Sobans Impacting Humanity — Pa Khu (Mbe Nkem Amin David Amingwa Khumba)

By Ms. Pamela Khumba, CEO Doors of Hope, Inc. — Washington DC

When George Duffield wrote the popular hymn "Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus" in 1859, little did he know that somewhere in the recesses of Africa one hundred years later, someone would also adopt the hymn as his personal anthem. Our father, Pa Khu, fell in love with the song and would sing it at all moments, in sadness or in joy. He loved the song even more because it encapsulated his personal philosophy.

Pa always taught us to be faithful in loving God: to persevere in our worthy endeavours, because no suffering lasts forever. He told us that if we keep steadfast in the faith, no matter the upheavals, we would be richly rewarded by Christ, as it is stated in the last lines of the hymn: "To him that overcometh a crown of life shall be: He with the King of glory shall reign eternally."

Born in 1911, Pa Khu started primary school at Azi Palace, Fontem, before trekking to Tali and then to Mamfe to earn his Standard Six Certificate. He was among the select bright boys to enroll in the pioneer class of Sasse College, the first secondary school that opened in British Southern Cameroon in 1939, with admission number 20. But he had to pull out when his father died, to work and earn a living to support his younger siblings.

Dad pursued a rewarding teaching career, instilling lofty aspirations in both his pupils and colleagues of several Native Authority (N.A.) Council schools where he taught, such as the Government primary schools in Mamfe, Akwaya, Mfuni, Tali and Fontem. In January 1953 he married his young love, Mary Atabong Nkwetta. They were blessed with their lovely daughter, Paulina Betangabeh, in December. Pa Khu was especially fond of his daughter, whom he dearly referred to as "My little Polly".

He was a fervent promoter of women's education, setting the example by sending all his six daughters through college and supporting his wife's career in politics and the civil service. While teaching in Fontem in 1966, he proceeded to teach Rural Science in the newly-opened Seat of Wisdom College.

In 1983, in recognition of his leadership in mediation and development efforts, his paternal grandfather, Chief D. N. Fobellah, knighted him with the title of Nkem Amin. Upon retiring in 1986, Pa Khu devoted more time to his family and to his gardening. He led the students of Seat of Wisdom College to transform the neighbouring forest grove into a flourishing garden. He also volunteered and started the first pre-school day care in Lebialem, at the Catholic mission hall, Menji. Like a mustard seed, the endeavour blossomed to become the first Government Bilingual Primary School in the area, which is popularly known until this day as Pa Khu's school.

Dad was a staunch Catholic and a devoted member of the Focolare Movement, whose activities culminated in his 1996 pilgrimage to Rome, where he met Pope Saint John Paul II and Chiara Lubich, the founder of the Focolare Movement. Sixteen years ago, on February 25, 2009, Dr. Paulina Khumba, our eldest sister — a.k.a. Pa Khu's Little Polly — joined him in eternity. We prayerfully hope they both are shrouded by God's Grace in Paradise. In this 22nd year of his passing, we fondly remember Pa Khu for his devotion to us, his family, and the many people whose lives he inspired.