Dr. Zachée Ngoko, Consecrated member of the Incarnation: second -Vice President of the Word of God Men’s Apostolate
Interviewed by Magnus Ful
You have recently concluded the third international congress of the Word of God Men’s Service. Please introduce your association to us.
The Men’s Service operates as an apostolate within the broader Incarnation Movement of the Roman Catholic Church. The Incarnation Movement (Word of God Groups) is a movement created in 1996 in Bamenda, Cameroon, by Dr. Henri Bayemi. Its spirituality consists of helping members live the Word of God. Besides, there exists a women’s apostolate, a youth’s and a children’s apostolates. The primary aim of the men’s apostolate is to equip men with the skills necessary to become exemplary loving husbands, fathers, and diligent workers while strengthening bonds of charity between members. Within our families, we are encouraged to appreciate and honor our wives, children and families-in-law. During a recent session, one participant shared his transformative journey, revealing that he had previously led a life marked by infidelity and excessive drinking. However, since becoming a member of the Men’s Service, he has shifted his focus away from indulgent spending and has found greater fulfillment in his life. Today, he experiences a significant improvement in his well-being, bringing happiness to both himself and his family.
What are the activities of your association?
Our association engages in a variety of activities across different regions. For instance, I am from Bamenda, where we have established our own Service, and similar Services are available in Bafoussam and nearly every diocese throughout Cameroon. Internationally, we have Services in Canada, the USA, France, and Germany. Regarding our activities, members convene monthly at the residence of one of their peers, where they participate in singing and praising God, as well as reading and sharing the Word of God, which holds significant importance for us. Following this, we provide a platform for testimonies, allowing members to recount their personal experiences from the past month from our Prayer Leaflet. Additionally, we offer practical guidance on various aspects of life, including household responsibilities, workplace dynamics, and societal engagement. It has come to our attention that some men have never taken the initiative to make their beds in the morning, believing it to be solely their wives’ duty. We address and seek to change such mindsets during our gatherings. Our monthly meetings also include discussions on practical matters such as tax management, home construction, gardening and so on. Depending on the context and current circumstances, we strive to empower our members with practical lessons that enhance both their spiritual and socio-economic lives. Within our group, we are fortunate to have specialists from various fields who typically act as our resource individuals and facilitators. Following our sessions, we partake in a meal before returning home, having been provided with fundamental practical tasks aimed at enhancing our homes, workplaces, and communities. These assignments form the foundation for sharing experiences in our subsequent meeting. However, the most important uniform we wear is “to put the word of God into practice in our daily life”.
A majority of your members are working class. How can one maintain a harmonious balance between spiritual and professional life amidst the numerous temptations present in the workplace?
The insights gained from my brothers and myself within the Men’s Service have demonstrated that pursuing a profound spiritual life significantly enhances professional performance. We have experienced notable achievements and continue to attain remarkable successes. In alignment with the biblical teaching found in Matthew 6:33, which states, “Seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you,” we have embraced this principle wholeheartedly, prioritizing our relationship with God. Personally, I ensure that I begin each day with a long time of silent prayer, engage with God’s Word, and dedicate my family and endeavors to Him. Prayer serves as a vital tool, especially intimate Morning Prayer, enabling us to resist temptation and fostering our spiritual development, which in turn positively influences our professional and familial relationships. Our founder, Dr. Bayemi Henri received the highest distinction “Lion d’or” (Highest Award) from the President of the Republic for his achievements in Research through the International Atomic Agency Energy; despite his full commitments with the heavy programmes of the Incarnation Movement. I would also like to mention that we have many businesspersons in our association, who close their offices for God ‘sake.
What distinguishes the Word of God Men’s Service from the multitude of other church groups?
Our organization provides a dedicated Prayer Leaflet that includes the daily readings taken from the liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church. A notable aspect of our association is the daily tasks assigned to us. For example, today’s task encourages us to embrace humility and seek strength through prayer. Among our routine responsibilities is the act of apologizing to someone we may have wronged. These ‘exercises’ can be quite demanding for many individuals, yet we commit to them from the 1st to the 31st of each month. By consistently engaging in these practices, we cultivate a better version of ourselves. Reflecting on my own journey, I recognize that I was not the same person 25 years ago. When I first joined this group, I often felt as though I was merely “pushing” through life. Through the teachings of the Incarnation Movement, I realized that my wife is not just a homemaker; she is a vital partner whose insights are essential for our family’s well-being. Having been married for over 40 years and a member of this group for 28 years, I can attest to the significant progress I have made in my family life and in the society.
What motivated your involvement in the Incarnation movement?
My inspiration stems from the collective vision articulated by our founding leader, Dr. Henri Bayemi, who received divine guidance. He recounted that, during prayer and adoration, he felt a profound calling from God to assist his own people. For about six years, he embraced this calling, eventually involving his wife and family in the mission. Recognizing the positive impact of this endeavor, he shared his vision with us in 1996 at the Cathedral in Bamenda. Reverend Fr William Tardze then parish priest at Saint Joseph Cathedral Big Mankon encouraged him to do so. At the inception of our group in Bamenda, we were a modest assembly of fewer than 40 individuals. Despite facing numerous discouragements from the outset, we have, by God’s grace, expanded our reach globally, particularly in countries such as Cameroon, USQ, Canada, France, Germany, Belgium, China, and England. The recent congress held last November 2024 was marked by the participation of representatives from these nations. The presence of a bishop to celebrate Mass with us underscores the support we have garnered from the Church. We are fortunate to have the backing of bishops, priests, and lay Christians in all our locations. Before his retirement, His Grace Cornelius Fontem Esua, the former Archbishop of Bamenda, expressed his affection for our group, and we continue to receive support from the current Archbishop, His Grace Andrew Fuanya Nkea, as well as the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon.
What are the requirements for membership in your association?
There is no established protocol for joining the Incarnation Movement. To become involved, one simply needs to visit a parish and inquire about the presence of the group, after which attendance at their meetings can commence. Participation in their weekly gatherings marks the beginning of one’s journey, and after a year of consistent attendance, an individual is recognized as a regular member. Following a two-year period that includes a background check, one may attain the status of “Active Member 1.” Continued engagement over approximately 15 years can lead to the designation of “consecrated member,” a status I achieved after 22 years of involvement with the group. The process is straightforward; it primarily requires commitment and adherence to the established guidelines. As previously noted, the movement encompasses a variety of apostolates. These include initiatives aimed at young individuals, such as those in primary school, as well as programs tailored for high school and university students. Additionally, there are apostolates for adults (married and Singles), which are further categorized into male and female groups.
All this leading “to leave the word of God daily”: this is our uniform (John 14:23)
Interviewed by Magnus Ful
