Ok, since we are still in the strike that began back in
November and has affected the education system nationwide, including my role as
Campus Minister of CATUC, I have been reassigned to work with the Youth
Ministry team. This is a good alternative and will certainly keep me more
engaged with the youth and young adults of the Archdiocese of Bamenda.
When discussing my alternatives with Archbishop Esua, I had
been informed that working in Youth Ministry would involve going out to bush
parishes and the need to “rough it.” Given my appreciation for camping
and for the outdoors this was much more of an enticement than a
hindrance.
Fortunately for me I did not have to wait long before one of
these visits was scheduled for our team. Just over a week ago we all packed
up in our 4x4 and headed out for Menka Quasi-Parish in the middle of some
beautiful hills. The drive there was an exciting adventure
and required us to get out and push the vehicle a few times.
Below is a video of one these episodes.
The parish itself was a surprisingly large church that was
serving the surrounding area and was preparing more than 200 youths to receive
their sacraments. Our purpose over this weekend was to hold a youth rally
and let the youths know that we, back in Bamenda had not forgotten about them
simply because they were way out in the bush.
We held several talks over the weekend; we sang, dance, ate
and prayed! It was a blessed event and a great experience for me
personally. Because I may have been the first white man to visit in a
long time, I was engaged to take many pictures with several of the youths, and
was a much curious figure for the littlest ones; who weren’t sure whether to
come close or run away! All of it makes me smile as I think back over the
weekend and picture the faces of the kids and youths.
Here are a few pictures of our adventure in Menka!
