2020 edition of the Feast of Esther conference in Cameroon held on November 28, 2020, under the theme “Arise and Shine”. Unlike the previous editions, it was a virtual program due to the current Covid pandemic situation in the world. Prior to the date, participants registered online via FOE Cameroon website (www.feastofesthercmr.org).

The three hours power-packed program, coordinated by Rev. Nzoudja Chantal, a member of FOE Cameroon unfolded with a praise and worship session led by the RCCG Cameroon praise team. During the opening prayers, Rev. Alida Numbe led participants through a series of thanksgiving prayers.

Welcoming participants to the conference on behalf of Mummy G.O, Pastor Mrs. Mercy Akalamudo, wife of SATGO, RCCG Central Africa Region said the theme “Esthers arise and shine” is very timely considering the darkness and uncertainty that has enveloped the world. She said, “as ministry leaders and wives of ministry leaders, they are duty-bound to arise, shine as Esthers and confront the darkness of their time”. This will be done by bringing freedom to the oppressed and help to the helpless.

She further encouraged female gospel ministers to combine their gifts and experiences like Esther did with her maidens and the Jews, trusting God to endow them with power so that they will be the solution needed by the world. She extended her deep sympathy to families affected worldwide by the Covid 19 pandemic and called on God to comfort them and protect frontline workers.

Presenting the vision of Feast of Esther, Mummy Manka Gwei explained that it is a gathering of female ministry leaders and wives of ministry leaders. They come together to exchange ideas, fellowship, stand in the gap for their husbands, churches, ministry, nation and carry out the great commission. It’s also a forum where members learn more on their calling in ministry, how to interact, encourage and bear each other’s burden. FOE members also come together to promote unity in the body of Christ and ensure revival in the nation.

Pastor Clarisse Okenwa of Jesus Reign Ministry International led participants in a moment of covenant prayers for the nation of Cameroon. Before the prayers she pointed out that one of the ways to shine in our current world covered with gross darkness is by bearing the burden like Esther. That is doing all we can to ensure that the covenant of God’s legacy and investment is not wasted. She prayed for the covenant of the blood of Jesus to speak mercy and God’s leadership in the seven spheres of influence. Members were equally led to pray and cancel the agenda of death and bloodshed in North West and South west regions. Pastor Clarisse concluded the prayer session by releasing peace and blessings on the nation of Cameroon, speaking open heaven over all families and systems across the world.

 Pastor Mrs. Folu Adeboye, visionary of FOE, addressed participants on the theme “Esthers Arise”. Mummy GO told the participants that the hour has come to step out and shine according to Isaiah 60: 1. It means to emerge, stand and thus you will see what you have not seen before. When we arise:

 We will redeem time

 We will take back what the evil stole during the during the lockdown (John 10:10)

 We will face new challenges by gods help he killed goliath (1Sam. 17:34-37)

We will reverse the irreversible (Luke 15:11-24)

How do we shine?

By giving hope to the hopeless through god’s word. Job 22:29. Hope to ministers of God, our neighbours, and bring back a lot who are discouraged.

By working hard so as to regain all lost opportunities, raise the banner of Jesus. 1 cor. 9: 16. Use every opportunity to preach the word, pray for the sick, go where we have never been. Act 8:1-6. Philip went to Samaria and he had a tremendous breakthrough.

By raising more disciples because the harvest is plenty, Acts 2:38-41.

We have to spend and be spent. Spend money for kingdom business and go to places you have not be going before. Luke 8:1-3. Let’s shine with the substance God has given us.

Why should we arise and shine?

Because we don’t know tomorrow. We must work while it is day, John 9:4, Joshua 14.

Because our light must not be hidden. You cannot afford to be ex-champion Mtt. 5

We should remember that we will give account of our stewardship on earth. We don’t know when he will come so we can’t afford to waste any opportunity. Mtt. 25:19

If we shine darkness will be displaced. Act 8, Mtt. 25: 34. The lord was pleased with the steward who multiplied his talent.

Let’ redeem the time, rekindle our light and shine because glory is awaiting us.

Mummy Relindis Bifuam led prayers for members of FOE Cameroon. She said God’s last born women are special in His eyes. Instead of allowing challenges to weigh them down, she said they should go back to the pace of prayer and put things in order. She led participants in the following prayer points:

• Grace to understand and accept that we are extraordinary women on earth with specific ministries.

• Raise a standard against all forces of darkness. Gen 3:15 and grace to pray persistently.

• Grace to raise personal family prayer alters where we can handle and settle many things in the background with God.

• Grace to live lives that we preach and be indeed the proverb 31 woman so we can set the pace for the next generation.                                                                                                                      

The second talk during the FOE Cameroon 2020 conference was led by Rev. Mrs Dorothy Njafuh, General Overseer of Faith Bible Church. She elaborated on the topic “Redeeming the time” (Ephesians 5: 15-16). It does not just end at being born again and receiving gifts, titles. The question is “What have you done with all the gifts, resources, graces?” We should be able to produce fruits. She said we will all give an account of the stewardship entrusted to us by God. Are we using God’s investment to arise and shine, to sleep, day dream or just seat and eat? We must live carefully ensuring that we don’t just live to make a name and fame (Romans 14: 12, ) She added that, if the resources we have are not being used to further kingdom business then we are wasting these resources. As women, our role is as important to God as the role of the Holy Ghost in the boy of Christ. (Psalms 139:16).  According to John 15: 8, she said the value of what we are called to do should have eternal dividends. Women should work towards fulfilling God’s redemptive purpose for nations (2Tim 1:9). Each day counts for the fulfilment of purpose on earth. We will give account of every resource that is not been used to further kingdom purpose. (James 4:14, Psalms 90:12). She cautioned participants to avoid all sources of distractions and laziness. She concluded with these words: “the woman is the Lord’s trump card, the nation is our baby, ask God to reveal your path, engage purpose and redeem time”.

Rev. Mrs. Beatrice Ngnangock wife of general overseer of All Families and Outreach Ministry led talk no. 3 on the topic “Leading as Shining Stars”. She exhorted participants to arise and be visible wherever they are called to serve. “Don’t be an echo, be a voice, there is always a new level to attain. Strife to get to that new level”. She added that, leading as shining stars means you should live for Christ so as to establish the reign and ways of God on earth. Engage yourself in things that will give glory to God, seek to know and fulfil his will and live like God’s ambassador on earth. She concluded that when we lead as shining stars others should be able to copy our life style.

Mummy Relindis and Mummy Alida gave brief testimonies of divine direction and successful results in ministry after participating in previous editions of FOE conferences.

Participants were also blessed with words of encouragement from the Feast of Esther administrator, Mrs. Aderoju Odunsi. She appreciated God for the success of the first virtual conference and congratulated participants, anchors, coordinators, the executive team, and speakers for the impactful messages. She added that they should not be weary because in due season they will reap their reward.

2020 edition of FOE Cameroon wrapped up with words of appreciation and fatherly blessings from Pastor Peter Akalamudo, SATGO, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Central Africa Region.

The first edition of FOE held in Lagos Nigeria in 2002 and was inaugurated in Cameroon in 2016 by Pastor Folu Adeboye.