and have never met us, you're welcome, of course, to

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-730452699776150962007-05-29T17:16:00.000-05:002007-05-30T00:57:56.232-05:00

When we get on the plane to America tomorrow, Ginger Cooper will be boarding with us. But she won’t be coming back with us at the end of the summer. It will be a bittersweet moment for us, because this is the end of Ginger’s two-year stay in Cameroon as an Individual Volunteer in Mission. The first year, she lived in the boarding school of the American School of Yaounde; but the second year, she

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-88802249699980935672007-05-28T01:50:00.000-05:002007-05-28T01:56:43.163-05:00

While we are in the process of packing and making arrangements for our absence, I have been thinking a great deal about the 2008 General Conference of the United Methodist Church. Why? Because at this moment, as Annual Conferences around the world gather, the delicate issue of electing delegates to General Conference has begun. I would love to be at General Conference myself, but doubt that I

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-31688164258540572952007-05-19T01:56:00.000-05:002007-05-19T02:00:51.895-05:00

My predecessor in the Mission, Rev. Bill Warnock, gave me a piece of advice once that I recently have begun to remember. In talking about the pressures and stress of living in a developing country, he said, “When you begin to privately criticize and resent the culture you’re living in, that means it’s time for a vacation, or you need to go home for a little while.” He’s right, and I’m at that

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-14220432348368250442007-05-15T09:41:00.000-05:002007-05-15T09:46:54.894-05:00

Continuing a series of reports made by churches at our recent Annual Meeting... This is a report from Sumbe UMC, located in a village far in the bush, down an extremely bad road. But they were one of the first churches planted in the Southwest, since it is the home village of Victor Ayuk, the first Methodist in Cameroon!:The year 2006 saw a remarkable progress as new members were added though

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-56329564430690902892007-05-13T15:10:00.000-05:002007-05-14T02:01:14.279-05:00

The Cameroon hymnal is another step closer to reality. This past week, Rev. John Thornburg has been back in Yaounde meeting with the editorial committee. Here's a few pictures from the gathering: The group met in the conference room at the new Mission Office. John's stated goal was to confirm the 70-80 hymns and songs that had already been chosen, and to introduce 65 new songs that he'd found in

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-59209625069841386882007-05-10T02:03:00.000-05:002007-05-10T02:13:13.182-05:00

The following report comes from the English-speaking congregation in Mamfe, which is located in the far Southwest Province, not far from the border with Nigeria.Mamfe UMC The year 2006 was a successful year for our church as we experience a remarkable increase in the number of Christians. This is as a result of the evangelical works of our pastor and some of the elders in our church. The

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-78152743264963510322007-05-09T09:03:00.000-05:002007-05-09T09:05:28.306-05:00

Just wanted to alert y'all to the fact that I have an article, "Building Churches in Cameroon," in the current issue of New World Outlook. The article can also be found online here.

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-62958168693502243992007-05-07T00:27:00.000-05:002007-05-07T00:34:33.469-05:00

These reports come from two English-speaking congregations. N'chang is located in the Mamfe district, and is difficult to reach during the rainy season. Bova is located on the side of Mount Cameroon, above Buea. Both churches are struggling with the issues of how to do effective ministry in their unique context.N’chang UMC The N’chang congregation in Jesus name extend greetings to the Mission

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-16311581983576732702007-05-05T07:40:00.000-05:002007-05-05T07:45:11.446-05:00

According to the AP, a Kenya Airways flight that went missing shortly after takeoff from Douala, Cameroon, crashed with more than 100 people on board Saturday "Alex Bayeck, a regional communications officer, said the Nairobi-bound jet went down near the town of Lolodorf, about 155 miles south of the coastal city of Douala, where it had taken off shortly after midnight."We don't personally know

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-66189264874768457382007-05-05T03:27:00.000-05:002007-05-05T03:41:33.200-05:00

