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February 14, 2021
I am very saddened with your passing to glory, but at the same time comforted because you needed to rest from your mission well accomplished on earth and according to the Will of God , Almighty through his son our Lord and King . For whom I am the product. You lead me to Christ and up til now, I am still standing by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,  hoping to meet you wherever you are with him when he calls me home. Reverent, may your soul Rest In Peace and may your life of dedicated selfless service and with faith in him, be an example to all of us on earth  to follow until he calls us home for our eternal reward in Jesus Christ name amen. 

Reverence to the Reverend

July 14, 2015

Reverence to the Reverend

 ___________________________________________________________________________

 

I am much saddened by the passing of the Reverend Professor Michael Bame Bame, Pastor and former long serving Dean of the Protestant Faculty of Theology in Yaoundé. He made monumental contributions towards the advancement of the Christian church and the propagation of the Gospel in Cameroon, Africa and beyond.

He was notably Curator of the first English Presbyterian church in Yaoundé, where he left an indelible imprint through the construction of a church, with an innovative architectural design and, which in his vision, was to serve as a befitting place of worship, open to the  international and ecumenical needs  of the fast growing cosmopolitan capital city of Cameroon. With this in mind, he introduced iconoclastic changes to Presbyterian liturgical practices which were varyingly greeted with appreciation and apprehension.

Similarly, through  stringent managerial and pedagogical prowess,  he transformed the limping Regional Faculty of Protestant Theology in Yaoundé into a prominent and prestigious institution for training pastors at post-graduate and doctoral levels for churches of the Reformed tradition in Central, West and East Africa, leading to its development today into a full-fledged University.

He will be remembered and revered as a tireless soldier and hero of the Cross who responded not just to the compelling call of the Christian Gospel, but also to the arousing battle cry of George Duffield (1818-88), author of the famous Christian war hymn: “Stand up, Stand up for Jesus”.

The son of a  pastor, himself a pastor and Professor of Systematic Theology, as well as author of numerous outstanding works on the Christian life and faith, the Reverend Bame Bame well understood that the uncompromising message of the bible inescapably draws us into conflict with the world. Consequently, he remained impervious to the reactionary onslaught of those  disturbed in their comfort by his pastoral drive to comfort the disturbed.

A powerful minister of the word, he used the pulpit at a time of tumultuous social transformations to beam the searing light of the Gospel on a shaky, sneaky, sleazy society, castigating and condemning the predatory pranks of powers and principalities, be they in low or high places, within or without the church.

His sermons were always a tour de force in depth and in fearless frankness, even though he spoke ever so lowly and softly as if to say God alone must be heard loud and strong, not him. He had nothing but open disregard and disdain for anyone who showed signs of compromise or complacency towards the Gospel, and would offer no apologies for what he considered as righteous and holy indignation. Nor was he ever afraid or bothered to stand alone, as long as he was convinced he stood on the solid rock of divine truth.

For those who knew him closely, deny the Reverend Professor Michael Bame Bame all else, but his remarkable passion and courage for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And did C.S. Lewis not say “Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point”?

A seasoned intellectual and theologian, trained in Ivy League Princeton University, he inspired both awe and admiration. But he will be chiefly remembered as a passionate and proverbial prince of the pulpit, arguably very Wesleyan in his penchant for purity and perfection, with a suitable touch of C.S. Lewis’ wondrous witticism and wisdom.

Such was his pulpit presence, pulpit punches and pulpit persuasion, that even those who could not fully comprehend his academically charged sermons confessed conviction and faith through the sheer melody and resonance  of his captivating voice and the hallow of holiness that seemingly surrounded him. It is thus that after preaching one of his soul stirring sermons at the Ntamulung Presbyterian church, an elderly unschooled mother reportedly complimented him after the service in these words in pidgin English: “ Ma piking, I no yah one ting wei  you talk, but I know sei  all ting wei you talk, na true”

As we celebrate the life and legacy of this servant of the Lord, some will certainly recall with relish memories of his stature, strengths and successes; others will rush to raise the red flag on his human frailties, foibles and failings. Whatever the case, all are pedagogically profitable as pegs and  pointers  to the rest of us,  pilgrims, on a common pathway. The sovereign God of the Ages uses the whole person, not just part, to accomplish His sovereign purposes. In his unsearchable wisdom, He puts the sharp blade of the sword on a blunt hilt, without blunting the sharpness of the sword  thereof.

