What God gives: prayers from Africa
Marcia Whitney-Schenck
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Rev. David Ambola from Mbingo, Cameroon, has remarked that Africans are incurably religious. Indeed, for many in Africa, religion permeates every aspect of their lives, from Christian messages on the rear windows of taxis to hand-crafted signs in hospital waiting rooms.
Hand surgeon Dr. Robert Schenck and his wife, photographer Marcia Whitney-Schenck, heard many compelling Christian voices while they volunteered in Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda between 2008-2009. While Dr. Schenck was teaching hand surgery to national physicians, Marcia taught English as a second language to elementary school children and healthcare professionals. But it was the African people who taught them about praising God.
During their service at Mbingo Baptist Hospital in Cameroon and at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Hospital in the Congo, Marcia collected prayers and took photographs of the Protestants and Catholics whom she met there. The following photographs are from her recently published book, What God Gives.
Unless otherwise noted, all the photographs were taken by Marcia Whitney-Schenck.
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| A family in Cameroon offers their prayers to people suffering with AIDS |
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| Jacob Tock was living in New Hope Village, Cameroon, a compound established in 1954 to treat patients with Hansen’s disease, commonly known as leprosy. In addition to suffering from the effects of the disease, he was nearly blind from a hunting accident.
| Jacob Tock’s hands I asked him, “What are your favorite prayers?” His answer was not specific. I started to pack up my camera when he said, “What God gives, take with both hands.” This simple statement struck me as having enormous meaning. I got out my camera and took a picture of his curled, stubbed fingers. |
 | A congregation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo sings hymns in their language, Tshiluba: Count your many blessings Pawanyingalala mu dikenga be |
We first noticed Mr. Confidence at the Baptist Church, where he would often break out into an enthusiastic display of song and dance. I was later invited to a Sunday afternoon prayer service at a community hall. There, Mr. Confidence danced with exuberant praise. I became a fan. When we learned that he was going to entertain the patients at Mbingo Baptist Hospital where he worked, I showed up and watched as he managed to amuse even the gloomiest of patients. If the Lord is for you, you don’t need to worry, anything, You needn’t fear anything, not anything, if the Lord is kannun, ta, ta, kannun, tunn, tunn, kannun, ta, ta, tatinga … |  |
 | Prayer of a magician Jehovah God, You created the heavens and earth, Translated from Tshiluba by John Metzel |
| “Mozart” Mukenge (center) said these words before giving a village concert in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: |
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The children at Mbingo Baptist School pray every morning before class. They were like children anywhere—squirming, squealing, peaking—and praying, too. A student’s prayer I pray for the land of Boyo, the green hills that He has made us to see, the rain that He has made to fall, the sun that He has made to shine and for the moon in the night sky …. I pray for all those who are sleeping in sin, that they should wake up to see the light that God has given them. Prayer by Raissia Vigah, 10 | |
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Photo by Maiser, a Congolese photographer Nancy Haninger, a Presbyterian missionary in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, encouraged me to take more pictures of women. Many were so shy, it was difficult to learn about the spiritual thoughts closest to their hearts, but their faces revealed everything—their troubles and hopes. | Photo by Maiser, a Congolese photographer A prayer for Congolese mothers Our most Gracious and Loving God, Prayer by Nancy Haninger |
 | We were constantly amazed at the strength and integrity of nurses at both the hospitals in Cameroon and Congo. Many of their prayers were heartfelt: “Give me the power and strength to serve your people.” Others were amusing: “Oh Lord, give this doctor more knowledge than the little bit he has.” A nurse’s prayer Thank you, God, for helping me see this day. Prayer by Helen Tobah, a nurse at Mbingo Baptist Hospital, Cameroon |
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| A patient prays during a Bible reading conducted every morning in the hospital wards. | Dr. Robert Schenck and Dr. Chris Nana (from Cameroon), pray before an operation. |
MARCIA WHITNEY-SCHENCK,was a former reporter for the Tacoma News Tribune and publisher of Christianity and the Arts. She currently teaches English as a Second Language in Chicago. She is affiliated with Global LT, a company that matches business executives with tutors. She has taught in Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where her husband volunteered his services as a hand surgeon. Visit her website at http://www.notjustgrammar.com. Her book What God Gives: Prayers from Africa may be purchased at http://www.amazon.com or http://www.lulu.com.
To learn more about Dr. Robert Schenck’s work in developing nations, visit http://www.handsurgeryworld.net.
Highlighted in Frontispiece Winter 2011 – Volume 3, Issue 1
Winter 2011 | Sections | Africa