The following is the Annual Meeting report made by Pastor Henri Amabibi about the work of Buea UMC, another English-speaking church:"The United Methodist Church, Buea, has continued to worship in the O.I.C. buildings and as earlier reported, this place is not suitable for church engagements as this is a school which does not give us a chance to hold our usual evening engagements regularly. "

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-55088157374440292522007-05-04T00:31:00.000-05:002007-05-04T00:36:53.656-05:00

The highlight of the Annual Meeting every year for me is the time we spend listening to reports from the local churches in Cameroon. We give each church a total of three minutes to give a short account of what they have done and are doing in their community. Most of the congregations also submit a typed or handwritten report. I find the reports to be very interesting; sometimes humorous, other

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-80939347936971407502007-05-03T00:04:00.000-05:002007-05-03T00:20:40.800-05:00

GBGM has recently begun a new campaign to recruit new people to the missionary field. I think they ought to focus on the perks ...At last week's Annual Meeting, delegates from a village in the Southwest Province arrived bearing a gift for the Mission Superintendent and family. Actually, the gift was for Leah. Last year, Leah traveled to N'chang, during which time a baby had just been born to

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-41444471568730440312007-05-01T02:49:00.001-05:002007-05-01T02:49:46.694-05:00

Since we're still classified a "Mission" of the United Methodist Church, we don't have "Annual Conference." Instead, we have "Annual Meeting," which is supposed to do essentially the same kind of work. Pastors and laypeople gather together for worship, conferencing, prayer, and planning for the year ahead.But there are some clear advantages to our Annual Meeting, rather than a Conference. Here’s

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-24374402903544892422007-05-01T00:37:00.000-05:002007-05-01T00:53:26.254-05:00

Annual Meeting 2007 was held at the Centre Jean Paul XXXIII in Mvolye, Yaounde. Yep, it's a Catholic Retreat Center. And yes, that's a picture of the Pope over the door on the far right side of the picture. I'm sure he would have blessed the proceedings ... Approximately 75 people were present for the business session, which took place on Friday morning, April 27.I preached at the Opening Worship

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-70652189444917293362007-04-28T16:32:00.000-05:002007-04-28T16:56:44.616-05:00

The second Annual Meeting of the United Methodist Church in Cameroon has come to a close ... All the pastors and delegates headed for home early this morning.Over the following days, I will try to give you an overview of all that happened. One of the most significant events of the Annual Meeting was the second gathering of the Board of Ordained Ministry. This group's responsibility is to help the

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-89722792265695050722007-04-25T00:38:00.000-05:002007-04-25T00:46:32.532-05:00

Just a quick note to say that I have not forgotten to blog, but have been swamped by Annual Meeting preps. On the weekend, we welcomed the arrival of Rev. Patrick Friday, our new In Mission Together representative from GBGM. Monday, Rev. Ellis Larsen, from General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, arrived in Yaounde.And yesterday, Revs. Isaac Agre and Philippe Adjoubi from Cote d'Ivoire

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-397287903419523692007-04-20T00:26:00.000-05:002007-04-20T01:14:44.388-05:00

Africa is long on custom, tradition and protocol. I’m not a custom-tradition-protocol kind of guy, so I typically have to force myself to do those things which are expected of my position as Mission Director. For example, earlier in the week, I received an invitation to a mid-day worship service on Thursday to celebrate the ministry of outgoing dean, Rev. Joseph Kwon, at FACTEC (Faculty of

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-51499096921307408762007-04-18T00:05:00.000-05:002007-04-18T00:46:53.243-05:00

Tuesday was my first full day in the new office! That’s always a great feeling. I can still smell the freshly-stained wood paneling … and the walls are clean. Our offices are now located on the top floor of the two-story Fobang Foundation building in Simbok, a suburb to the south of Yaounde. Dr. Wilfred Mbacham is the head of the foundation, and has yet to move all of his offices to the new

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-7828533395695926852007-04-16T23:56:00.000-05:002007-04-17T00:38:25.608-05:00

Blogging on a near-daily basis was a great experience, even if demanding. So I’ve decided to try it again over the next two weeks, leading up to our second Annual Meeting (our equivalent to “Annual Conference”). During this time, I will simply try to give you a picture of my days, as I frantically prepare for the meeting! Monday: Slogans for Jesus Every good conference needs … a slogan.

