Word reached us today that our pastor was badly beaten up in the village yesterday.  When he arrived to assist in the preparations for grandfather's funeral this coming Saturday, he quickly learned that some of his cousins have it in for him.  Yesterday morning two of the cousins began attacking our pastor and the village pastor.  Our pastor was severely beaten on the face, to the point that he cannot see in one eye.  While the two pastors were being driven to the closest town to a medical clinic, a third cousin arrived in the village.  He was instantly upset with the two who had done the beating.  He was angry that they only injured our pastor, and didn't kill him.  When word reached our pastor's brothers, who live here in Yaounde, they immediately took off for the village.  They contacted the police who came and arrested the offending cousins and all other relatives who were egging them on.  When the brothers arrived in the village, they came out of the car fighting mad and ready to do some real damage to their cousins.  

The base of the problem is spiritual in nature.  The cousins are very angry that our pastor is a born again Christian.  They are furious that he will not participate in the traditional religious practices, which are very demonic.  And so, in their anger, the only solution is to kill our pastor.  

Wish I could report that this is the first time in twenty five years that we have ever heard of something like this happening.  Unfortunately it is an all too common practice.  We never have to wonder why we are here in Cameroon.  It is in our face all the time.  People desperately need the Lord.  He is their only hope.