May the resounding echoes of Pastor Bame Bame’s voice in our hearts be transformed into the very dew of heaven, watering the seed of the Word he planted, so it may grow and flourish, enabling us to bear in our own lives the rich harvest of righteousness and love.  For we must never forget that, in all  our struggles and strife, true victory remains with love.

Dear Reverend Professor Michael Bame Bame, today is not your day of death. It is your day of life and light eternal; your day of rest and gladness. May the king of glory and the God of grace visit you with His salvation and sanctify all that you accomplished for His kingdom here on earth. May that same God, our Rock and Redeemer, cleanse you of all stains and shortcomings  and keep you safe, as you sleep in wait for the rapture; and may He grant  you  the joy of rising with the wise on resurrection morning.

Glory be to Him who loved us,

Washed us from each spot and stain,

Glory be to Him who bought us,

Made us kings with Him to reign,

              Glory, Glory,

To the Lamb that once was slain.

                                                   - (Horatius Bonar, 1818-89)

 

                                                                             Solomon Azoh-Mbi 

                                                             (CameroonHigh Commissioner to Canada)

                                                                       

God Spoke to Me Through Rev Prof Bame Bame

September 12, 2013

This tribute is long overdue:

I was baptised by Pastor Bame Bame at the Presbyterian Church Bastos in April 1988. He was a humble and soft spoken man. A knowledgable teacher and a true servant of God.

As young as I was then (about 18 years old),  I trusted his judgement enough to go to him for advice and prayers.

One day, I was restless and my soul was troubled but I mustered courage and went to him with a rather unusual request. I wanted him to pray that God should help me to leave Yaounde which according to me and my circumstances at the time was hell on earth, so I thought. He told me my prayer request was childish and ungodly. He asked why I badly wanted to leave Yaounde and what would happen with my studies? I had no answers for him but then I asked him to pray for an even more unsual prayer request "that God should speak to me". He looked at me smiled and obliged. We knelt down in his office and prayed for God to speak to me and God did! Later that night I was awoken by a firm, gentle, loving, kind and unmistaken voice that said: "Godlove, Godlove do not leave Yaounde" God had spoken to me through Pastor Bame Bame as I and most people fondly referred to him. 

I obeyed and later that year, 1990,  I passed my Ordinary Level Certificate through evenning classes after only 3 years of studies and left yaounde thereby cementing a firm foundation for future success.

Passing the Ordinary level as simple as it may sound was and remains the most important successful event in my life. It was my happiest and proudest Moment. I would have messed up my entire life had I not obeyed and stayed on.

Today, I am married with 3 kids, I hold a Masters in Business administration (MBA) degree from Oxford Brookes University, United Kingdom and run a successful business. I have emmancipated several of my sibblings and others and contributed in building the Presbyterian Church in my village, Befang. Glory be to God.

Pastor Bame Bame's memory, his gentle and meek ways, his works and legacy will linger and endure forever. I have no doubt that he is seated at the right Hand of God the Father Almighty.

May his Soul rest in peace

____________________

Godlove Bezeng Kum

kum@envision-int.co.za

Johannesburg, South Africa

 

 

 

August 7, 2010

Isn’t it amazing how many of us kids growing up simply knew them as Uncle and Auntie Pastor? How their home always had kids visiting or spending time, how many of us kids flocked their home on week-ends to run around the yard and climb the trees? (Just don’t step on the flowers or garden). In retrospect, also the innumerable number of men/women/couples that visited them for one reason or another? So many kids were their god-children, one would think they had a god-child from nearly every family in the church. How about the cakes and the good food? Talk about all the mouths that were fed in their home!

 

A while ago, some of us sat back, talked and smiled about how one didn’t want to be a truant, and have to go before Uncle Pastor to give an explanation for our actions. It wasn’t so much about the outcome of the meeting; it was simply not wanting to be subject to the stern looks and interrogations for say fighting or throwing insults. Uncle Pastor was strict, disciplined, meticulous and yet very calm.

 

His home was a site of our refuge during the 1984 civil war. Later on still in primary school and ill with chicken pox, I couldn’t go to church to be baptized with the other kids on Christmas day. He came to our home after service. I vividly remember wearing my white and white with my god-mother standing behind me, her hands on my shoulders and he said... Nkam, I baptize you in...taking the water from a small basin and baptizing me. I have looked in vain for the picture to share on this site. My church confirmation and first communion were from him. There are many stories like mine, the positive influence he's had on us which we can tell about. My unquestionable faith in God's existence stems in part from the Revival Services at Bastos Church which he led. On leaving home for U.S in 1993, my parents gave me a chain with a cross which they had him bless. In 2002, when returning to U.S after vacations, he and Aunty Pastor gave me a piece of wooden art.


