Answers to Prayer

1 Fast growth of Evangelicals in the 1990s through newer churches, Cameroonian missionaries and major evangelistic efforts

2 Many significant leaders in the professions, army, police and politics have been converted

3 Freedom for private Christian radio and television broadcasting, granted in 2000

Challenges for Prayer

1 Some claim Cameroon is the most corrupt nation on earth

a) True Christians of integrity may be raised up to lead the nation and make the radical reforms needed

b) There may be freedom for a national consultation that paves the way for a new era for the country

c) The Lord might raise up committed and God-fearing Christian leaders to play key roles in national decision making

2 The spiritual poverty of the churches is the country's greatest tragedy

3 There is a need for godly leaders well trained in the Scriptures

4 Newer evangelical churches have grown rapidly in the last 20 years after a late start due to the hostility of older churches

a) Greater spiritual unity and cooperation between charismatic and non-charismatic groups

b) More effective discipling of those evangelized

5 Signs of hope to cover in prayer:

a) Greater evangelical cooperation to reach the unconverted

b) The growing involvement of Cameroonians in cross-cultural missions

6 Bible translation for Cameroon's 279 languages is an overwhelming task

a) Existing translation and literacy projects

b) Surveys which are needed for a further 126 languages without the Scriptures

c) The indigenous Cameroon Association for Bible Translation and Literacy

d) The calling of more indigenous and expatriate workers for translation, literacy and support work

7 Young people are adversely affected by the national malaise

a) Effective Christian discipling in churches and by youth and children's agencies

b) The ministry of SU in schools and GBEEC(IFES)

8 Less reached peoples – a national survey in this complex nation is an urgent need

a) Muslims – a majority in 8 peoples and a significant minority in most northern peoples

b) The many peoples of the Mandara mountains, 30% Muslim but mostly fetishist

c) The northern plains peoples – Giziga, Mofu, Kapsiki, Gude and Gidar among whom several missionaries and churches are at work

d) The Pygmies have long been neglected in the southeastern forests

9 The missionary force. Pioneer missionaries are needed to reach the Muslims and northern pagan peoples, and for Bible translation ministry

10 Support ministries

a) Christian literature is a major need

b) Christian radio programmes may be aired on local and private stations; but few workers have the skills or equipment to prepare quality material

c) The JESUS film has become a major evangelistic tool

d) EHC launched a nation-wide literature distribution in 1996

e) The Swiss-based Helimission operates a helicopter service for Christian ministries

Geography

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Area 475,442 sq.km. On the continental 'hinge' between West and Central Africa.

Population (2000) 15,084,969 +2.73%AGR

Capital Yaounde 1,446,000.

Peoples

Bantu 58.5%; Chadic-Hausa 16.7%; West Atlantic 9.4%; Bantoid 6.5%; Sudanic 6.1%; Arab 0.9%; Saharan 0.7%; Kwa 0.4%; Adamawa (Pygmy) 0.4%; Other 0.4%.

Literacy 63%. Official languages French, English. All languages 279. Languages with Scriptures 18Bi 29NT 27por 54w.i.p.

Economy

Largely based on agriculture and oil exports. HDI 0.536; 134^th/174. Public debt 91% of GNP. Income/person $620 (2% of USA).

Politics

A German colony between 1884 and 1919, then divided between Britain and France.

Religion

Secular state which guarantees religious freedom.

Churches in Cameroon

Missionaries from Cameroon

291 in 11 agencies to 35 countries

Missionaries to Cameroon

613 in 60 agencies from 27 countries

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