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-42396448029110149842007-04-13T15:46:00.000-05:002007-04-13T15:50:24.418-05:00

I have been catching my breath after posting every day of Lent. That means that I’ve been a little out of touch.In the post-Easter rush, I have been turning my attention to some events which loom large in the life of the Mission in the next two months. Here’s what’s been occupying my time:… Preparations for the Annual Meeting, which will be held April 26-27, and preceded by two days of interviews

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-32007205235267992382007-04-06T15:58:00.000-05:002007-04-06T16:02:12.180-05:00

So ... are you Cameroonian now? After forty days, do you feel like a West African? Thanks for walking through Lent with me, and choosing to become interested in the Mission to Cameroon!French Word of the Day: Pâques, (pronounced a little like "pack"); French for "Easter." Interestingly, it's practically the same as the French for Passover, which is "Pâque" (without the "s"). I wish you, your

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-50643128570352502122007-04-06T09:04:00.000-05:002007-04-06T11:22:18.757-05:00

French Word of the Day: la mort; means "death." On Good Friday, we remember Jesus' mort on la croix (cross).Face of the Day: Guillian Arrey, pastor of N'Chang UMC: Pastor Arrey is a young man pastoring a church in an English-speaking congregation in N'Chang. This church is best known for having started a piggery in the last year; last Christmas, the pastor slaughtered a large pig and gave cuts of

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-9895255003346936102007-04-05T05:16:00.000-05:002007-04-05T10:14:12.842-05:00

French Word of the Day: pied (pronounced a little like "pee-eh"); means "foot." Maundy Thursday remembers and commemorates the actions that Jesus took in the upper room, when he washed the feet of the disciples and said, "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your pieds, you also should wash one another's pieds."Face of the Day: Jean-Daniel Ndo, pastor of Bethesda UMC, Sa'a: Pastor Ndo

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-44460556385267355752007-04-04T07:26:00.000-05:002007-04-04T07:49:19.167-05:00

French Word of the Day: trahir (pronounced a little like "trah-ear"); means "to betray." In John 13, during the Last Supper, Jesus turns to Judas and says, "What you are about to do, do quickly." What Judas was about to do, was trahir.Face of the Day: Henri Amabibi, pastor of Buea UMC: Pastor Amabibi recently became the full-time pastor in Buea, after Victor Ayuk took a leave of absence. Henri

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-80163735949422368872007-04-03T05:15:00.000-05:002007-04-03T06:06:13.208-05:00

French Word of the Day: lumière (pronounced a little like "loo-mee-eh"); the word for "light." In John 12:35-36, Jesus refers to himself as the "lumière," and urges the disciples to put their trust in him, so that they may become "des enfants de lumière" ("children of the light").Face of the Day: Rosalie Nzie, National Women's Ministry Coordinator and Prison Minister, Yaounde: It's a pleasure to

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-3963453976909032662007-04-02T05:40:00.000-05:002007-04-02T06:28:27.573-05:00

French Word of the Day (words this week will come from the Biblical readings for Holy Week): pauvre; this word means "poor," as in people or countries who are not wealthy. Thus, after Mary anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfume, Judas Iscariot complains that the perfume could have been sold and the money given aux pauvres (to the poor)!Face of the Day: Rev. John Thornburg, hymnwriter, poet,

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-4161377797244013032007-04-01T04:41:00.000-05:002007-04-01T04:45:53.446-05:00

French Word of the Day: poire (pronounced like "dupe"); French word that means "sucker," "one who falls for an obvious joke," "someone who might get duped in a really bad April Fool's hoax."Face of the Day: George W. Bush, 43rd President of the USA: President Bush often vacations in Cameroon, on the tropical beaches of Kribi, with his wife, children, and Alberto Gonzales. He also has developed a