When I visited him at home in Omnisport in December 2008, we talked about my siblings, parents, friends, Christian life, my Christian faith, his health, medications, physical therapy. One of those moments after which you feel good, inspired, purposeful and thankful. I’d have liked to hear directly from him about the Presbyterian Church Cameroon, as well as many other things such as pastor burn out, keeping sanity in dealing with people and simple everyday things.To God be the glory great servants He hath given and taken from us

 

 

Nkam Mongwa

Seattle, WA, USA                                                                                                                                              

 

 

My heart feels for Michael Bame

August 7, 2010

(THIS STORY IS FROM THE FOMUNDAM FAMILY WHO ASKED ME TO PLACE IT ON THIS WEBSITE: SO IGNORE THE PRESENCE OF MY NAME IF IT APPEARS ANYWHERE; THANKS)

 

Has anyone seen pastor Bame around? I thought I saw him walking up the Patmos hill?

I have lost a friend or should I say a brother indeed!

What difference does it make what I call him. I knew Mike Bame, or so I thought I did. But I don’t really know if I knew him…….Michael Bame Bame. He did have so much influence in this world, in our dear country; in our church…..I mean the church where Christ is the Head, in many families and in my home and my family. On many occasions I was with Mike, we did many things together but I don’t think I knew him. We seem to have some spiritual understanding; the pastor and the soldier? It was so helpful to me!

This man, whatever we may want to title him, was sent for a mission. That’s what I know and believe. But I think, Mike came at the wrong time.

Who I am to talk about a wrong time? What do I know about his mission? The constraints, the limits, the tasks and the times, the how’s, the where’s, the whys of execution can only be judged by the One who gave him the mission. No one seemed to believe him at that time. Events unfolding around him looked mysterious and some became scared, scared of the unknown or just carried away with fear. Did the bible say that fear is a demonstration of lack of faith? I don’t know and I don’t even know what I know or don’t know for that matter. The only thing I know is that I can no longer sit and converse with Mike in that valley where he lived or stayed, nor can I see him again up that hill where the church of Patmos is sheltered by the magnificent MEEC building. Why? Because life is gone out of him!!!!!!!! What life?

What is life? Pastor can you tell me what life is? I have been told, while I am off in this far away country that you are lifeless. What does that mean?  That I can no longer fill your presence or talk to you? Then I am really scared. Scared of that very life! You mean toiling day and night, going through stressful moments yet trying and fighting hard to smile or should I say that trying to please people, being misunderstood and having to accept the consequences thereof? Is that life? Even on the island of Patmos what could life have been like? Painful?  Too many questions and fewer answers.

I wonder what people will say of Mike!

Does it really matter!  In this world now, we try by all means to please people, to keep them happy so they think good of us; giving us thanks while singing our praises. Is that life? Are we forgetting who we ought to please first and above all? Mike’s controversial separation from the Presbyterian Church will be a topic of reflection and concern wherever his name is mentioned. God is the sole Judge and to Him be all the Glory, Honor and Praise forever and ever. Amen!

As I wonder around in this vast military camp in South Sudan, walking the lonely and barbed wire walls which are supposed to protect the warlike machinery within the camp, I gaze at the skies for an answer to my question about life. I can only begin to imagine the terrible type of place where Saint Paul was locked when he answered that question. “What is life?”

Mike saw a church of worship rise in Weh, he saw the fresh corn grow and we (my wife and I) ate some of it together. Yet he never saw the building to its completion. Mike saw his own house used as a worship place yet he never did see it to finish either.

But I am not as spiritually strong as Saint Paul; I am still running the race with hope through our Savior Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I feel my heart heavy with a tear; a painful tear drops as I poor my heart to Mike Bame. I deeply feel the fact that in my absence from Weh I only left with an imagination; can just only imagine what is going on back home as Mike is laid to rest. As I visualize my approach to Bame’s house in Weh, I see the church building on the right, I pass by the mother’s corn farm and I could see the pastor’s own family house up the hill where he and his dear wife Anne were to continue their life at home together. And then what else do I see? Next is a grave? Answer me Lord! It is too hard for me to believe!

One day, by God’s grace, I will bring all my children and my wife to Weh, to see that grave and thank the Almighty God, our Father for who the Reverend, Pastor, Professor, Servant of God Michael Bame Bame was, especially to us the FOMUNDAM family.

