“Cameroon will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God!”
it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God.(Isaiah 35:2,NIV)
》 Country Profile
Continent | Africa
Population | 29.32 million
Area | 475,440㎢, Located on the Atlantic coast of west-central Africa.
Capital City | Yaoundé (capital, 4.5 million people), Douala (3.92 million people)
People Groups | Total 294 groups, Bamileke-Bamu 24.3%, Beti/Basa, Mbam 21.6%, Biu-Mandara 14.6%, Arab-Choah/Hausa/Kanuri 11%, Adamawa-Ubangi 9.8%, Grassfields 7.7%
Unreached People Groups | 17 groups (14.2% of the population)
Official Language(s) | French, English
Total Languages | 293
Bible Translations | Completed 34, New Testament 83, Partial 51
Religion | Christianity 50.9% (Protestant 11%, Catholic 20%), Islam 24.2% Ethnic religions 22.3% Evangelicals 8.7%(2.55 million people)
》 About Cameroon
Cameroon is an ethnically and linguistically diverse country. From 1884 to 1919, it was a German colony. After World War I, the territory was divided: France took control of 90%, and Britain took the remaining 10% in the southern region. In 1960, Cameroon gained independence from France, and Ahmadou Ahidjo became the first president. After the southern British-administered area joined, the country was unified. In 1984, Paul Biya came to power and renamed the country the Republic of Cameroon. Since then, French-speaking elites have dominated politics, creating deep tensions with English-speaking regions. These linguistic divisions have escalated into serious conflict. In Cameroon, traditional chiefs often hold strong political influence. To maintain cooperation, the president appoints key tribal leaders to senior government roles. Cameroon operates as a presidential republic, and Paul Biya has remained in power for decades, making him the oldest and one of the longest-ruling leaders in Africa—second only to Equatorial Guinea.
Economically, Cameroon is rich in natural resources such as oil, gas, timber, and minerals. The land is well-suited for agriculture, and oil accounts for 40% of exports. However, Cameroon struggles with common issues seen in developing countries: stagnant income per capita, widespread income inequality, deep-rooted corruption in major sectors, inefficient healthcare (especially maternal care), and an unfavorable business climate. Basic infrastructure—including electricity, roads, water systems, and hospitals—is still underdeveloped. While the country receives foreign aid to improve infrastructure, falling oil prices and reduced international funding have led to a severe financial crisis.
Cameroon’s GDP per capita is approximately $1,800
》 Scripture Focus
| Isaiah 35:1-4, 8, 10(NIV) 1 The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, 2 it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God. 3 Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; 4 say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.” 8 And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness; it will be for those who walk on that Way. The unclean will not journey on it; wicked fools will not go about on it. 10 and those the LORD has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. |
》 Prayer Points
1. Christianity accounts for more than 50% of the population in Cameroon. About 20% are Catholic, and there is also a significant number of pseudo-Christian groups. In the north, many tribes follow Islam, and about 22% of the population still adheres to ethnic religions. Even among Christians, traditional religious practices remain deeply rooted. Traditional churches have lost their spiritual heritage, suffering from the influence of liberal theology, tribalism, pagan syncretism, and low moral standards. Evangelicals make up over 9% of the population (more than 2.6 million). While charismatic churches are growing in number, many lack a strong theological foundation and focus heavily on visible signs like miracles and material blessings. Some church leaders have struggled with pride, power struggles, moral failure, embezzlement, and division. Let us pray that God would raise up gospel-centered leaders through the more than 20 denominational seminaries, interdenominational schools, and lay training programs. May He give them eyes to see His glory, and restore the Church to be a holy channel that rejoices in the Lord and brings back those redeemed by Him.
2. Several international mission organizations are working in Cameroon, including the Norwegian Lutheran Mission, North American Baptist Convention, Association of Evangelical Societies, YWAM, CCCI, CEF, and Korean missions. Their focus includes Bible translation and outreach to Muslims and northern regions. Cameroonian churches started the Christian Missionary Fellowship International (CMFI) in 1975. Another initiative, Cameroon for Christ, partners with churches and denominations to reach 2,400 northern villages with the gospel. CCCI and the Full Gospel Mission are sending Cameroonian missionaries abroad, and more local churches are now sending workers to northern and neighboring nations. Mission groups also influence through lay training, literature, radio, TV, and online ministries. Let us pray that many more fully devoted disciples of Christ will be raised up. May every ethnic group be redeemed, returning to God with eternal joy and songs of praise. Let us also pray for greater maturity and growth in Cameroon’s mission efforts.
3. English-speaking Cameroonians, about 20% of the population, feel deeply marginalized. Let us pray for unity in Christ across the French- and English-speaking regions, overcoming divisions left by colonial rule. May the Church in conflict zones be courageous, becoming a safe refuge for people. Youth are discouraged by political instability, high unemployment, and social inequality. Many fall into crime and prostitution. Let us pray that God may open their eyes and ears to the beauty of Jesus and the gospel. May He send faithful gospel witnesses to serve them. Let us pray that weak hands and trembling knees will be strengthened by the Word, and that these youth will rise as leaders in a revival, running joyfully toward the glory of the gospel.
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