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-1667005886308941292007-03-31T12:07:00.000-05:002007-03-31T12:13:23.348-05:00

French Word of the Day: rameaux (pronounced a little like "rah-mo"); this is a word that will be heard a lot in French-speaking churches tomorrow -- the word means "branches," and tomorrow is "dimanche des Rameaux," or Palm Sunday.Face of the Day: Sylvester Tang, pastor of UMC in Akiriba, Southwest Province: Pastor Tang lives in the first of three villages along a single dirt road, where UMC's

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-14242456349066609062007-03-30T01:04:00.000-05:002007-03-30T01:05:58.646-05:00

French Phrase of the Day: bon anniversaire; this is, of course, “Happy Birthday” in French. Why would I choose this as the phrase of the day? Hmmmm … Face of the Day: Leah Magruder, Area Financial Executive/Christian Education Director, UMC Mission, Cameroon: The truth? This woman runs the Mission. She does a little bit of everything (except preach)! She keeps me on track, that’s for sure. And

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-24714145268927934602007-03-29T07:54:00.000-05:002007-03-29T07:57:18.333-05:00

French Phrase of the Day: pratiquer la politique de l’autruche; this is the French equivalent of our phrase, “to stick one’s head in the sand.” Literally, it says, “to practice the politics of an ostrich!” Face of the Day: Fru John Ndi, leader of political opposition to the ruling party in Cameroon: This is President Biya’s thorn-in-the-flesh, an Anglophone who leads the opposition Social

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-31726588490888867292007-03-28T11:59:00.000-05:002007-03-28T12:00:33.158-05:00

French Words of the Day: le chemin (pronounced like “shuh-muh”); this is a word which means, generally, “way” or “road,” and can be used to give road directions, or to speak of one’s direction in life. Face of the Day: David Njie, pastor of Bova I UMC: On the side of Mount Cameroon past Buea, sits the small home of Pastor Njie, where he welcomes a group of people for church every Sunday morning

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-48302648012054586272007-03-27T06:22:00.000-05:002007-03-27T06:26:37.225-05:00

French Words of the Day: fou (pronounced like “foo”); this is an interesting word in French. Its common meaning is wild or crazy; as a noun, it refers to a madman or madwoman. But in the game of chess, it is the name of the bishop’s piece. When I asked someone why the piece is called fou instead of eveque (the French word for bishop), they answered, “Well, you know about bishops …” Face of the

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-20051144672470613572007-03-26T06:00:00.000-05:002007-03-26T06:11:22.326-05:00

French Words of the Day: fils and fille (pronounced a little like “fees” and “fee-ya”); these are the words for son and daughter in French. Thus, I have “trois filles”; and Jesus is “le fils unique de Dieu,” or “the only Son of God.” Face of the Day: Samuel Egbe, pastor of Mamfe UMC: Pastor Egbe is young and energetic, though sometimes his dreams run a bit faster and broader than the realities!

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-18275015529743635442007-03-24T13:04:00.000-05:002007-03-24T13:10:16.686-05:00

French Word of the Day: demain (pronounced a little like “duh-ma”); means “tomorrow.” So to use a couple of words we’ve learned already in this space, «Demain, nous allons à l’église.» (Tomorrow, we’re going to church!) Face of the Day: Ginger Cooper, Individual Volunteer in Mission: You know all about Ginger already. She’s a valuable member of our Mission and our family, a fellow blogger, and

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-51186098330385012112007-03-23T13:54:00.000-05:002007-03-23T13:57:48.192-05:00

French Word of the Day: mechant (pronounced a little like “meh-shant”); as an adjective, it means “mean and nasty,” and as a noun, it means … well, a “mean and nasty person”! In French Bibles, this is the word that normally gets used to translate “the wicked.” Face of the Day: Bernard Mbehna, pastor of Nazareth UMC, Douala: Here’s another one of our probationary pastors – Pastor Bernard opened

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-22579178140203797532007-03-22T08:35:00.000-05:002007-03-22T08:39:23.843-05:00

