For two guides of the Prayer and Life Workshop (PLW), one from the United States and the other from Spain, the words from father Ignacio´s book “Brother Francis of Assisi” are becoming a lived reality: “When one has been seduced by God, one can move mountains and rivers…boundaries are no longer an obstacle…”.
When we have been inspired by God, everything is possible! Betty and José Luis have been moved by such a force, the need to reveal God´s unconditional love to other peoples. To carry out the PLW evangelizing mission they left their homes and have flown to another land, Cameroon to be precise; they were there for 6 months thanks to the support of their respective Zone Coordinators.
Upon arrival, November 2011, they guided weekly retreats for the Sisters Servants of Mary community who warmly received them in Dschang city, located in West Cameroon. Afterwards Betty went to Bamenda and then to Widikum in the anglophone sector, while José Luis remained in the francophone zone of Dschang.
They went door to door, listened; adapted their schedule to the needs of those they went to inspire with the Good News. All this and more was done through the passion and strength that is given to those that follow the path of our resurrected Lord.
In the hospital of Widikum, the only building of this small and less developed town, compared to Dschang and Bamenda, located in the northeast corner of the country, Betty carried out three Workshops: one for the consecrated sisters, a second for hospital workers and a third one for young people who have experienced a religious calling.
During these Workshops she was also confronted with the many spiritual needs of the local population such as: provide support to HIV/AIDS infected women that are patients at the hospital, as well to a group of men that gather each Sunday to pray; and to enrich the prayer experience of a group of charismatic women.
In regards to José Luis, who was accompanied to Cameroon by his wife Santy, he gave five Workshops a week, two at the university and three in the local parishes. Those Workshops in the parishes were attended by 36 Dschang locals, representing the different social groups of this locality, and who shared their experiences of faith. Many of them are already involved with the parish but they maintain their active participation with the Workshop.
José Luis and Santy underline the enthusiasm showed by the participants, since many of them had to work the land before the March rains and despite their fatigue they found the energy to attend the weekly Sessions. As he says “their hunger of God is greater than their bodily weariness.”
They tell us how the two groups that assisted the university Workshops were a total of 85 students between 23 and 24 years old: “they come from different faculties, they were good listeners, observers, note takers…they are good people: humble, giving, friendly, and respectful. Also “they were shy and impressionable to local customs and traditions. They are intelligent and able to express very well what they feel through their speech, song and dance. However they also distract easily and at times have difficulty in assimilating certain contents.”
The work these Guides did during their stay was fruitful. The enthusiasm of the Workshop participants for Jesus has translated into 15 possible future guides for the PLW. They also have helped to renew their joyful spirituality, among others, to those Catholics consecrated to God who are in service to the most destitute of Cameroon. Through the Workshops our Guides have generated fraternal energies among the participants and observed in wonder how the Lord acts on the hearts of these kind people.
José Luis comments: “while I was short on time I was unable to say “no” to a group of 12 people from the parish of San Nicholas de Foué, the poorest of the poor of Dschang: “It may me think of Jesus… I saw them, how they lived, they seemed lost…their work conditions… how they looked at me… I listened to them…they would come to me and smile… I saw their miserable living conditions and their joy to see me. I was moved I couldn´t help it… We spoke of the Workshop.”
Betty, José Luis and Santy summarize their thoughts and emotions on their experience of sharing with the most destitute and the joy of giving them “small cups of joy” to made their lives a bit happier.
(…) “At our arrival to Widikum on December 3rd, a small and poor town, I felt the presence of a great amount of energy and recalled Father Ignacio´s blessing… Tell you that one feels the effects of your prayers as our path begins to open slowly. An embrace to all those who pray for this beautiful project… “our path opens before our steps.”
(…) “Do you realize how beloved we are to our Lord he sends us brothers and sisters from all corners of the globe. I do not know if our hearts are big enough for all, since we have left a bit at each place we have been… He is like that…this is a great help…it gives me great strength and happiness to work for PLW Workshops, for His Reign.”
(…) “At last do not forget that the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few… Lift your spirits! We are waiting for you: the new brothers and us, with open arms and enlightened hearts. Have no fear. The Lord, as always is with us in the Vineyard and in every moment 24 hours a day. Then, what or who do we have to fear?
