Cameroon: Presbyterian Church Elects New Moderator

By Christopher Ambe Shu

The Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC), which is 52 years old, has a new moderator, who is the Chief Shepherd of this Christian organization with a membership of more than one million people.

Rev.Dr.Festus Ambe Asana(pictured) was overwhelmingly elected by the 44th Synod ,dubbed “Synod of Change” ,on November 24 in Kumba, to replace the Rt. Rev.Dr. Nyansako –ni-Nku, who has served in that capacity for ten years, and is due retirement in December.

Rev.Professor Emmanuel Anyambod Anya,rector of Protestant University of Central Africa(PUCA),who had put up his candidature to race with Rev.Dr.Festus Asana, considered the favorite, for office of moderator, withdrew at the last minute, in favor of his lone challenger.That made Rev. Dr.Asana to secure all 92 votes,hence scoring 100% from the electoral college.

Rev. Dr.Asana will officially assume office in January 2010 after an institution and induction ceremony.

Rev.Abwenzoh William Membong ,secretary of the Kumba Presbytery, was also elected as Synod Clerk, to replace Rev. Dr. Festus Ambe Asana, who has served two five-year terms in that office. Rev Abwenzoh beat his lone challenger, Rev. Besong Johnson Tabe by 47 to 45 votes.

In his acceptance speech,Moderator-elect Rev. Dr. Asana emphasised the need for the church to become more united."My ambition is to see the church stronger and more united;that we reason as children of one family,"he said,adding that transparency,hard work and probity must characterise his leadership.

Rev. Dr.Asana’s Profile

Born in Bafut in March 1948, Rev. Dr. Festus Ambe Asana is the first of ten children of late Rev.David Chembe Asana and Monica Bi Asana.

Due to the itinerant missionary nature of his father’s service, young Festus Asana attended Basel/Presbyterian Primary Schools in Nyasoso, Nseh, Kumbo, Buwe-Bukali and Bome.

As a student of Cameroon Protestant College (CPC) Bali where he felt called to the pastoral ministry in his third year (1966). After obtaining the London GCE ordinary Level, he proceeded to Cameroon College of Arts, Science and Technology (CCAST) Bambili where he passed his GCE Advanced level.

Festus Asana began his theological studies at the Faculty of Protestant Theology, Yaoundé graduating in 1976 with a Bachelor’s degree and post-graduate diploma. That same year he began teaching at the Presbyterian Theological College, Nyasoso at the age of 29. He later became Principal of same college

In 1983, he moved to the USA where he studied for an MTS degree at Harvard University, the Divinity School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, graduating as class marshal. He later earned a doctorate degree (Th.D) from Boston University School of Theology.

Upon return to Cameroon, he was reappointed Principal of the Theological College, Kumba and he became the first Dean of the Presbyterian Seminary in 1984 when the school was upgraded to a degree-awarding institution.

Rev Dr. Festus Asana has served the church in various capacities among which are: tutor at CPC Bali (1971-1972); lecturer at Theological College, Nyasoso and Kumba Seminary for 14 years; principal of Theological College, Nyasoso and Kumba for seven years; chaplain of Government Secondary School Nyasoso for three years; pastor of English-Speaking parish, Yaoundé for two years; Chaplian of Presbyterian High School,Kumba(1990);pastor of Kosala Congregation for five years; Dean of the Presbyterian theological Seminary Kumba for five years and Synod Clerk of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon from 1999 to 2009.

He was ordained in 1978 and is married to Mrs. Jenny Nchang, a teacher by profession and holder of Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Lesley college Graduate School,Cambridge,Massachusetts,USA.They have four children.

Rev Dr Asana has co-authored two books and published many articles;been member of the board of Governors of the Cameroon Bible Translation and Literacy association(CABTAL)