To Anne, I say “Hold fast to the faith” we are ever together. We will never abandon you.

And so, living here on earth is Christ but leaving this earth for Christ above, is gain.

You know…Mike ….for many people you may look lifeless but you are full of Life. That is Life indeed.

                                                                                                                                                               Juba/South Sudan

01 August 2010

George, Adeline, Ethel, Mark, Angela, Kenneth and Karl (the one Mike named Wise man) and the Wise man wept bitterly when he got the news.

And all the FOMUNDAMs

 


 

August 5, 2010


 

My Beloved Daddy,

 

Why leave me so soon, so far away, so unexpected;

Why leave me so shocked, so weak;

Why leave me so young, so tender and so tranquil;

Why leave me only at 40 not 60 as promised;

Why leave your grand children so young and so innocent;

Why leave us, at a time so difficult for the nation and the world;

Why leave me/us on July 11, 2010 – so difficult a day.

Why, Why and Why?

 

You loved me from the womb;

You clothed and educated me;

You bought me books;

You worked hard and paid my school fees;

You blessed my better-half and marriage;

You cut the ribbon and blessed/sanctified my projects and businesses;

You implanted a spirit in me – so special.

 

You convinced me to be multi-talented;

You taught me how to plant trees and flowers;

You trained me to sit and read straight six and more hours;

You taught me theology from your point of view – not the world’s;

You taught me how to work with my hands, head and spirit;

You taught me how to speak and read the scriptures;

You taught me how to jump over youth into manhood;

You taught me how to love and care for a woman;

You taught me how to treat and respect people;

You taught me how to walk and how to run;

You taught me how to hold the self – in all situations, good or bad;

You taught me how manage, care, plan, organize, coordinate and execute;

You taught me how to go low and go high yet being oneself;

You taught me how to care for the newly born, the newly wedded, the dying and the dead;

You taught me what education is and what life is;

You taught me how to be gentlemanly and Englishmanly;

You taught me how to be philosophical and yet practical;

You taught me what God is and what Man Is;

You raised me with love and purpose in this jealous world.

You taught me sacrifice, patience, determination, hard work and love for humanity;

 

 

You loved me and came for me again and again and again.

You loved me and claimed there was no greater teacher;

You loved me and claimed I belonged to you first and last;

You loved me and claimed no one should come anywhere near;

You loved me and wanted to receive me and my all more and more without end;

You loved and would even throw away God fighting the ownership of me;

You loved me and wept for me – your stolen Son, your only Son;

You loved me and fought for me not to go astray nor into hell;

You loved me and prayed for me everyday;

You loved me and the whole world was insufficient without me;

You loved me and threw away every reason but feelings;

You loved me indeed as a True Father, Just Loving and Just Feeling!

You loved me and I loved you; I loved you and you loved me.

 

 

 

 

I was/am yours – not Grand Pa’s;

I was/am yours – not Ambrose’s;

I was/am yours – not Becky’s;

I was/am yours – not Amos’s;

I was/am yours – not Sun Moon’s

I was/am yours – not the World’s

I was/am yours – beyond now, here and us;

I was/am yours – beyond my own, beyond our own;

I was/am yours – to continue your works;

I was/am yours – to continue your life and lineage;

I was/am yours – to continue beyond your lifetime what you leave behind;

I was/am yours – to see beyond your sight, walk beyond your legs, embrace beyond your embrace;

I was/am yours – for eternity.

 

You have worked hard in this wicked world;

You have worked hard in this jealous world;

You have worked hard in this stressful world;

You have worked hard in this contemptuous world;

You have worked hard in this competitive world;

You have done all in this dreamy, hazy, illusionary and temporal earth;

You have done the great works of men and work of God.

 

You have crossed many days and nights;

You have crossed many schools and books;

You have crossed many tasks and challenges;

You have crossed many joys and sorrows;

You have treaded the lion and the Cobra;

You have crossed many skies;

You have crossed many rivers;

You have crossed many valleys and mountains;

You have above all crossed many souls.