French Words of the Day: la pitié (pronounced a little like “pity-eh”); means “pity” or “mercy,” as in “Have mercy, Lord!” Face of the Day: Seraphin Oum, pastor of Canaan UMC, Eseka: Pastor Oum leads a congregation that meets in a German-built house in the town of Eseka, located roughly halfway between Yaounde and Douala. He’s one of the five probationary pastors who is allowed to baptize and

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-47447833833693876722007-03-21T09:11:00.000-05:002007-03-21T09:15:30.457-05:00

French Phrase of the Day: pot de vin (pronounced a little like “poh duh vuh”); literally, it means “pot of wine,” but it’s slang for a bribe, something offered under the table. And yes, it happens in Cameroon! Face of the Day: David Sen, pastor of John Wesley UMC, Yaoundé: Regional coordinator of our churches in Douala, Pastor David is actually living and working in Yaounde! He’s the pastor of

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-78180419472716506392007-03-20T06:37:00.000-05:002007-03-20T06:44:53.690-05:00

French Phrase of the Day: les faux amis (pronounced a little like “foes a-mees”); literally, it means “false friends,” but it is used specifically to refer to those words in English which resemble French words, but have drastically different meanings. For example, formidable means “terrific” or “marvelous” in French, rather than fearsome or dread-inducing, as it does in English. Face of the Day:

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-90267422949620130202007-03-19T08:56:00.000-05:002007-03-19T09:03:59.193-05:00

French Word of the Day: jeune (pronounced a little like “shun”); as a noun, it means a “young person,” and as an adjective, it means “young, youthful or new.” In Cameroon, the category of “young people” stretches to include those from the age of 12 all the way up to the age of 30! Face of the Day: Collins Etchi, member at John Wesley UMC and member of HIV/AIDS and Malaria Team: Collins has been

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-82272854090589812712007-03-17T12:34:00.000-05:002007-03-17T12:51:21.748-05:00

French Phrase of the Day: embouteillage (pronounced like “em-boot-ee-ahj”); used to refer to “traffic jams,” though literally it means to block a bottle with a cork! Traffic jams are a fact of daily life in Yaounde and Douala – especially when the President is out and about! Face of the Day: Michael Elango, pastor of Barombi Kang UMC: Pastor Elango was moved to Barombi Kang from Kumba last year,

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-81216582061383414172007-03-16T12:58:00.000-05:002007-03-16T13:00:19.330-05:00

French Phrase of the Day: le week-end; pronounced like … wait, it’s the same word! That’s right, the French have adopted the ever-popular – and useful! -- English word, “weekend.” So, bon week-end! Face of the Day: Mallory Magruder, youngest missionary daughter: I thought it couldn’t hurt to feature the youngest missionary among us. This is Mallory, aged seven, amateur dancer, singer, actor, and

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-9897644020630468562007-03-15T07:22:00.000-05:002007-03-15T07:29:40.402-05:00

French Phrase of the Day: barrage; the word for a dam or obstruction on a river or lake. In the pictures below, see village women constructing un barrage in order to do a little inland fishing. Let me just say – this is the hard way to get a little freshwater seafood! Faces of the Day: Village Women, Minse, Central Province: Today I’m featuring a bit of a photo essay, rather than a portrait. In

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-59740480486530279272007-03-14T12:34:00.000-05:002007-03-14T12:37:21.393-05:00

French Phrase of the Day: la paix; (pronounced like “pay”) the French word for peace, of course! So if I were ever to go French with my blog, it’d have to be called, “Prêcher la paix”! Face of the Day: Nemy Lemec, pastor of Sion UMC, Obala: Pastor Lemec took over in Obala after Simeon Nomo moved to Yaounde to attend seminary last year. He had spent the previous year and a half as a pastoral

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-86393933205161305742007-03-13T10:19:00.000-05:002007-03-13T10:29:59.523-05:00

