Cameroon, West Africa
Cameroon is located on the west coast of Africa just above the Equator. Travel time from Atlanta is about 30 hours. Most of the flights have a “layover” in Paris, France. Then the flight continues due south over the Mediterranean Sea and the “deserts” of North Africa. The Republic of Cameroon has some of the most caring people in all of Africa. The “family units” often teach family loyalty and values. There is much poverty for a country so rich in natural resources including Oil. The unemployment rate is high and most lack many basic needs. Health and medical facilities often are without trained workers, doctors or adequate medicines. The ratio of 15,500 people per physician has a tremendous impact on the live birth rate and length of the adult life. Christianity has helped in many ways. The number of Christians and churches continue to increase. Cameroon’s history of Bible teaching missionaries have ministered and helped others to know about the “Good News” of Jesus Christ. The Cameroonian pastors and leaders have been eager to be faithful in ministering. Many of the churches have Christian schools sharing the “Good News” as well as helping to raise the literacy rate of the next generation. Books and personal school items are limited and often not available for the children. It is through God’s love and their loving commitment and creative teaching that the future of Cameroon has “Hope”. The four major cities use the taxis for their main transportation. The taxis are usually in need of repairs but are often the means a man supports his family. Overloaded buses provide sparse transportation between cities. There are very few home telephones. The development of cell phones has allowed some people to communicate with one another or a least relay messages to others. CAMEROON - Frequently asked Questions and Answers
1. How are Christians treated now?
Christians and God’s Love are welcomed in most areas of Cameroon.
2. How can we help The Christians in Cameroon?
Prayer is the most powerful way each of us can help. Some can help by giving support and providing additional assistance through “short-tem mission trips”. This gives training, building and construction, as well as providing medical supplies. Pray for the Christians in Cameroon. 3. Are the Christian Churches growing in Size? . . .and new Church starts?
The churches vary in size from house churches to those with over 900 members. The number has been growing steadily. Most are very involved in evangelism helping new mission churches. Construction and building materials are costly and difficult to obtain so often improvisations are made. 4. How are new pastors and church leaders trained?
The Cameroon Seminary is located in the northwestern part of country and through the faithfulness of Dr. Wilfred Fon and other committed leaders it has continued to provide sound Biblical and Academic studies of higher learning. The Seminary now has 300 students preparing for ministry. 5. How does the weather affect the people?
Heat is a major factor and makes life more than uncomfortable. The high heat, dust and humidity affects their health through exhaustion, dehydration and provides a breeding ground for infections and diseases. The heat index is very high and everyone must drink water throughout the day. Bottled water is sold in the city but many cannot afford to buy it. 6. What Dangers or Problems do the people face?
Crime and frustration combine with poor work conditions and diseases make everyday life difficult. Everyone is seeking ways to provide the basic needs of their family. 7. What are their Hopes (Goals)?
For decades Hope was just to have food for the day. Now, Hope is beginning to have a future added to it. Jesus Christ brings Hope for the present and for Eternity. His Love can reach the darkest of places. Pray for Cameroon. Cameroon Information: Climate: Hot, tropical; The areas near the coast are very humid and hotter while the other areas can be very dusty and dry. Terrain: varies from hills to rough and mountainous. Except in the cities most of the roads are not paved and can be extremely difficult to travel. Environment - current issues: development of the oil deposits in the ground; inadequate supplies of potable water Population: 16,184,748 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected Religions: Christians (all denominations) 53%; Indigenous beliefs 25%; Muslim 15%; Other 7% Languages: English (Official), French (official), 24 major African language groups Ethnic groups: There are some 200 groups, the largest of which are the Fang, Bamiteke, Fulani, and Pahouin (Bet). Most groups make up less than 1 percent of the population. Gross domestic product; GDP by economic sector Agriculture, forestry, fishing, industry. Unemployment rate: high widespread underemployment; Ports and harbors: Douala is the largest city and it has the largest seaport. | 