 

Rest into eternity;

Rest where you see the cosmos just as an atom;

Rest where you hear the cosmos as one drop of water;

Rest Where you taste all the foods of the creation as one – all good;

Rest where you feel all of mankind as a scratch on your body;

Rest where there are no rivers, mountains, valleys, skies, days or nights;

Rest where there are no two purposes, lifes, tongues, colors, loves, -- no dualities;

Rest where there are no boundaries, no toil, no sorrows, no wickedness, no jealousy;

Rest where there is omnipresence and omniscience to work with me and through me;

Rest where there is One Truth to Share with me and through me;

Rest where you meet all our ancestors and return for the consummation of the last days’ work;

Rest where you identify and return with the Returning Christ, the Prince of Peace;

Rest where there is “Past, Present and Future” in One – to know the Truth of the utmost Divine;

Rest where you can freely meet all the Saints, Prophets, Dictators and Criminals of the Earth;

Rest where nothing touches you by day or by night; yet where you can learn and teach freely;

Rest where you shine as a bright light and emit only bright lights;

Rest where you clearly see all the purpose and work your son has been living for;

Rest where you inhale and exhale only love;

Rest, Great Son of Cameroon, Great Son of Africa, Great Son of the Universe; Great Son of God;

Rest where Man and God Is One; Where humanity is One and Where the Cosmos is One.

Rest where we can all resonate as “One Family Under God”;

Rest until we meet there again!

 

 

© Bame Nelson KUM, bamebame.org

August 5, 2010. 1:00am EST.

 

August 4, 2010

Dear Pastor or Repe as we fondly called  you through Akinde,

I have spent part of this day, 08/04/2010 on the website created on your behalf.

I have wanted to write something but tears almost flowed.

I have felt like crying, but some inner MAN in me dried the tears.

Then some regrets, "why on earth would I be away at such a moment?; and I hadn't called for a  long while before..."

Then the inner MAN led me to John chapter 17.

Then I thought; you must have prayed for us before you departed------ you know, like our LORD prayed for the 12.  Oh yes, I know you did!!

Then I thought; you retired to the beauty of the village to have a quiet time--- in the presence of our LORD! You surely did pray for us.

Hmmm, you must have had ample time to talk with our LORD in the beauty and quiet of the village.

Then I asked, "Did you feel it coming?" 

Then I smiled, "How GOD takes care of HIS own".  HE wouldn't let you go even with one little forgotten unconfessed sin", for you were human. 

Then I laughed when I thought of how you explained the joy and glamour in that land.  How happy you must be Repe to experience it for real now!

If you could come back, I know your sermons will whip us into shape.  You always wanted to make us know that these things are real.

 Back to May or June 2000. Wilfred came home one evening and said "I have found a place to worship".

Then the Sunday following, limping, we attended the Sunday afternoon revival service.  The church prayed for me.  What GOD started on my hospital bed started growing.

Then you immediately adviced us to have our union Blessed by GOD because what HE says in HIS word is true-- "What GOD has put together, let no man put asunder".  It happened in your prayer room at the back.

Yes, since then it has steadily grown blissfully.  The children have grown in the fear of the LORD.

Thank GOD for being part of yours that you shepherded.

Do you know one thing I admired about you?  The fact that you never feared death in all you did and said.  Yes, it ceased to have a sting for you.  And that is how you embraced it quietly and courageously!!

You surely said, "Yes LORD here am I.

Back to the prayers----  I know you prayed that we should remain in unity and love---We your Patmos brothers and sisters.  I,m sure we will, GOD being our helper!!

We may weep but we know you are enjoying HIS peace and HIS love.  

And for all who will desire to see you again------One advice!!   Remain steadfast in CHRIST to the day your race too gets done!   By HIS Grace! 

Ernestine E. Mbacham.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE LAST SERMON FROM A LEVITE

July 25, 2010

 

 

By

Elder Dr. Emmanuel Kengnjisu Mundi

Family Friend

Sermons are not only preached from pulpits; they resound even better, and carry more meaning, when our own lifestyles preach them.

I want to remember a rare Levite of today who preached his last sermon on the 11th of July 2010. And while Spain carried the kilograms of gold to Madrid that evening, this runner crossed the finished line and stands now ready to receive the trophy awarded by non-other than His Master Jesus Christ.

I want to remember a certain young man with a low thin voice, with lips full of penetrating messages that churned the ears and hearts of many a listener from the man-made pulpits of Djoungolo and Bastos, to the electronic waves of the media.

He arrived at Djoungolo hill, straight from Buea Congregation and previously from Cameroon Protestant College Bali, where he served as chaplain, to minister to the hungry Anglophone Christians, in a small round chapel of the Faculty; and then would move his Christians to share the walls of God’s house managed by the EPC. Yes, and herein he fed the hungry with his series of sermons on the Lord’s Prayer (at least 7 consecutive sermons), on the justification of our type of baptism (at least 7 sermons), on the Holy Spirit and the Apostle’s creed, etc. These moving sermons and teachings were so often reproduced by me and distributed to the Christians the following Sunday for further digestion. Djoungolo Christians were blessed!

