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. 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, 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. Though we will continue to grow and expand the ministry of Hearts for Cameroon as resources become available, our primary commitment is to the children and neediest individuals in and around the village.

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?
Once you choose a photo of a child in the program you will have the opportunity to commit to three things:
1. Pray for your specific “adopted” child.
2. Exchange letters with your new friend.
3. Financially support Hearts for Cameroon each month.

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

It will be your responsibility to send in your pledge each month, though we will send regular email reminders. Online giving is not yet available, but we're working on it!

HOW LONG WILL I BE A SPONSOR?
The commitment period is one year. At the end of the year you will have the option to continue your sponsorship and maintain your pen pal relationship with an orphaned child or disabled individual.

HOW DO I PRAY FOR MY "ADOPTED" CHILD?
Some people like to put the photo of their child on the refrigerator or another high traffic area in the home as a reminder to pray regularly for his or her needs. Simply ask God to be with your special friend. Ask for guidance, spiritual insight, and encouragement for your pen pal. Pray that he or she is healthy and that the gifts to Hearts for Cameroon will be multiplied to meet the overwhelming physical needs of the children and needy in Ngie.

HOW WILL I SEND AND RECEIVE LETTERS?
You have two delivery options for your letters. We prefer that letters be emailed to letters@heartsforcameroon.org (Be sure to put your child’s name in the subject heading) and they will be passed on to your child. If you do not have regular email access, you can send a handwritten letter to:

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

Be sure that you identify your child by name at the top of the letter so that we will know the correct recipient. You can use the above location as your return address for the sake of privacy.

WHAT DO I SAY IN MY LETTER?
Your new pen pal will probably be as curious about your life as you are about his or hers. Tell them about your family, your pets, your life at work or school, your friends and your spiritual life. Your child would love to receive a picture of you or your family. Try not to emphasize material possessions or discuss things that highlight the differences between the economic cultures of our countries. Focus on the ways in which you are similar and see how God can build a friendship across the miles! Please note that the Northwest Province of Cameroon is English speaking so your letters will not need to be translated.

WHAT IF I DON'T KNOW HOW TO RESPOND?
Don’t be surprised if your pen pal asks you to give something or do something that seems unrealistic. Remember, American culture and Cameroonian culture can be very different. If you need help in knowing how to respond, you can bring any correspondence to the Hearts for Cameroon committee for advice. In addition, Beth Swanson, Melanie Bomar, Don Eichenseer and Scott Bomar work closely with our partners in Cameroon and would be happy to answer your questions privately. Any such concerns can be emailed to info@heartsforcameroon.org.

WHERE CAN I GO IF I HAVE QUESTIONS?
If you ever feel uncertain about the process or have questions of any kind you can refer back to www.heartsforcameroon.org. If your question is not answered at this site, email info@heartsforcameroon.org or contact Melanie Bomar, Scott Bomar, Beth Swanson, Nina Goebert, Philip Ajeakwa, Bryce Ferguson, Michael Njei, Jim Lamm, or Cathi Lamm.