ICC Note:

Despite persecution, Cameroon Christians, in the Central African Republic, seek forgiveness rather than revenge. According to an interview conducted by Christian Daily, a neighboring village burned three-hundred homes belonging to Christians living in Bambalang, Cameroon. This occurred just one week before the village dedicated the Gospel of Luke in their language. Instead of seeking revenge, the Christians dwelled on “’the words of Jesus in the Chrambo language about loving enemies,’” which brought comfort in the midst of their suffering.

03/15/2017 Central African Republic (Christian Daily) – Speaking to The Christian Post in an interview, Wycliffe president Bob Creson recalled how Christians in Cameroon initially wanted to seek revenge after their houses were torched down. However, they changed their perspective and chose to forgive those who inflicted harm on them after they heard in their own language Jesus’ message about loving one’s enemies.

“Just one week before the Gospel of Luke was to be dedicated in their language, the people of Bambalang, Cameroon, suffered greatly when 300 homes were burned down by a neighboring village,” said Creson in his interview with the Post. “In the midst of the devastation, many were angry and wanted to seek revenge. But the words of Jesus in the Chrambo language about loving enemies has brought comfort, healing and forgiveness to the people of Bambalang.”

Balambang pastor Pius Mbahlegue explained to the villagers that hating their enemy will not address the problem. In contrast, he said loving one’s enemy will render him powerless.

For Creson, reading or hearing the Scripture in one’s own language creates a connection with a person’s heart. He said the experience manifests God’s love for a person in a manner that is “real and direct.”

Meanwhile, Christians in Cameroon’s northern region have been targeted in an increasing number of attacks by militant group Boko Haram since last year. Although the group is based in Nigeria, Barnabas Aid said Boko Haram fighters often carry out jihadist attacks in Cameroon, Chad, and even in Niger, Worthy News reports.

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