I want to remember his dissatisfaction with the fact that the PCC Christians were helmed between two services, and had to worship in a haste, to liberate God’s house for next batch of EPC Christians. It did not please this man and the session had already been hunting for a plot since 1979 to solve this problem and they found one in Nkoleton, Bastos.

I remember the caterpillar that came for the first time to move the earth in Bastos; filmed and documented by me, and I remember Elder Peter Mafany Musonge, the Structural Engineer who spear-headed the construction of the church house as Committee Chairman, and the construction  responsibility given to a certain Jack (John) Mofor; both Christians of the congregation. And Joel and Neng Jacob, who would both be the “guardians” of this building site. And Joel indeed accompanied Michael home to We for the last time. And that is Fidelity! Mike’s vision to travel on a certain 28th of June had come true. He traveled on the 26th on a clearly revealed journey HOME.

With an unaccomplished church house, and just the balcony completed, Mike asked the Christians to follow him to Bastos, to worship in peace under the balcony, seated on cement blocks and make-shift benches of planks placed on cement clocks. And that is called Determination!


And I remember among these Christians, was a certain Henry Njang Agboraw, Financial Secretary of the Congregation, with a vibrating golden voice leading the congregational choir with a certain Uncle Pee (Peter Essoka), and others, including a John Walla who equally accomplished his race practically at the same time (9th July 2010), with Michael (11th July 2010). Many more fideles shared and were witnesses to these events; some have journeyed home, and some are still running the race: Paul Bamela Engo, Solomon and Agatha Nji, Sammy Chumfong, John Acha, Pa S.T. Muna, Pa Forlemu, Christian Kodenou (Treasurer ), Peter Tinguy (occasional organist) Mr. And Mrs Noumbissi the organist, and others.

I remember Mike’s dozen sermons on the esoteric movements especially on the Rosicrucian Movement; and his booklet that revealed for the first time what this sect stood for, following an Easter (Holy Week) convention held here in the Palais des Congres. And Christians of various faiths in view of the significance and the timing, rebuked in prayer, this organized coincidence. Mike’s little booklet would be translated into French and distributed to many, for a few francs that, he, Mike, added to the church construction fund. And I remember his show-down at his Residence in Djoungolo hill, with one of the Grand Masters of the Rosicrucian Movement, who challenged his sermons in a one-to-one confrontation. and Mike will not give in; but carried that confrontation back to the pulpit of Bastos; and this Grand Master ended up addressing a 7 page letter to Bastos “quitting” from the church. This letter was read from the pulpit of Bastos. And we call that “Standing Firm”.

Yes, I remember this Levite, who returned on a Sunday morning in Djoungolo, and from the altar would announce that he had prayed and spoken to his God, who revealed the following names (he would name them) that had to contribute 50,000 FCFA each month for six months to build the house of God (to complete the church house). And the Christians submitted willingly. Ah Yes, in those days we had no communion cards, but we gave freely. Yes, we were NOT YET a mainstream PC Congregation, until later.

I remember Professor Michael Bame Bame, with this series of sermons and lectures on the various Crosses, the Theologian of Princeton, who we knew in CPC Bali as Michael Fuh, and who clearly distinguished the Presbyterian Cross from the other crosses. I cannot forget his mission as Visiting African Theologian to Brentwood Presbyterian Church, Los Angeles, or the distinguished award he received from Cambridge while in MECC as among the top 100 Theologians of this planet.

I will not forget the peak of his stewardship, when in 1983 he was appointed as Dean of the Faculty of Protestant Theology, serving in accumulation of duties also as Pastor of PC Bastos. He will keep these functions for 12 years. This man saw a “sleeping church” that needed “Revival”. And this he started to resuscitate it, in his own manner, yes, thinking a hundred kilometers far ahead of his time and seeing further than most. And this conjugation of events probably drew the wrath of some church authorities and the ensuing rift was born between Mike and Central Church. Today the PCC is reviving her faith; someone had seen that need long ago!

