African Baptist Men’s Congress : And They Met, Discussed Those “Taboo” Subjects, Frankly

It was indeed a great privilege for the Cameroon Baptist Convention, CBC, to host Africa. From Wednesday October 26 to Saturday October 29, 2022, over 550 Baptist men met in Etoug-Ebe Baptist Church, Yaounde. The occasion was the All Africa Baptist Men’s Fellowship, AABMF congress. The second time the men were gathering for such an event after Lagos, Nigeria in October 2019.

The Privilege To Host Africa

“We were privileged to be the host church of the Second All Africa Baptist Men’s Fellowship congress on behalf of the Cameroon Baptist Convention. We had the feeling of gratitude to be chosen to host all of Africa’s Baptist men. We did our part by preparing for it, gave our church a facelift, prepared a restaurant for guests, and were available to guide, direct and facilitate every aspect of the congress as was expected of us,” said Rev. Joseph Jikong, the Senior Pastor of Etoug-Ebe Baptist Church, Yaounde.

“We made people to feel welcome; we were hospital according to Bible expectations, I believe. I don’t think anyone who came with good intentions was disgruntled with our hosting,” Rev. Jikong added.

Great Mobilisation, Participation

“The Cameroon Baptist Convention men, as hosts of the congress, demonstrated exemplary mobilisation and participation. They put together all the resources - personnel, logistics, financial… to support the All Africa Baptist Men’s Fellowship to hold its congress in Cameroon,” Edison Chimni Yuniwo, the President of the All Africa Baptist Men’s Fellowship, and member of the Cameroon Baptist Convention, told Cameroon Tribune. 

Edifying, Instructive Messages

“The messages taught and preached at the congress were edifying and the discussions instructive. All participants went home happy, not just the men of the Cameroon Baptist Convention. Other national conventions in Cameroon like the “Union des Eglises Baptistes du Cameroun,” UEBC, the Native Baptist Church of Cameroon, all went home satisfied that they were able to host Africa,” Edison said.

Good Representation

“We were also blessed by the presence of representatives of the Baptist Women’s Union of Africa, who participated fully in the congress. The Prime Minister, Head of Government, Chief Dr Dion Ngute was represented by Mr. Francis Fonye. Former Prime Minister Philemon Yang was also present, as well as cabinet ministers and representatives of some cabinet ministers,” Edison Yuniwo disclosed.

20 Million-strong Fellowship

Perhaps, what was so significant about the congress is that it was a gathering of men’s representatives from the All Africa Baptist Fellowship. Which boasts a membership of 20 million Christians from 31 nations. The All Africa Baptist Men’s Fellowship is an auxiliary body of the All Africa Baptist Fellowship.

Free In Christ, Indeed!

Understandably, the men discussed the Bible. Especially the congress theme, “Free Indeed!” from John 8: 31-41, which revisited the very essence of being a Christian. But beyond this, participants discussed subjects hitherto viewed in some quarters as taboo. Such as Gender-based Violence, and if Christians should take part in partisan politics.

Beware Of Domestic Violence!

“Christian women suffer much violence in their homes and they keep saying the Lord is there, and they will continue to endure. As they endure, and added to their heavy home chores, they end up dying, leaving their poor children behind,” said Claire Jasmine Dounian-Dote, President of Baptist Women for Central Africa, who hails from the Central African Republic.

“Hearts need to be detribalised; men must understand that women are also God’s creation, and they are there to be assisted, not attacked; they are not slaves! If there is genuine love between husband and wife, there will be no room for domestic violence. If we love God and do not love ourselves, then it defeats the purpose,” Mrs. Claire Jasmine Dounian-Dote emphasised.

Common In The Church

“Statistics show that domestic violence is particularly bad in Africa. It is not just physical or sexual abuse, but also a lot of neglect and manipulation,” said Mrs. Patricia Ihlenfelelt, a South African Baptist and Director of the Women’s Department of the Baptist Union of Southern Africa. She said neglect is seen in people not taking care of their children, husbands withholding resources, wives withholding privileges…    

“We looked at the problem from three different angles – the possible causes of domestic violence, how it manifests, and what is needed to contain the situation. We agreed that men should address the problem by providing some resources like equipping the church to deal with it; offer basic skills and know-how for every church member to address the problem; and help to indicate where to seek help. It was a great congress! Everyone was engaged. The response of men to domestic violence was very positive,” Patricia Ihlenfelelt stressed.

For Christians Also!

“Before the conference, I had a misconception about politics; that Christians should not participate in politics. After the lesson on Christians and politics, I am now willing to become a politician. The former Prime Minister of Cameroon, Philemon Yang, said when you go to vote, whether you like it or not, you are participating in politics. This is true! If we do not participate in politics, we will live the rest of our lives grumbling and complaining,” said Rev. Norbert Chabata, a Zimbabwean Baptist and AABMF Vice President for Anglophone Countries. “We must participate to change things. Even if they don’t change, we will at least have tried. We agreed that some people are dirty in politics, not politics itself,” Rev. Chabata clarified. 

Between Theory And Practice

“The panel discussion on the Christian and politics was also important. The theory is very nice, but what actually happens on the ground is where the question arises. My encouragement to all Christians is that the virtues they have acquired should be demonstrated in their daily lives. Indeed, human beings are political beings by nature. But how can Christians help the society?” asked Rev. Jumbuin Enoch, the Field Pastor of the Yaounde Conference of CBC churches. 

“The other symposium was on domestic violence, which affects both women and men. If each family became a community of the old and the young, and male and female who want to reason together and enjoy God’s freedom, there will be less violence. We will handle misunderstanding with less emotion,” Rev. Jumbuin noted.    

Life-time Experience!   

“The congress was an experience of a life time! There were opportunities to network, and the Word of God was taught and preached….. We often use Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his brother.” We found this to be true. I want to commend the brethren in Yaounde for their hard work in preparing such a huge congress. It was really good - where we slept...