“[Love] always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:7-8a

Clement and Marceline Sokeng have had a long, fruitful ministry in Cameroon. For over 30 years, Clement has led local congregations and also offered leadership at the national level. Marceline stewards a lively, multi-generational home which includes their five youngest children and Clement’s mother.

Together, they carry a shared calling: to see their congregation grow as disciples who are engaged in the mission of God.

As they worked through the 6 Pillars of a Healthy Marriage in PLI, they began reflecting more intentionally on their commitment to one another, where it needed strengthening, and how it influenced the way they led. For Clement and Marceline, commitment in marriage meant learning to practice forgiveness in deeper, more intentional ways. 

“In the six pillars of strong marriage and family I have seen the emphasis of commitment. I have  learned more about forgiveness…that it’s not about perfection. And that has affected our marriage because I am the perfectionist. I’ve learned to let go,” Clement explains.

Marceline experienced a similar shift: 

“I have come to understand that commitment has a price to pay. I have prepared to pay that price through forgiveness… And I admit that he [Clement] can make errors and I am ready to forgive his present mistakes and even future ones by the grace of God to protect our marriage.” 

Practicing commitment is transforming Clement and Marceline’s marriage.

The steady discipline of forgiveness has brought new peace, confidence and security to their home. As their marriage has grown stronger, their leadership has changed as well. They now see discipleship not as an event, but as a journey—one that requires them to practice the same steady commitment with others that they are practicing at home. The grace shaping their marriage is shaping the way they lead. 

Through the Holy Spirit’s work in their lives—and through PLI’s training—Marceline and Clement are experiencing transformation both in their marriage and in their ministry. What we see in their home in Cameroon, we see in homes across the United States, as well. Stronger, healthier marriages, which reflect God’s love and commitment to us, transform leadership in churches and communities. Your generosity makes this possible!