We say Prayers of Authority everywhere, and pray loudly everyday, shouting out the name of Jesus, acting In His Name, casting out demons in Baforkum and Ntahmulung and Babungo and everywhere. The church is revived to preach, to heal, to tell the good news, to educate….and someone saw this years ago, but was side-lined and made to suffer for it! The PCC Pulpits were withdrawn from him, although his role as a PCC Pastor was untouched. That is why we of Christians of PCC continue to honor you, Mike! Because you remain PCC in birth, in thought, in word, and in deed! You were only administratively absent from PCC circles but spiritually present among PCC Christians.

The Mission of the Evangelical Church in Cameroon picked up his remains, and there, for the past six years he has been Pastor, and Dean of the Cameroon Faculty of Evangelical Theology for three of the six years, from 1998-2001. He is currently Dean of the Postgraduate School at that institution teaching Systematic theology. Together with his Christians they began to build the huge church on the hill side on the way to Nkolbisson. And as he left, many of Bastos followed him; but more were those who worshipped in both Congregations of PCC Bastos and MECC.

Mike, built churches and pulpits needed none of these to preach your sermons. You preached your sermons loudly and well; in your Quartier Fouda Residence, or in your new functions in MECC.

And the bitter-sweet relationship between him, (this Reverend Gentleman of the PCC) and his fellow PCC Pastors began. Those who conferred and consulted him on spiritual and theological matters, those who respected him, those who dodged from him, those who did not have very happy words for him, and those who continued to see him as their Pastor and Shepherd! Ah yes, some even saw him as their future Moderator!

I want to remember the book you published “God’s Secret Wisdom” with a green cover, a book you autographed and gave out freely to a privileged few. Mike, God has indeed in His Secret Wisdom withdrawn you from our sinful midst, to preserve you pure, and closer to his kingdom. And we thank God for You! And the other books “Death and Everlasting Life”, “Le Notre Père”, and “Le Chrétien face aux Puissances du mal”

Is it any wonder why just this 2009, the Christian Men Fellowship Movement of PC Bastos, led by Spirit, descended to yours residence in Quartier Fouda, when you lost your  beloved mother, to pray with you, to encourage you and strengthen you, and at that moment when the CMF came, you had also fallen ill. They came to pray with you and for you! And the Christian Women Fellowship followed, as did the Female Choristers of the same Congregation.

Mike, you ran the race to the finish. And that one month vacation you took to go “rest” in We, was certainly the last sprint. You knew it and you did not want to bother many of your kith and kin here in Yaoundé. You dazzled many with your Theological Brilliance; and many would not see clearly what the true golden Mission in Mathew 28: 19 meant. You and Anne may worry about the fact that you left no progeny to continue with your legacy. Wrong! You have too many children that have now grown up and will remember you. You have educated too many kids who are now Theologians who continue to respect you. You have left many children, like us, here in PCC Bastos and MECC.

I now want to remember the story of the Archangel Michael who mobilized the heavenly army and fought Lucifer out of Heaven, and banished him into the dungeons of this earthly place, permitting him to visit the doorsteps of earthly beings, but not touching the souls of they called Sons of God.

As a Levite, your actions preached the loudest sermons from pulpits not made from human hands and like Michael the archangel, I pray that you do not allow Lucifer to undo all the good that the Almighty God and Father, led you to carry out on this sinful world. MECC will grow and live on in the family of Protestant churches in Cameroon; God being our Guide, Amen.

Remember your wife Anne, strengthen her and pray for those you have left behind, as you wait for your crown.

And if we should weep for your departure, we do not believe in the resurrection that Paul announced to the Corinthians and the Thessalonians. As Revived PCC and MECC Christians, we can only thank God for this wonderful life he gave to His Servant, Mike. Adieu My Friend, My Pastor, Sleep Well and Good Night.

 

 

We really miss you

July 24, 2010

I have never had any personal contact with Rev/Prof Bame Bame except in church and burial ceremonies where God usually used him mightily to rouse many souls for Christ. I still remember 2 famous sermons,one titled Be Thyself' the other was during funeral Church service in honour of late Min Awunti.In the latter case,he xrayed & condemned the corrupt Cameroon society in front of virtually all ministers & VIP of the Republic.He undauntedly declared that Min Awunty had had the priviledge of confessing his sins before his death but that those sitting then in front of him may never have such chance if they did not irrevocably repent .Be Thyself, he remained true to his sermon till the inevitable end.

 His touching evangilical/doctrinal sermons completely  changed  some of us from Catholic to become fully PCC members: he has remained my role model in preaching and teaching. He has equally trained many talented  pastors whose preaching has positively influenced & changed many lives.He might not have been quite understood by his peers among whom he towered like a geant, because he lived far ahead of his time; but the judgments of heaven often run contrary to those of men.May the Almghty God in his infinite mercy,peace and love grand him eternal rest.

