Hortence Balibanga, 54, of Yaounde, Cameroon, passed away 16 July 2024. She was a missionary, serving the Church of the Nazarene in Cameroon since 2018.

“On behalf of the whole Global Missions family, I want to express my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Hortence on her sudden passing,” said Global Missions Director Jim Ritchie. “She was a wonderful missionary, and her loss will be keenly felt in our Global Missions family. She leaves a powerful legacy of love and faithfulness to Jesus and his church. We are so thankful for her ministry and service and we continue to pray for her dear husband and family at this time. We also thank our Lord Jesus for the salvation and eternal reward, which our sister now enjoys in his nearer presence.”

Hortence was born 24 September 1969 and raised in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. She met her husband and ministry partner, Jacques Balibanga, in 1985, and they married in August 1989.

Hortence and Jacques have served in a variety of roles in Africa.

"Mrs. Hortense was a devoted wife and mother, a prayer warrior, and an unwavering supporter of our pastors and leaders' families," said Africa Regional Director Dany Gomis. "She was always present, offering her strength and wisdom in both joyous and difficult times. A gifted counsellor, she was there for anyone in need of guidance."

Her heart was to reach orphans, and she had a passion for women’s ministry. She especially enjoyed working with pastors’ wives and vulnerable women. Her ministry efforts focused on those areas as well as compassionate ministries as she and Jacques worked to continue to grow the church in Cameroon.

Jacques has been a Sunday school teacher, worship leader, Bible school teacher, and worked in district offices. He has served as a minister for over 20 years and spent 18 years as a district superintendent.

Both Hortence and Jacques had a passion for church planting. Together, they planted churches in Rwanda and Burundi and have developed the work of the Church of the Nazarene in Cameroon since 2018. They were commissioned as missionaries in 2022.

Hortence was preceded in death by her son, Lebon. Hortence is survived by her husband, Jacques; sons Peter, Gedeon, Pascal, John, Jonathan, and Josue; and daughters Merylou, Carla, and Abigail.