Hearts for Cameroon: HFC FAQs

HEARTS FOR CAMEROON - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS HEARTS FOR CAMEROON?
Hearts for Cameroon is a mission group of the Outreach and Proclamation Commission of St. John’s Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles, California. Our purpose is to partner with the Presbyterian Church and other NGOs (Non Government Organizations) in the remote village of Teze-Ngie (pronounced TEZ-ay en-GHEE) in Cameroon, Africa to assist in practical and spiritual community development in the village and surrounding region.

HOW DID HEARTS FOR CAMEROON BEGIN?
In the summer of 2005 a 25 person delegation from St. John’s traveled to the village of Teze-Ngie in the Northwest Province of Cameroon. During this trip, we learned the needs of the Ngie people in Teze and the surrounding villages. We met the leader of ASODI (The Association of Orphans and Disabled Individuals), a struggling non-profit organization committed to providing food, clothing, access to medical care and educational materials (uniforms, books, school fees, etc.) to children who have been orphaned as a result of AIDS or other diseases. In addition, we encountered disabled villagers who are often unable to care for themselves in a society where most available work is physically oriented. Epilepsy is an increasing affliction in the region and can be a deadly condition for those who work around open flames or rushing river water. We also met the leader of GLOWA and started learning more about the issue of human trafficking in the region. As a result of our experiences and the relationships we formed, several participants from the trip began meeting regularly to shape a program that would provide support and assistance to the good work of ASODI, GLOWA, the Teze church, and other organizations and individuals who are seeking to bring assistance and healing to the region.

WHAT IS THE HEARTS FOR CAMEROON GROUP DOING NOW?
Though we met with a number of NGOs that are doing excellent work among the Ngie people (adult literacy, women’s empowerment, community health care, etc.), we decided to focus our initial efforts on assisting the orphans and disabled who are unable to provide basic food, clothing and health needs for themselves through ASODI and to focus on GLOWA which works to end human trafficking. Though we will continue to grow and expand the ministry of Hearts for Cameroon as resources become available, our primary commitment is to these two NGOs.

WHERE DO THE ORPHANS LIVE?
At this time there is no traditional orphanage near the village of Teze-Ngie. Most of the children and special needs individuals are living with extended family members or foster families who are often unable to meet their own expenses. Unfortunately, some orphans live on the street and it is not uncommon for the most destitute to resort to stealing or prostitution in order to survive. Our hope is to join others who wish to come alongside each orphan to help meet his or her specific needs and to try to insure that they have access to adequate health care and education.

HOW MANY ORPHANS ARE THERE?
The Ngie people are spread throughout 19 villages in the Ngie subdivision of the Momo Division of the Northwest Province of Cameroon. Aid workers have identified over 500 orphans living in and around these villages. These areas are primitive and rural, with no access to electricity, paved roads or telecommunications.

WHAT DOES A HEARTS FOR CAMEROON SPONSOR DO?

1. Financially support Hearts for Cameroon each month with an amount of your choosing.

2. Pray for the work of HFC, ASODI and GLOWA as well as for those they help.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BE A SPONSOR?
There is no set monthly amount required to become a Hearts for Cameroon sponsor. The needs are great and all funds will be used to support the work of Hearts for Cameroon. You pick your monthly pledge amount, sign up, and you’re officially a sponsor!

HOW DO I PAY MY MONTHLY PLEDGE?
If you attend St. John’s Presbyterian Church regularly you may simply drop a check in the offering plate made out to St. John’s Presbyterian Church with “Hearts for Cameroon” in the memo line. Please write this out as a separate check from your regular offering. If you prefer, you can mail your check to:

Hearts for Cameroon
c/o St. John’s Presbyterian Church
11000 National Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064