The Church of Jesus Christ Creates First Stake in Yaoundé, Cameroon

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From the Africa English Newsroom

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints created the first stake in Yaoundé, Cameroon, in the Africa Central Area, marking a historic milestone in the growth of the Church in Central Africa.

The Yaoundé Cameroon Stake was organized on Sunday, June 1, by Elder Paul B. Pieper, General Authority Seventy and First Counselor in the Africa Central Area Presidency, and Elder Charden Ndinga, Area Seventy in the Africa Central Area.

During the first stake conference, Elder Pieper emphasized the spiritual importance of the transition. “We have changed. We are no longer a district. The organization has changed, but our work remains the same; to reach out, to serve, to bless, and to strengthen,” he said. “Today, God is raising His standard with this stake. From this day and forevermore, this stake will be a standard where the light of God will extend to all of Cameroon and beyond. It will be a light to this nation.”

Elder Ndinga reminded of the divine nature of Church callings. “When we come to a place for this kind of assignment, we don’t come with a personal agenda, but with the Lord’s agenda. God calls whom He will and qualifies them.”

More than 900 Latter-day Saints and friends gathered at the District Center in Nkomo, located in the El Dorado area of Yaoundé 4, Mfoundi Division, to witness the event. A stake is similar to a diocese and consists of several congregations known as wards and branches.

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The new stake comprises five wards — Bastos, Mimboman, Ekounou, Eleveur and Anguissa — and four branches — Biyem-Assi, Obili, Messassi and Soa.

Pascal Thierry Onana was called and sustained as the first stake president. His counselors are Adjomo Ntyam Francky, first counselor, and Osse Samuel, second counselor.  

The weekend of May 31 to June 1 included leadership meetings and an afternoon devotional, culminating in the stake’s creation on Sunday.

President Onana reflected on the significance of the moment. “In April 1834, the Prophet Joseph Smith told a small group of priesthood holders that the Church would fill North and South America and the entire world,” he said. “This prophecy is being fulfilled before our eyes.”

He added, “Today in Yaoundé, we see only a small group of priesthood holders, but the Church will fill Cameroon — North, South, East and West. It will reach your villages, your families and will have temples.”

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First counselor Adjomo Ntyam Francky expressed his feelings about the opportunity to serve. “I love my country very much, and seeing this progress brings me great joy. What brings me even more joy is knowing that the Lord allowed me to be among the instruments that contributed to this progress. Often, greatness in the world means being served, but greatness in the eyes of God means serving others. I will always be ready to give my best to serve my Heavenly Father.”

Second counselor Osse Samuel shared how the Church’s teachings have shaped his outlook and service. “One thing I learned at church that changed my outlook on life is that if we are not meek and humble in heart, we cannot contribute to the Lord’s work. When we are willing to follow the Lord humbly and gently, He strengthens our weaknesses so that His name may be glorified. I serve with all my heart, knowing that God loves us and that we are His children. Each of us can contribute greatly to this work if we are meek and humble in heart.”

The Church’s presence in Cameroon began with a small group of four faithful brothers — Aba’a Valentin, Betebe Justin, Akoh and Zang Gervais — under the guidance of a Canadian missionary couple, the Garniers. The first official branch was organized on January 3, 1993, and later recognized by the Cameroonian government. Over three decades later, the formation of the Yaoundé Cameroon Stake is a testament to the Lord’s work in this part of His vineyard.

President Russell M. Nelson has taught that “The gathering of Israel is the most important work taking place on the earth today.”