“Today We Have Seen God Face to Face”: A Day of Service in Ngounso
Welcomed with song
The widows of Ngounso welcomed us with song.
First came a song of welcome. Then Christian songs of praise, and songs from the community itself.
For many of the women gathered that afternoon, this was a moment years in the making. Faith in God Charity Missions has supported widows in Ngounso and nearby Magba for some time. But until that day, many of them had never met the people behind the help.
Constant, the widows’ president for Magba and the centre, put it simply:
“Year after year we have received his gifts. But today it is proven: we have seen him face to face.”
The words were about our founder, Terrence Shey, whom the widows lovingly call “Papa.”
“The wives of the Most High”
One by one, the widows’ leaders stood to speak. Most spoke in Pidgin English. We have translated their words below as faithfully as we can.
A local pastor, Pastor Vitalis, thanked God for bringing everyone together. Then came a phrase we have not stopped thinking about. The widows, he said, are “the wives of the Most High.”
“God has placed in your heart a burden for the wives of the Most High, called widows. You have brought smiles to the minds, the eyes and the faces of these widows.”
Regina, widows’ president for Magba, spoke of the gifts the women have received over the years, and prayed for our founder:
“Each time we have gathered, we have received gifts, and we really thank God. May God richly bless the organisation and give him more wisdom and strength.”
And Constant looked ahead with hope:
“The organisation’s presence has strengthened us in many ways. I believe next time this group will be even stronger.”
One elder in the community compared our team to Moses, called by God to lead his people. He asked God to “replace” our effort, wisdom and resources, a Cameroonian way of praying that God restores what is given.
More than a bag of rice
That afternoon, we served 73 widows and vulnerable individuals from Ngounso and Magba.
Through our Food Security work, each received rice, soap and other household essentials. But the day was never only about what we placed in their hands.
We made time to listen. Counselling was available for anyone who wanted to share what they were carrying. And we shared the Word of God, reminding everyone gathered that they are seen, valued and not alone.
This is what we mean when we say we serve the whole person: meeting practical needs, while making room for the heart and the spirit too.
“We are not okay”
The community chief also rose to speak. He thanked the team for coming to meet his people, and reminded everyone that a community and its leader stand together.
“Without a leader there is no community, and without a community there is no leader.”
He spoke of how this support lifts the whole community, helping Ngounso to be known across Cameroon, Africa and the world. Then he said something honest that has stayed with us:
“We are desperate. We are not okay. But for this, we thank you. May God bless you richly. We are behind you, praying for you.”
His words were a gift and a reminder. One afternoon brought smiles, but the needs in Ngounso and Magba remain real. The work is not finished.
Being seen
We went to Ngounso to give. We came home having received far more: songs, prayers, and words of thanks we will carry for a long time.
What moved us most was not the rice or the soap and other essentials. It was hearing the widows say, in their own words, that they had been seen. Not forgotten. Not overlooked. Face to face.
Over to you: Have you ever been helped by someone who simply showed up and listened? We would love to hear your story in the comments.
This is the first of three Mission Moments from this year’s trip to Cameroon. Look out for the next one, and feel free to share this post with anyone who would be encouraged by it.
See photos from the day on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
Serving Humanity. Sharing God’s Love. Transforming Lives.
Learn more about our work at figcm.org.
Translation note: Most speakers spoke in Cameroonian Pidgin English. Quotes have been translated into standard English and shortened for clarity. All speakers gave their consent to be featured.
