“You’ve shared in our sufferings” – the impact of your support in Cameroon 

Violence by Boko Haram militants has displaced thousands of believers in Far North Cameroon. Your support is a lifeline to many, who are so grateful that you’re standing with them in their suffering.

Amidst the suffering facing millions of displaced Christians in sub-Saharan Africa, your support is a blessing – and that includes believers in Far North Cameroon.

Cameroon is 43^rd on the World Watch List, with the Far North region the most vulnerable place for Christians to live because of unrelenting attacks by Islamic militants Boko Haram and ISWAP (Islamic State – Western African Province). The government has even advised people to leave the region altogether, such is the threat of extremists.

“I relocated two years ago,” says Pastor Hamza*. “They [Boko Haram] came, they attacked. They killed. They burned the churches. Seven people died. They were burnt in the fire.”

As is the case across sub-Saharan Africa, the displacement camps many fled to are dangerously ill-equipped to care for people. There’s little food and the hygiene is desperately poor. Some instead find refuge at a church. Given the reliance on their land for survival, most decided to stay and sleep in the mountains. “We don’t dare sleep at home,” says a villager.

The power of presence

This violence in the region has displaced thousands of believers and the need is monumental, making your support crucial to the physical, emotional and spiritual survival of so many.

“Open Doors helps these displaced Christians in three ways,” explains Pastor Moustafa*. “We give trauma care and we provide emergency aid. But maybe most important is that we frequently travel to our persecuted brothers and sisters, just to be there and to spend time with them and pray with them.”

In one distribution of practical caid, local partners provided 366 relief packages, which included rice, soap, vegetable oil, mats and sanitary products. Many of the recipients are widows who are caring for large families.

No longer alone

“I can’t thank you enough,” says Ali, a recipient. “Thanks to all who have helped us. This aid proves that you understand our suffering. Thank you very much.”

“Thank you for visiting us,” shares Juldé. “God has blessed you and you shared your blessings with us. Thanks for doing that. Please pray for us, that we won’t backslide in our faith but that we trust God and keep firm.”

“You come to us, the IDPs [internally displaced people],” continues Pastor Moustafa. “You sit on the mat or even on the ground with the refugee. You cry with the orphans. You listen to the widows and cry with them. You go to the hospital and visit the wounded. You pray with us and you pray for us.

“Then, after you’ve discussed it with God, you bring your help. What you are doing is a blessing of the Lord for us. You have shared in our sufferings. Our people know that outsiders care for them. We are no longer alone in this suffering. Thank you for all your support.”

*Names changed for security reasons