French Phrase of the Day: occupe-toi de tes oignons; literally means “busy yourself with your onions,” but it’s the French equivalent of the phrase, “mind your own business”!! Face of the Day: Alexis Godonou, translator for Mission, Yaoundé: Those of you who have visited Cameroon know this face; Alexis has worked for the Mission for four years now. He’s a talented translator – he’s the only one

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-27065184660061909702007-03-12T10:19:00.000-05:002007-03-12T10:23:42.859-05:00

French Phrase of the Day: le pécheur; means “sinner,” a commonly-used word in the Bible. Not to be confused with the word “le pêcheur,” spelled exactly the same, except with a different accent over the first “e”; that word means “fisherman”! Confused? So am I!! Face of the Day: Peter Acharock, pastor of Defang UMC: Defang is a small village in the Southwest Province. Its most influential member

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-85712581579547445692007-03-12T02:16:00.000-05:002007-03-12T02:26:18.231-05:00

Yes, I’ve been blogging on a daily basis, but I haven’t been sharing any deep thoughts. Lately, I’ve had some … deep thoughts, that is. I don’t know how profound, though – that’s for you to decide. I’ve been thinking about the Global Christian South. That’s the topic of a lot of preachers and theologians lately. You know the facts – any day now, there will be more Christians in the southern

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-44712982478978933692007-03-10T14:20:00.000-06:002007-03-10T14:21:59.134-06:00

French Phrase of the Day: le buisson ardent; means “the burning bush,” as in the flaming shrubbery that Moses encountered in the desert. Not to be confused with a “boisson ardent,” which would be a hot … drink? Face of the Day: Jean-Blaise Bikoy, pastor of Bethany UMC, Monatele: Pastor Jean-Blaise is quiet, but working hard in Monatele, a small town north of Yaounde. Recently, a member of his

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-19307664140115107962007-03-09T05:31:00.000-06:002007-03-09T05:33:39.423-06:00

French Word of the Day: kif-kif (pronounced like “keef-keef”); means something similar to “it’s all the same,” or 50/50. Face of the Day: Sampson Ashu, pastor of Horeb UMC, Douala: Pastor Sampson is an entertaining personality! Recently, the Mission received money to purchase motorbikes for some pastors, and we decided that Pastor Sampson needed one. He was so excited about his motorbike,

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-79182778055627951572007-03-08T05:53:00.000-06:002007-03-08T06:08:53.900-06:00

French Phrase of the Day: ce que femme veut, Dieu le veut (forget the pronunciation today!); in honor of International Women’s Day, here’s an interesting French proverb that means, essentially, “what a woman wants, a woman gets,” but literally means, “what a woman wants, God wants!” Face of the Day: Dr. Catherine Akale, Regional Missionary with Women, Children, and Youth, General Board of

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-87459562607605899372007-03-07T03:17:00.000-06:002007-03-07T03:21:51.932-06:00

French Word of the Day: arc-en-ciel (pronounced like “ark on see-el”); you learned the word “ciel” earlier (it means the sky, or heaven). Thus, this expression means “rainbow.” One of the popular evangelical French hymnals is titled, “Arc-en-Ciel.”Face of the Day: Charles Ndobe, pastor of Fiango UMC, Kumba: I met Charles on my first trip to the Southwest Province back in early 2005. He had

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-39276309193888776192007-03-06T09:12:00.000-06:002007-03-06T09:15:01.915-06:00

French Phrase of the Day: quand on parle de loup… (forget the pronunciation today!); this is the French equivalent of the English expression, “Speak of the devil …” Literally, the whole expression goes roughly something like this: “when you speak of the wolf, you see his tail.” Face of the Day: Anonymous: I don’t know this boy’s name, but that’s the point. He attended one of our Playdays at

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-80458227715384921912007-03-05T10:32:00.000-06:002007-03-05T10:37:34.054-06:00

