Feast of Esther (FOE) Cameroon report

Pastor-Folu-Adeboye about feast of esther

On the 27-28th of May 2016, Cameroon had its first edition of the FOE program. Just like the pre-feast which held a year earlier, it was a huge success. This maiden edition of the program took place at the St JOHN PLAZA BONAPRISO DOUALA with the theme: “Revisiting leadership” under the graceful presence of the visionary of this program Pst (Mrs.) Folu Adeboye. About 328 women leaders of ministries and wives of heads of ministries in Cameroon attended this very enriching and refreshing program

Day 1

Day 1 activities started at 3:00 pm with the registration of participants. High Praise & worship took off at 5:00 pm led by the mass choir of the FOE program. After opening prayer and prayer of thanksgiving, the Mother in Israel (Pst (Mrs.) Folu Adeboye) gave her welcome address where she urged women leaders of ministries in Cameroon to use their leadership position to effect positive changes in our society just like Esther and Deborah did in their time. This was followed by a sumptuous dinner served by ISTANBUL Restaurant. The only plenary session of the day was given by Rev. Daniel Mbiwan – General Overseer of the Full Gospel Mission Cameroon. In his very inspiring message, Rev. Mbiwan defined leadership as an influence; a way of life, and not a role to play. He emphasized the fact that leadership comes with great responsibilities such as caring for the flock, watching over them among others, and ended up by saying it is a privilege to lead and that must not be taken for granted. This evening program was seasoned with intense prayer sessions for the nation and the Church by Rev. Mrs. Laurentine Ngwu of Living word Fellowship Yaounde while Rev. Mrs. Jacqueline Mbog of La mission Emmanuel Cameroon in Douala led prayers for husbands and the youths. The program ended at about 11:15 pm and women departed to their hotel rooms for rest.

Day 2

Day 2 started at about 9:00 am with praise & worship followed by a 30mins morning devotion led by Rev. Mrs. Dorothy Njafuh of Faith Bible Churches. Pst (Mrs.) Esther Odeyemi, wife of the Special Assistant to the General Overseer – RCCG Central Africa and Coordinator FOE Cameroon led women into victorious prayers for the next 30mins. This was an opportunity for women to meet with God as they poured out their hearts to him in prayers concerning various aspects of their lives. Then Pst (Mrs.) Folu Adeboye took the first and second plenary session for the day .he. In her message entitled “Leadership as ordained by God” Pst (Mrs.) Folu Adeboye told the women leaders that everything about a leader is ordained by God. Hence a good leader must know her calling and purpose and pursue it. She used her own testimony to challenge them to always pray and hear from God – Numbers 12:18; Exodus 6: 13. Such a leader should not be a solo leader. He should use others, build them, mentor them, and be interested in their lives.

This was followed by an interactive session on “The lady Christian leader and human relations” coordinated by Evangelist Marie Claire Minko and Pst Mrs. Dorothy Balinga. Participants were divided into several groups to allow as many people as possible to participate in the discussions. It was then concluded in plenary as the different groups presented the results of their group works to the rest of the participants.
After the lunch break Pst (Mrs.) Folu Adeboye set the ball rolling again by talking about

“Women leaders and the power of unity”.

Taking her text from Psalms 133:1 she said that unity commands blessings. A leader should be united with her fellow leaders. Even though there might be difficulties she should:

  • recognize God as the highest authority
  • never procrastinate – Nehemiah 2:13
  • associate others in whatever thing they want to do
  • make everybody responsible
  • pray always and in unity – Nehemiah 3:6; Nehemiah 4:9

In summary, never boast to accomplish the purpose of your calling, endure hard times, and love others unconditionally.
The last charge for the day was given by Pst E. A. Odeyemi, the Special Assistant to the General Overseer RCCG Central Africa. In his highly professional message, he discussed

“Some dangerous grounds leaders should not tread”.

He said leadership is like walking on a field filled with land mines. These land mines leave very costly and permanent consequences to their victims
Sin destroys and kills our ministry. I John 2: 15-17 God warns us against:

  • the lust of eyes Job 31: 1. You can decide on what to see as Job did.
  • the lust of the flesh; our body is the temple of God so we should flee from immorality.
  • the pride of life. Never abuse your power, position, or resources. Remember God is the one that gave you this position and you will render account to Him.
    He emphasized on the three things a leader should do:

He emphasized on the three things a leader should do:

  1. know he is a steward
  2. be ready for sacrifices. If you don’t give, you’ll not receive it. Give sacrificially and live a life of integrity.
  3. self-denial will help a leader to be a leader after God’s heart.

The first 13 national executives of FOE Cameroon were inducted into office and prayed for by Pst (Mrs.) Folu Adeboye who charged them to carry on with this vision so that God can bring a transformation into Christian ministries in Cameroon. Amidst dances singing and snapshots with Pst (Mrs.) Folu Adeboye, the Mother-in-Israel, women gave their thanksgiving offering to God and departed for their various homes at about 6:15 pm satisfied to have spent two days of refreshing in God’s presence but more especially challenged enough to go and effect change in their homes, their ministries and the country. May God help us in Jesus’ name!