Rev. Dr.Joshua O Cheng

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Rev. Dr. Joshua Oazutelegheife Cheng, a devoted servant of God, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, teacher, scholar, and friend. He was called to glory on September 19, 2024. Born on July 13, 1959, in Bu-Wum, Cameroon, Rev. Dr. Cheng lived a life of faith, service, and education that touched countless lives across continents. Rev. Dr. Cheng was the ordained pastor and founder of Faith Revival End-Time Ministries (FREM), a non-profit organization and charismatic ministry with churches in West Africa. Through FREM, he planted five churches in Cameroon, where he served as a spiritual leader, offering guidance and support to pastors and those in need. His ministry continued in the U.S., where he empowered others through outreach initiatives, including a food ministry in Lithonia, GA, which operated for over a decade. As an educator, Rev. Dr. Cheng dedicated many years to shaping young minds and nurturing future leaders beginning at a tender age of 19 when he began his teaching career at the Presbyterian Secondary School (PSS) Batibo. He served as Head of the English Department for the Ministry of Education in Cameroon and as “discipline master” at Cameroon Protestant College (C.P.C) Bali, where he managed disputes and reported directly to the principal and vice-principal of the institution. His academic achievements included a PhD in Systematic Theology from Northwestern Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity from Oral Roberts University, and a Master of Education from the University of Yaoundé I. He also attended university of Ibadan Nigeria where he fondly talked about Yoruba culture, his undergraduate years, and his dedication to books. Rev. Dr. Cheng authored and co-authored several publications, further solidifying his legacy as a scholar and educator. He was a man of many gifts, known for being proficient in multiple languages, including English, French, Liambue, Mungaka, and Guinea Coastal Creole, as well as his familiarity with other African languages. Rev. Dr. Cheng also studied Greek and Hebrew, demonstrating his commitment to understanding and sharing the Word of God authentically. He was happily married to Dr. Priscilla Ngum (Nwancha) Cheng for over 30 years. Together, they built a loving family that served as the foundation of their lives. Rev. Dr. Cheng is survived by his wife, Priscilla, daughters, Christabelle, Faith Love, and beloved granddaughter, Hadassah. Beyond his nuclear family, Rev. Dr. Cheng was the second son to Rev. Elias Ngum Gbai Cheng and Mami Johana Ekai-Lem Cheng. He was a source of strength and inspiration to many including his elder brother Edward, and other siblings Dorothy, Grace, Berti, Jeremiah, Griselda, Micha-Charles and Nicholas Chong. Dr. Cheng’s brother Malachi, his mother Mami Johana, his father Rev. Elias and youngest sister Evangeline respectively preceded him in glory. Rev. Cheng was also son to his wife’s late mother and father, Mami Elizabeth Nwancha and Papa Evaristus Nwancha, and was more like a father figure than an older brother/in-law to his wife's siblings: Roger, Roland, Odilia, and Olivia. His faith, love, and wisdom inspired his family, pastors, friends, and countless others. Despite being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in September 2022 and given three months to live, Rev. Dr. Cheng defied the odds, continuing to serve his community for two more years, a testament to his strength and unwavering faith. His courage, perseverance, and passion for life remain an inspiration to all who knew him. Throughout his life, Rev. Dr. Cheng preferred simplicity over titles; despite being a doctor, theologian, and bishop, those who loved him affectionately called him Papa Cheng, Pastor, or Daddy. His deep faith and commitment to God influenced every aspect of his life. He amassed thousands of books and educational materials with the vision of establishing a library in Cameroon, reflecting his dedication to education and the empowerment of others. We can take solace because Oazutelegheife “the one who listens to God” is closer to his heavenly father. He served as a beacon of light, and his legacy will endure in our hearts forever.

Tributes

Rev. Dr.Joshua O Cheng

July 13, 1959 - September 19, 2024