French Word(s) of the Day: frères (pronounced like “frehr”) and sœurs, (pronounced a little like “sir”); these are the French words for “brothers” and “sisters.” Thus, they are something you hear often in church services: “Chers frères et sœurs en Christ …”/ “Dear brothers and sisters in Christ …” Face of the Day: Wilfred Mbacham, founder of the Fobang Foundation: If you read this blog

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-12336744871751955892007-03-05T05:04:00.000-06:002007-03-05T14:36:21.749-06:00

Sorry to break in on your Lent roll, babe, but I want to take advantage of the fact that your readers know you are posting everyday, and I have something to say. Two weeks ago, we started a new program in the mission called "Playday at Gateway". You may already know that we are opening a new English-speaking church here in Yaounde called Gateway United Methodist Church. As one of the goals of

Leah Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16075501765860309034noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-59784691212174750342007-03-03T03:50:00.000-06:002007-03-05T10:37:56.642-06:00

French Word(s) of the Day: (today, you get two!) songe (pronounced like “sonj”) and rêve (pronounced like “rev”); both nouns mean “dream,” though rêve seems to be more common. Thus, “la maison de ses rêves” means “the house of his/her dreams.” Face of the Day: President Paul Biya, second president of Republic of Cameroon, 1982-present: This picture hangs on the wall in most offices, stores, and

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-38790718996597806562007-03-02T09:05:00.000-06:002007-03-02T09:07:57.501-06:00

French Word of the Day: vache, pronounced like “vash”; a noun with two meanings. First, it can refer to a common cow; Mallory’s favorite cheese in Cameroon is from the brand, “La vache qui rit,” or “Laughing Cow”! But if you are acting vache, it means that you are being mean and nasty. Face of the Day: Solomon Mbwoge, pastor of Kumba UMC, Kumba: Pastor Solomon is someone you need to know; he’s

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-75877879559258072622007-03-01T09:16:00.000-06:002007-03-01T09:21:29.889-06:00

French Word of the Day: ralentir, pronounced like “volunteer”; a verb meaning to slow down, or decelerate. Lent is a good time for disciples of Jesus to slow down, meditate on some Scripture, spend time in prayer and silence. Face of the Day: Therese Nomo, member of Cameroon Hymnal Committee, Yaounde: This is the cover of the current issue of Reformed Worship magazine, graced by the presence of

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-8096258619169946672007-02-28T09:43:00.000-06:002007-02-28T09:47:11.465-06:00

French Phrase of the Day: mon œil!, pronounced mon eye-uh; means literally, “my eye,” but it is used as the equivalent for “you’re pulling my leg,” or “that’s simply not true.” Used most effectively when you pull the lower lid of one of your eyes down slightly as you say it. Face of the Day: Monique Bassagog, pastor of Peniel UMC, Yaounde:Pastor Monique is another one of our newer pastors. She

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-47397664513563887052007-02-27T04:49:00.000-06:002007-02-27T04:56:41.483-06:00

French Word of the Day: animateur, pronounced anima-tour; and, no, it has nothing to do with cartoons! An animateur is a (male) coordinator, or organizer (if the person is female, she is an animatrice). Youth leaders in our churches often use this word to refer to their work. The related word, animation, refers to organization or coordination, especially of a cultural kind. Face of the Day:

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-82345218821196152932007-02-26T13:59:00.000-06:002007-02-26T14:01:25.364-06:00

Just a quick note to draw your attention to the fact that my problems with the comments feature has been solved! A BIG Cameroonian thank-you to Chris Guldi, a member at FUMC Richardson, Texas, who made the changes in my html to get it working. I appreciate it!

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321791.post-91334591628920750702007-02-26T11:21:00.000-06:002007-02-26T11:24:30.635-06:00

Just a quick reminder that Sundays are not counted in the forty days of Lent. Thus, I didn’t post yesterday. But back to the business at hand this week – becoming Cameroonian!French Word of the Day: Eto, pronounced eh-toe; OK, it’s not actually a French word, it’s the name of the most popular soccer player in the world from Cameroon. Eto plays for Barcelona when there aren’t national games, and

Wes Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337757623704210566noreply@blogger.com0