Grace Brethren ministries began in Cameroon in the 1960s, when the region that now comprises Cameroon, Chad, and the C.A.R. was still being divided up, given names and getting independence from European powers. Today, as was true in previous decades, many Chadians and Central Africans come to Cameroon looking for better economic opportunities, education, and peace.
Some who came from Grace Brethren churches in their homelands began Grace Brethren churches in Cameroon, but without trained pastors or any outside assistance. Though there was contact between the Grace Brethren fellowships over the years, it was in 2003 that Encompass began its current involvement here after staff evacuated from the CAR to Cameroon due to the Bozize takeover.
It was quickly seen that a key need in the churches was leadership training. Beginning in 2007, students attended the Summer School for Evangelism and Church Planting in Chad. The Lord opened the door for a Bible Institute to begin in 2015, in Yaounde, the capital. There are currently 25 students in training there, including four from CAR, and eight already graduated from Grace Brethren Bible Institutes and Seminary in the CAR and Chad.
The fruit of this local training is that over 40 groups are meeting with the potential of becoming churches. The main prayer request for the ministry in Cameroon is the need for legal recognition by the government. There has only been one church approved in Cameroon since 1999, the Greek Orthodox, and along with many other church groups, the request of the Grace Brethren awaits presidential approval.
Some who came from Grace Brethren churches in their homelands began Grace Brethren churches in Cameroon, but without trained pastors or any outside assistance. Though there was contact between the Grace Brethren fellowships over the years, it was in 2003 that Encompass began its current involvement here after staff evacuated from the CAR to Cameroon due to the Bozize takeover.
It was quickly seen that a key need in the churches was leadership training. Beginning in 2007, students attended the Summer School for Evangelism and Church Planting in Chad. The Lord opened the door for a Bible Institute to begin in 2015, in Yaounde, the capital. There are currently 25 students in training there, including four from CAR, and eight already graduated from Grace Brethren Bible Institutes and Seminary in the CAR and Chad.
The fruit of this local training is that over 40 groups are meeting with the potential of becoming churches. The main prayer request for the ministry in Cameroon is the need for legal recognition by the government. There has only been one church approved in Cameroon since 1999, the Greek Orthodox, and along with many other church groups, the request of the Grace Brethren awaits presidential approval.
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