So many memories. So many...

Whether the all night prayers, the speaking of Duala language, the jokes, the deep teachings, I still get in my mind all those wonderful times I spent with Pa'a at Bonapriso headquarters and assembly in those days.

I remember particularly when twice I've had  inconscient and irrespective attitudes before him. Honestly, I was far of thinking I had a bad behavior, I thought it was normal. Until then my former and first Full Gospel Mission pastor, "small" David Sako, who later spoused Pa'a daughter, Frida, lovingly corrected me on what I should have done.

First, I called him, in front of pastor Sako and some other people, "Reverend David", without the common "Pa'a". Neither me, nor pastor David Sako believe it's a sin calling Pa'a that way. But showing some respect to the old man is much more recommended.

Another time, after a sermon, just some days later, the assembly has been asked if we could "bless" Pa'a after his preaching, meaning, provide financially for him. Pa'a didn't ask for anything by the way. At the back of the church, I said smiling, "no, he needs not", while some shouted, "yes". Then pastor explains how we had a great man like him and how we should bless him.

In these two cases, Pa'a wasn't aware of anything, neither felt offended.

So, I went out and was touched on how I could be in my own world and things might be different. I was actually sad. So, I waited for church to end and resolved myself to meet Pa'a. I knocked at his office, near by the church.

- Pa'a, can I...?
As usual, he welcomed me with his smile showcased by the diastema of his teeth :
- Come in, Massango, nodding his head. How, evangelist ? This is how he used to call me.
- I.. I... I have something to say...
My lips were trembling, not in fear but of deception. I was ashamed of myself.
- What's going on, did he asked, removing his glasses, suddenly wondering why the young always smiling and joyful teenager I was, could turn into a contrite soul.

As he spoke those words, I couldn't hold anymore and bursted in tears. He left his chair and came to me. He squeezed me with his hairy arms and asked me what happened. I barely explained the situation, because of tears. He told me to calm down, ensuring me je never felt offended and that he knows I'm special. He added he knew I didn't intend to disrespect him. I was glad then and stopped crying. He held me again and prayed for me, that I should keep my joy of being a child of God.

You see, it's not about this or that sin or mistake, but how we let turn ashes into beauty, sin to saint, ignorance to wisdom. I learned how to honour elders, understand cultures. And in a certain way, this is an allegory of our Heavenly Father. His Heavenly Father.


Pa'a Njemo,
See you over there with our Lord Christ-Jesus.