Cameroon - What I Experienced

Ernest Ehabe has been my friend, my little brother, for over 30 years. I've listened time and again to his colorful stories of his homeland, Cameroon, and the dichotomy of poverty and wealth that about there.

This past week, I spent 8 days in this amazing African nation. To say that what Bread For Life Int'l is doing on limited funding is nothing short of miraculous. The impact they are making in the lives of the people they serve, as well as being positive change agents in the country as a whole, is staggering. It is influence on a truly national scale. 

My primary mission there was to "Leading with Intentionality" to pastors and church leaders in three cities, Yaounde, Douala, and Tombel. The hunger for transformational leadership is beyond description in Cameroon. Pastors traveled as much as 8 hours just to attend one of the five leadership sessions, pen and paper in hand, willing and ready to learn and eager to grow personally and professionally.

Many brought staff and lay leaders so they too could benefit from the sessions taught that week. To see pastors and church leaders cross denominational lines and come together to openly support and embrace the call to be intentional leaders, and men and women of impeccable integrity, was refreshing. A number of these men and women traveled from city-to-city to glean as much training as they could. The financial sacrifice for them to do so was humbling, and demonstrated their commitment to growing themselves so they, in turn, can grow their people.

My secondary mission was to meet with the Prime Minister's office to discuss leadership opportunities on a national scale. The BFL Delegation, of which I was a part, was honored to meet and discuss leadership training opportunities with the Director of the Cabinet, and granted an unprecedented 90-minute meeting with His Excellency, the Prime Minister, himself.

Subjects were far-reaching, but the primary focus was on the work that BFL was doing to transform the nation through a number of sustainable development initiatives, and the Prime Minister's huge desire for transformational leadership training for the Government's leaders and employees. His Excellency was most gracious, and it was evident this is a man who cares for his people and wants to see transformational leadership come to this nation.

We were also privileged to meet with the U.S. Embassy to explain BFL's role in Cameroon, and discuss funding opportunities. We also met with the District Officer and Senior District Officer of the Tombel region to finalize a land grant for 125 acres of farmland for a BFL sustainable agricultural and educational development project in the village of Tombel. Both were very supportive and helpful.

I was also tasked with doing some leadership coaching and training with BFL staff, as well as a special session on building a leadership culture at the Ray of Hope Academy, a pilot program focused on providing an integrated educational program of excellence that also provides needed special needs training and resources for the nation's growing problem with autism and other developmental disorders.

There are virtually NO resources for parents who have special needs children, in a superstitious culture where this special needs kids are looked upon as a bad omen, an embarrassment or cursed. This pilot program is uniquely the first of its kind in the nation to provide needed and affordable education and training services for "at risk" children.

I can't say enough about the BFL staff. Ernest, as a visionary leader, has put a team of dedicated, passionate people around him. They understand servant leadership, and went above and beyond to demonstrate it throughout the week in Cameroon...both to me as a trainer, and to the pastors and church leaders who attended. They are young, have drive, fortitude and integrity, and are committed to personal development as a team to truly transform their nation.

My takeaway is this is a nation that has yet to really realize its potential. A perfect climate and soil for growing virtually anything. Cameroon could help feed the world. Its most under-developed resource are its people. A spirit of entrepreneurship can be seen, even in the poorest villages. With a few changes that make it easier to do business in Cameroon, and a needed investment in infrastructure expansion, this nation could prosper much like we have seen South Korea do over the past 50 years.

The churches are vibrant and well attended. Faith is strong in Cameroon. But the need for evangelism and discipleship remains great. To see first-hand the millions of people who call the major cities of Yaounde and Douala home, as well as the countless villages we visited during our time there, the opportunity to equip and train the church community to reach the lost is HUGE!

I was personally reminded that we in America are spoiled. Having spent a week with no air-conditioning, no running water, no Malls or movie theaters, and driving on unmaintained dirt roads (even in the major cities) was humbling. To see the happiness and contentment of a people group who, by Western standards, have little, as a reminder that "stuff" doesn't matter.

It was also a reminder that we as Americans have been blessed so we can be a blessing to others. Yet BFL, like many ministries, is short of needed funds each and every month. If just 300 people would make a personal commitment to just $25 a month, BFL could take great strides in implementing all of the projects that are currently being funded on a shoestring budget.

I intend to return to Cameroon, as I left work there undone. I intend to be a voice for this ministry, helping others see the need and how they can invest in life-change in a nation half a world away. Thanks, Ernest, Jochebed, Fon, Ebenezer, Caleb, Yves and the countless volunteers who serve tirelessly to influence, inspire and serve a nation with so much need, and so much untapped potential.

After 7 teaching sessions in 6 days, meetings with numerous government officials, and having the privilege to meet and add value to the lives of some of Cameroon's finest pastors and church leaders, I leave humbled at the opportunity to serve in some small way, blessed to have met so many amazing, wonderful people who (in their poverty) are willing to give so much.

I am thankful for those who support this ministry, and for those who give of their time to go and work there on short term projects. You are truly being the hands and feet of God to the people of Cameroon.

I am personally excited to turn the page and start writing the next chapter of my work in Cameroon to help BFL bring transformational leadership to this beautiful land of amazing, untapped potential.

To learn more about Bread for Life International, or to support this organization financially, visit www.BreadForLife.org

A 2X martial arts Hall of Fame inductee, John Terry is a motivational speaker, leadership, sales & communication coach and trainer.   

Through his coaching company, IMGA.com, John (and his daughter, Jessie) seeks to INSPIRE others to see their limitless potential, MOTIVATE them to pursue black belt excellence as a leader in life, GROW personally and professionally and ACHIEVE greatness through living a life of significance.  

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