Click here to view this newsletter as a PDF.
Leprosy. It’s not a word you hear very often; it’s not actually a disease anyone gets now. Or is it? For some, it brings to mind Sunday School stories, early missionary work, or movies like Ben Hur. But for individuals afflicted by this disease, it is very real. Leprosy, or Hansen’s disease, is still active in Cameroon, and while treatment for this disease is available, cases need to be identified early to prevent serious complications.
Maureen giving vaccines.
The Life Abundant Program, or LAP, was started by NAB missionary Daphne Dunger in 1980. LAP holds a special place in our hearts, as Maureen worked with LAP on her first term in Cameroon. Later in 2018, Maureen served as LAP educator, training village health workers, and Craig served in LAP administration. Today, LAP provides health education and care in 52 rural villages in Cameroon. Recently, some of the LAP workers had the opportunity to receive training on leprosy identification. They then went out to villages in the Ndop and Bafoussam areas, where they were able to identify five new cases. These individuals are now receiving the treatment that will cure them and prevent any lasting disabilities.
Village health worker graduation.
The NAB supports LAP through sending medical equipment, supplies, teaching aids, and layettes for women who deliver a baby at one of the LAP centres. The LAP administrator recently reported that since one of the regions became aware of the layettes being given out, they have had an increased number of women coming to the centres to deliver instead of delivering at home. A safer environment for delivery means better outcomes for moms and babies, so we are thankful for the individuals who prepare these gifts that encourage mothers to come to the centres.
A newborn joyfully welcomed at a LAP centre.
Craig with RFIS staff.
Maureen appreciated meeting with various CBC leaders, who shared about the successes and challenges in each of their areas. Maureen and the leaders also discussed future plans and how the NAB can continue to support the CBC. Now Maureen is coordinating these plans. She is praying that God will guide and provide a way to see these plans successfully carried out in a way so God will be glorified and people will be given opportunities to hear the Good News and grow in spiritual, physical, and mental health.
Maureen with the new CBC Women’s Director.
Mr. Ngum, the director of Health Services, extended words of appreciation to the NAB for ongoing support through the mobilization of missionaries, resources, and funding for major projects. He shared that this support has been instrumental in shaping and expanding the CBC’s reach to more effectively respond to people in need.
A White Cross container arrives in Cameroon.
Sanda
The NAB Chemotherapy Special Project assists patients in CBC hospitals who have begun chemotherapy but are unable to complete their treatments because they lack the funds. Recently, Sanda, a 13-year-old boy from a modest, farming family, came to Mbingo for help. He had been having abdominal pain, and treatment at rural health centres brought no improvement. His family then took him to a CBC hospital, where they recognized that Sanda needed the chemotherapy treatment that Mbingo Baptist Hospital could provide. By this point, Sanda’s parents had paid out a great deal of money for treatment and for transportation. They sold crops of plantains, groundnuts, and yams and got help from family, but they were unable to source any further funds to complete the chemotherapy. This is when funds from the Chemotherapy Special Project were provided to Sanda. He is now able to complete his cancer treatment and has a chance of survival.
As we reflect on these stories—from early detection of leprosy, to safer births, to strengthened partnerships, and to a young boy given a second chance at life—we are reminded that quiet, faithful work truly matters. Each training session, each layette prepared, each dollar given, and each prayer offered become part of God’s larger work of restoration and hope in Cameroon. Thank you for walking alongside the NAB and the CBC as together we seek to bring healing, dignity, and the Good News to those who need it most. Your partnership is making a real difference—one life, one family, one community at a time.
Grace and Peace,