How We Got Started: Cameroon
The Birth of the Movement in Cameroon
The Charis Alliance began in Cameroon as immigrants from neighboring countries relocated to the capital city, Yaoundé, in search of a better life. Many were formerly members of Charis Alliance churches, so it was natural that they would seek out one another and begin worshipping together. All of these groups were originally organized by committed lay people: Gabriel Nouale, Alphonse Ali, Santos Tokoum, Antoine Mboum, and Martin. They met in homes and were encouraged by Pastor Sonsaree Amstel Pierre, who was the president of the Federation of Evangelical Churches and Missions of Cameroon (now known as the Council of Protestant Churches of Cameroon).
The Growth of the Movement in Cameroon
By 1992, God had grown those four groups into 11 churches, with nine in Yaoundé and two in Douala.
In 2003, a war in the Central African Republic forced missionaries to leave their country, and many took refuge in Cameroon, including Encompass missionary Karen Foster. These missionaries began lending a hand to the churches in Cameroon, helping the movement grow in both Yaoundé and the northeastern region. Eddie and Linda Mensenger were also instrumental strengthening the churches and increasing their sense of identification with the Charis Alliance.
In 2006, Frank and Karin in Cameroon, where they established strong connections with church leaders and built the crucial relationships that would later open doors for the establishment of a Bible Institute.
By 2007, there were 42 churches across five regions. During short term visits, Eddie and Linda Mensenger traveled to each region to strengthen the churches and train their leaders. Chadian Church Planter Samuel Dadje also came to Cameroon and recruited individuals to come to Chad to be trained as evangelists. Two key students were Gabriel Deoudje and Delphi Wilingang. Several other graduates of the School for Evangelism are still involved in church planting in Cameroon and are leading discipleship schools.
As God continued to grow our presence in Cameroon, we soon counted about 80 churches—but only four pastors! That’s a big reason why in 2014, Encompass World Partners sent Jason and Christy Carmean and Doug and Jacquie Jensen to serve in Yaoundé. In 2015, they started a Bible Institute to train up a new generation of pastors and wives. In 2017, two discipleship schools were also started. Together, these facilities focus on training new leaders to serve in churches and in church planting.
In 2025, we reached a huge milestone as the Bible Institute opened a permanent facility that would serve the country’s many Charis churches. It also graduated its third class of students, bringing the number of men trained for ministry to over 60. The institute’s fourth class started in September 2025 with 25 new students following a call towards ministry. Today, Cameroon now has over 60 pastors shepherding the country’s 100 churches thanks to the Bible Institute.
A Call to Prayer and Support
We’re amazed by the incredible growth God has blessed Cameroon with, but our churches there still have needs. Your prayers are crucial.
Ask God to continue using the Bible Institute to raise up more leaders who can care for the country’s many churches.
With many Cameroonians living in poverty, there’s a huge need for holistic ministries that meet tangible needs while also offering the hope of the gospel. Pray for God to raise up these kinds of ministries.
Ask God to intervene among government officials to grant legal status for our churches and the church association.
