The Royal Development Lead Solutions (RUDELS) has officially been launched with a bold challenge to the Church to move beyond preaching and become a visible force for transforming communities through ethical leadership, stewardship, entrepreneurship and social action.
The launch, which also featured the unveiling of the maiden edition of Evangelical Awareness Magazine, brought together representatives of the North West Regional Administration, the Bamenda City Council, church leaders from different Christian denominations, academics, entrepreneurs and development practitioners around a shared vision of integrating faith with sustainable development.
Held under the theme "awakening the church, transforming communities, advancing the Kingdom of God," the event presented RUDELS as a faith driven development organisation committed to mobilising Christian values to address practical challenges facing churches, businesses and communities.
Delivering the keynote vision, Chief Executive Officer Ndeh Emmanuel explained that RUDELS was established from the conviction that the Gospel should not be confined to Sunday worship but should shape leadership, business, governance, education and community development throughout the week.
"Our mission is about awakening the Church to its responsibility of transforming society while advancing God's Kingdom through practical service," he said.
Rather than merely outlining its vision, RUDELS used the occasion to demonstrate its impact through testimonies from churches and entrepreneurs who have benefited from its development model.
Harvest Baptist Church, Mile Five, narrated how the organisation enabled the church to acquire a pastoral residence through a Kingdom Investment Matching Model after it was unable to purchase the property outright. The deferred ownership arrangement allowed the church to immediately occupy the residence while gradually repaying the investment.
Transformation Baptist Church also shared how RUDELS intervened when the congregation faced losing its place of worship. Through a kingdom partnership model, the church secured land ownership and has since fully completed repayment, turning what began as a crisis into a testimony of sustainable stewardship.
Participants equally heard how Christian entrepreneur Emmanuel Leinyuy rebuilt his carpentry business after a devastating fire through support from RUDELS, illustrating the organisation's commitment to restoring livelihoods while encouraging accountability and financial sustainability.
One of the centrepieces of the programme was the Kingdom Conversation, a panel discussion that examined how churches can integrate evangelism, discipleship, compassion, business, education and social engagement to transform communities.
The discussion brought together church leaders, academics, development practitioners and professionals, including Professor Atechi Samuel, Professor Confidence Ngam Chia, Rev. Richard Njago, Father Aldo Kenne, Dr Num Irene, Dr Mirabelle Soffeu Nkoh, Mr Jick Barnabas and others.
A recurring message throughout the discussion was that ministry is not the exclusive responsibility of pastors.
The panel concluded that the Church must intentionally extend its mission beyond Sunday services into every sphere of public life.
Following the panel discussions, the City Mayor of Bamenda, Achobong Tambeng Paul, challenged Christians and faith leaders to move beyond preaching and become active agents of social transformation. Drawing from his experience as both a pastor and municipal leader, Mayor Achobong argued that faith must be reflected through responsible leadership, honesty and service to humanity.
He cited examples from the Bamenda City Council, including his decision to reject corrupt practices in recruitment processes and his efforts to promote ethical conduct among municipal workers, stressing that “salvation is an inside job” that must translate into positive actions within society.
He praised the RUDELS initiative for promoting a practical approach to Christianity that seeks to rebuild lives, communities and institutions through love, partnership and responsible stewardship.
The event also witnessed the official launch of the maiden edition of Evangelical Awareness Magazine, a publication designed to stimulate biblical reflection, ethical leadership and practical Christian living.
Reviewing the publication, Professor Confidence Ngam Chia described it as far more than a magazine.
He said the 22 articles provide practical lessons on leadership, integrity, stewardship and Christian service, challenging believers to demonstrate their faith in families, businesses, workplaces and communities.
Describing character as "the non negotiable currency of Christianity," he urged readers not merely to own the publication but to apply its teachings in everyday life.
The launch concluded with a solemn dedication of both the magazine and its editorial team.
Led by Rev. Richard Njego, the dedication committed Evangelical Awareness to God's service, with prayers that every article would inspire transformed lives, ethical leadership and stronger communities.
The editorial advisers, consultants, language editors, designers, photographers, videographers, prayer partners and volunteers were also recognised for contributing to a publication that took more than eighteen months to complete.
Earlier, CEO Ndeh Emmanuel revealed that every article underwent extensive theological and editorial review to ensure doctrinal integrity and practical relevance.
"Nothing meaningful can be done alone," he told the production team. "Everything you do, do it as unto God and not unto man."
Closing the event on behalf of the Governor of the North West Region, the Head of the Economic, Social and Cultural Affairs Division (ESCAD), Marceliout Djunang, commended RUDELS for promoting collaboration between government, faith communities and development actors.
He said the initiative demonstrated that sustainable development requires partnerships built on responsible leadership, accountability and shared values.
The Governor's representative further encouraged RUDELS to strengthen its institutional framework by transitioning from an association to a non governmental organisation, arguing that such a move would enhance its ability to attract strategic partnerships and expand its impact nationally and internationally.
He equally praised the launch of Evangelical Awareness, describing it as a timely platform for promoting ethical leadership, constructive dialogue and informed reflection at a time when communities require wisdom, integrity and hope.
"May RUDELS remain a beacon of hope, a platform for partnership and an instrument that contributes positively to the transformation of communities in the North West Region and beyond," he concluded.
Beyond celebrating the birth of a new organisation and a new publication, the event served as a call for churches, professionals, businesses and public institutions to embrace a model of Christianity measured not only by worship, but by its lasting impact on people and communities.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Web
Tel: +237 694 71 85 77
0 Comments