The New Saint Martin de Porres Catholic Church, Nkanchi–It’s a Miracle.
Dear friends of KumboKids and Community,
I am glad to give you updates on the Church in Nkanchi Village. Something that started like a mustard seed is growing into a very large beautiful tree. I continue to recall my life growing up: the years I walked to school, crossed the hanging bridge, and meandered through the bushes. I remember my parents' words: “Son, we do not have money to pay for your tuition, but since you are determined to go to school, we will support you.” These were words full of hope for a people who did not know where the income would come from, but their determination and faith in God made things happen. They gave me the support that they promised. It was little, but it has become a large tree where many birds can shelter.
My education exposed me to the world, and that is the power of knowledge. It brought me to America, the land of opportunity. That is where I met all of you, friends of KumboKids and Community. Through you, the “thaumasion” (Greek), the “miraculum” (Latin), is happening. If a miracle is “that which causes wonder and astonishment, that which is extraordinary and amazing or inexplicable by normal standards,” then it is happening in the new Saint Martin de Porres Roman Catholic Church in Nkanchi. This is all thanks to you, friends of KumboKids and Community.
It took a little while to complete this phase of the Church project. After roofing the Church, the next phase was plastering, which was completed inside and outside. The carpenter, Mr. Yufenyuy Bertrand Setinyuy, convinced me it was necessary to build a beautiful, durable ceiling to give the church the look and decorum it deserves. He suggested using better quality, long-lasting “lambril” materials for the ceiling. Lambril materials are also called plastic ceiling lambril or PVC ceiling panels. They are lightweight, water-resistant, low-maintenance, and highly resistant to moisture, rot, warping, and fungal growth, making them suitable for high-humidity areas. Nkanchi is hot and humid; thus, the lambril is suitable for a church in that area.
The newly completed ceiling of the new Saint Martin de Porres Church in Nkanchi.
It was a frightening decision because of the high cost of the materials and labor ($57,000). But the ceiling along with the electrical work are done now and the results are beautiful. It was on Tuesday, August 26, 2026, the carpenters told me the work was complete. After fitting the lambril so well, they told me the varnishing would take one month, but they finished it in two weeks. Immediately after finishing, they took down the scaffolds. Within the week, the youths of Misaje Parish held a youth rally in Nkanchi and carried out activities (Holy Mass, formation talks) inside the Church.
The partially completed St. Martin de Porres church in Nkanchi is already in use.
I take this opportunity to thank you and all those who have supported me and continue to support me in realizing this giant project for the people of God in Nkanchi, the Diocese of Kumbo, the people of Cameroon, and the universal Church. It is a dream come true and a miracle. You have made this miracle possible. Thank you immensely, and may God continue to reward you and replenish the sources of your income. We also thank the workers: the main carpenter, Mr Yufenyuy Bertrand Setinyuy, and his team; the electrician; the architect; and the team that did the plastering; the people of Nkanchi, and all those who have helped in any way for the Church Project to reach this level. May God reward all of them.
At this point, we are left with the plumbing, flooring, painting, doors, windows, pews, crucifix, sound system, solar system, and statues. Like Oliver Twist, I will keep coming to you asking for “more” as I know we are all determined to finish the project. While the church building continues, we have also continued to pay tuition and fees for needy students. Thank you immensely, and may God continue to bless and reward you.
-Fr. Emmanuel Fale Lon