Mama Monica Binwi Asana, whom we fondly call Grandma, was born into the family of AmbeNwu and Miriam llem in Bafut  in the year 1924. Her mother, Mariam Lem, was in her second marriage in Bafut for she was previously widowed in Mankon where she had three girls. In her second marriage she had three other girls and grandma was the first of them. She was the only surviving child from her mom, and now all have gone to eternal rest. We are thankful to God that all of them retired from this world at ripe ages and left behind several offspring.

Grandma was privileged to be one of the first students at the famous Girl’s School in Nsem Bafut ran by the one and only Na Weber; where she acquired home management skills in housewifery, knitting and cookery. This was a school noted for preparing young girls for married life, so anyone admitted into the school became a hot cake. So she was as the suitors lined up. She caught the sight of the energetic, handsome and promising educated jackpot from Nchum Bafut, who was the eye of every would-be bride. She fell for David ChembeAsana, son of Pa Ambenchowho had two other male siblings and a sister. Theirs was love at first sight for it wasn’t long before they were living as husband and wife.

Mama Monica  was quick in demonstrating her acquired skills from the Girl’s School as she gave the husband full support as a vernacular  teacherin the districts of Mambu and Manji in the city of Bafut.Her husband’sperformance took him to work at CDC, a banana and rubber plantation that was the gold mine of the then West Cameroon. While working there, he received the call to serve God. After an entrance exam into the Theological College of Nyassosso, he was selected to study theology and enter into pastoral ministry. While at Nyassosso from 1956-58,Grandma’ssupport was unbeatable. She made the best puff-puff, bread and accra in the world. She was a farmer and her pot was never empty because her home was the home of the people. After her husband’s graduation, they headed out to the Kishon Mission Station.

This new station marked a turning point in mama’s life and the life of the family. She met the Zumbrunnen missionary family from Germany. Mrs Zebrunnen and her clicked so well that the families became as one and was blinded from color and the way they looked.  Most strikingly was the joint effort at community services that saw the introduction of the Christian Women fellowship of the church in 1958. The two taught knitting, cookery and needle work to the young women and they all delved into Bible reading and worship. Grandma became the women’s leader and represented the women at leadership courses held at the Girls Home making center in Aghati, Bafut.  

In 1963, Grandma accompanied her hubby to Bome in Meta sub-division where he worked for a year  but due to ill-health, he was moved to Batibo where they worked from 1964 to 1972. The period was long and saw great contributions to the life of the church through her support for her husband. As his better half, while he concentrated on the spiritual up-bringing, Big Mamie enhanced the economic and material benefits of the women and children of the congregations. She attended, taught and lead leadership courses in the church. To cement this relationship at Batibo, one of her lovely girls was held back there by a strong career driven and a go-getter of the Batibo clan. Their next station was at Mankwi in Bafut where they served until retirement in 1983. Coincidentally, her husband was retired on paper but not tired from his calling, so that while on retirement now at Nchum Bafut, he had three congregations to pastor. That was then, when pastors were truly pastors.

In the course of these travels, work and support, her husband and her were blessed with ten kids.  It is very important to note that at each station, the first thing the family was expected to do was learn the language, speak fluently to be able to communicate and transact business. The parents and children grew up as linguists speaking over five languages each in the North West region and, one in the South West and the Douala language. It was interestingly how they switch codes when they are together. Her sweaters and clothes were worn by her ten biological kids and many other adopted kids. She will forever be missed for her generosity and nurturing. She deserves a gold medal for caring and nursing her sick husband for twelve years without blinking.

She was steadfast in faith and consistent in prayer. When she lost her two adult kids a few years back, she accepted their departure with the steadfastness of Job, giving thanks to God and looking forward when her dear Father in heaven will show her grace and lift her above in the realms of His glory. He did so for her.

She slept peacefully without a mumbling word on June 12, 2018.        

Here are some pictures to remember.