This September, over 750 pastors, government officials, and church leaders gathered in Cameroon for the first Sharing Hope in Crisis (SHIC) seminar held in this West African nation. Hosted by the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT), this one-day training provided instruction on how to effectively share the love and hope of Jesus Christ with those walking through times of grief.
But it all started years earlier—and more than 6,000 miles away.
Shortly after he surrendered his life to Christ in 2001, Emmanuel Tembug felt the Lord calling him to become an evangelist. The Cameroonian eventually moved to North Carolina and began volunteering at the Billy Graham Library as a prayer chaplain. As he learned about the ministry of BG-RRT, he prayed that one day their crisis training would come to his homeland.
Emmanuel connected with Josh Holland, vice president of BG-RRT, and plans for the seminar soon fell into place. What began as one man’s prayer developed into a powerful movement of God.
Waypoint for the Gospel
Located at the point where Central and West Africa meet, Cameroon is known as the “hinge” or “crossroads” of the continent. It’s also a religious intersection, where Christians and Muslims live peacefully together. Because of this openness, Cameroon is ripe for the Gospel, and Christian leaders there believe it will be the door for the message to spread across Africa.
The special day of training opened with a time of worship, followed by five practical sessions on how to care for people in crisis. The foundation of the course lies in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ—the only source of lasting hope.
Rahma*, a practising Muslim since childhood, thought he knew what Christians believe. But he gained a new understanding while attending the seminar as a government representative.
“It radically changed my perception of Christianity, the Gospel of Christ, and the love with which it is shared, taught, and—above all—practised,” he said. “I cannot find the words to express what I felt and what I’ve been experiencing since that day.”
Dr. Fognwe Yemi Sylvester, a pastor in Yaoundé, was also in attendance. He saw the training as a gift from God that gave him fresh passion to serve hurting people.
“As a pastor and conflict manager, I have often stood in the middle of pain and misunderstanding, but this training gave me renewed strength and practical tools to be a vessel of peace and reconciliation,” Sylvester said.
He is eager to implement what he learned at the seminar into his current ministry.
“I left the conference with tears of gratitude, knowing that God had equipped me to bring His light into the darkest places.”
Even those responsible for organising the seminar were impacted by the teaching. Pastor Joëlle Gainsom spent months preparing for and promoting the course, encouraging others to attend. What he didn’t expect was the transformation that would take place within his own heart.
“To truly understand a crisis, we must have the patience to seek out and comprehend its root cause. This requires a foundation of love for [people], patience, self-control, and discernment. Since the training, I have been working daily on my character and attitude—paying attention to my choice of words, how I listen, and more.”
A Blessing—and a Calling
Although Cameroon has experienced much tragedy and loss, Emmanuel recognised that the country’s deepest need is the Gospel.
“The greatest crisis is not even when there is a flood,” he said. “The greatest crisis is in our heart.”
Emmanuel described the continent of Africa in terms of “dry land” versus “fertile land.” He explained that Christians have an urgent calling to share the Gospel. His heart is deeply burdened for the people who do not yet know the hope found in Jesus Christ, and he believes the ground of Cameroon is ready for harvest.
“God gave us the rain so we can bring the water to them,” he said.
Please pray for Cameroon—that many would discover the lasting peace of Jesus Christ. Ask God to strengthen and encourage believers as they care for their friends and neighbours in the midst of grief and loss.
* Name changed to protect identity.