IN MEMORIAM

July 24, 2010

 

Once more, we are reminded that when it comes to a life well lived, it is the quality NOT the quantity of the years lived that matters!

There are many people I would readily credit with my Christian roots but, besides my own mother, I think I can fairly say NONE has been as consistently present in my life – from childhood to adulthood, as Pastor Michael Bame Bame has. Interestingly enough, when I stopped, right after I learned of his passing, to reflect on the impact he has had on my life, it is the silliest little things from the early 70s when he was still an unmarried student at the Faculté de Théologie, Yaoundé that I remembered fondly. Then, he was not yet the Dr. MICHAEL BAME BAME, MEGA PASTOR he was later to become; he was just:

-          Our Sunday School Teacher who taught us this song (complete with actions) that I have, in turn, taught my kids:

 “Build on the Rock; the Rock that ever stands

Oh build on the Rock; the Rock and not the sand

You need not fear the storm, or the earthquake shock

You’re safe for evermore, if you build on the Rock”!

-          The “Uncle” who, on one of his regular Sunday afternoon lunch visits brought “us kids” a bag full of “Malabar” chewing gum which Ma Mbiwan confiscated the minute he left and “rationed” out to us at the rate of 2 a week! (A waste of time since I still ended up with more cavities than most dentists have had to deal with their entire careers!)

-          The “way-ahead-of-his-time” teacher who understood the profoundness and lasting effect of interactive teaching and had us out on Palm Sunday waving our Palm Branches and singing “Blessèd is He that cometh in the name of the Lord” while he played the role of the “jack ass”, with a thrilled-out-of-his-mind, wannabe “Little Jesus” riding with tiny legs wrapped around his neck!

-          The Pastor who took a group of us (pre-teens and early teens) on a life-changing “Bible Holiday Camp” at the Mont-Fébé Monastery circa 1974 that none of us will ever forget. He was soft spoken, yes, but those penetrating eyes of his would get you to confess not only sins you were not even sure you had committed, but also the ones you thought, (at age 10), that you might possibly be committing when you finally made it to 70!!

I cannot possibly count how many of his sermons I listened to first as a child, then as a teen and finally as a young adult as the years went by, but “the one” I couldn’t possibly forget even if I wanted to because I have it in my head as well as on tape, is the one he preached 20 years ago at my wedding. Thank God Pastor Elangwe, the actual pastor of Down Beach Presbyterian Church at the time understood my need to “import” my pastor from Yaoundé because his presence there to co-officiate at the ceremony, in my eyes, guaranteed that I would not take my vows lightly. (By the way, the brown leather bound Bible he gave my husband and I that day has moved with us from house to house, city to city, and now, country to country - from our Camp SIC Bertoua days to date!!!)

Writing this has turned out to be a little tougher than I’d anticipated but, the fact that Pastor Bame valiantly and faithfully accomplished the mission God put him on this earth to carry out, is something I haven’t the slightest doubt about! My heart aches for his wife, Sister Anne, and for Sally who hasn’t lost just a big brother but a loving Father! This loss is not easy to deal with; it is not even the kind of thing you ever “get over” but I know God, in his mercy and compassion, will see the entire BAME family  safely through it all. You know he deserves the REST the God he always served has called him to, so TAKE HEART!

To Pastor Bame, I join the millions of others you touched to say THANK YOU for being a Faithful Servant of God; and on behalf of the MBIWAN family, I thank you personally for ALWAYS being there for EACH ONE of us, including the one whose loss you helped us bear back in ‘81! May HE whose name you were never ashamed or afraid to proclaim grant you ETERNAL REST!

Here to “usher you safely through Heaven’s portals” is THE BENEDICTION you always said as you raised your hands in blessing over us, just before the choir picked it up in song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHBeRutj76o

Egbe Mbiwan Monjimbo

 

To a beloved Uncle

July 22, 2010

Uncle,

Your voice was soft and angelic, the stories you told were endearing and funny, but most important of all was the message behind the stories. Though firm in its content, was very soothing and reassuring. As I mourn you, I am also very greatful for all the love, care, and concern you bestowed upon me and my family. I will miss you dearly and the world will miss your leadership in proclaiming God's word.

Sleep peacefully!

Tearfully,

Maggie Abam-DePass and Family

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