Uhlhorns return safely from Cameroon
Breaking news
Rev. Ron Uhlhorn and his wife, Kay, are back home in Wisconsin—an answer to prayers for their safe return from the African nation of Cameroon, which last week endured the worst violence it has seen in 15 years.
Uhlhorn—Board for World Missions African Committee liaison—was wrapping up a field visit to Cameroon when the violence broke out a week and a half ago. Government reports say 17 people were killed in unrest sparked by a hike in fuel prices and President Biya’s announcement that he wanted to amend the constitution to allow him to run for another term.
Feb. 29 the United States Embassy in Cameroon issued a warning encouraging all Americans to evacuate. The Uhlhorns were scheduled to leave anyway, but couldn't catch a flight until Tuesday. By then, the violence had eased and the embassy was only urging Americans to exercise strong caution. The Uhlhorns landed in Chicago Wednesday afternoon.
Uhlhorn reports that at no time did he and Kay or Missionary Dan Myers—who remains in Cameroon—feel threatened or fear for their lives, but they were confined to the mission house within a small walled yard in the city of Kumba. They did hear shooting and the sounds of tear gas being fired—but the drive to the airport in Douala was uneventful.
Myers reports that he, his wife, Peggy, and daughter, Kara, are safe. He has begun leading a two-week training course for certified ministry assistants as scheduled.
Pastor Uhlhorn has written a letter of thanks to all WELS members for their prayers. Visit www.wels.net/jump/thankyou to read the letter in its entirety.
