Cameroon

Cameroon is often called the “Hinge of Africa” because it is located in the area of a geographical bend of the continent. It is also called “Little Africa”, as the diverse terrain and culture found within it’s borders are representative of those found on the entire continent. Slightly larger than California, Cameroon is located in Western Africa and shares borders with Nigeria, Chad, Central African Republic, Congo, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea. It is the home of Mt. Cameroon, the highest peak in West Africa and the site of an active volcano. Despite oil reserves and farmland to foster economic development better than other African countries, unemployment and poverty are still high. However by God’s grace, a favorable climate and vast farmland provide plenty of food.

The main focus of our One Africa Team is to work with the Lutheran Church of Cameroon (LCC) to establish an indigenous worker training program, ensuring future workers for the church. With support from One Africa Team missionaries, Pastor Mesue Israel is leading the seminary program. As lay workers in local congregations move on to be trained as pastors, the missionary works with national pastors to train new lay leaders for local congregations. In addition, the missionary is an adviser and mentor for the national pastors, carrying out short courses for their continued education. Learn more about WELS mission history in Cameroon.

Mission update

September 2016 was a momentous time for the LCC as it saw the restoration of a worker training program, with WELS Missionary Dan Kroll and Pastor Israel Mesue serving as teachers. Due to various reasons, the LCC had not trained new pastors since 1999. With twelve students initially enrolled, ten of them graduated from the two year Bible Institute Program in May of 2018. Eight of those students will now continue on for the three year seminary program. However, the start of the seminary has been postponed until the present civil unrest subsides.

In July of 2018, Missionary Dan Kroll and his wife Karen relocated to a more secure location in Lilongwe, Malawi. Missionary Kroll continues to to serve both Cameroon and Nigeria from a distance.

Despite the challenges, the national pastors continue to serve their people as best they can.  This is challenging at times since many of our thirty one congregations are far apart, with many in remote locations. At the present time, travel is often difficult. Going forward, the LCC and Missionary Kroll may have to look at alternative ways to carry on the seminary program, so our students can become much needed pastors and sent to congregations that are not currently served by a full-time called worker.

Fast Facts

• Baptized national members: 753
• Congregations: 31
• Preaching station: 1
• National pastors: 8
• Evangelists: 3
• Certified Assistants: 4
• Seminary students: 8
• Missionaries: 1