War causing loss of rural health facilities

Lab technician Hawa Kanla prepares to take a blood sample from a local pastor, Rev. Titus, at the Mt. Zion Clinic in Bamenda, Cameroon. Dr. Paul Atem has been treating him for diabetes for several years. (Photo submitted)

BAMENDA, CAMEROON ―War is seldom a quiet thing. It makes itself heard and known. It impacts lives and causes displacement and fear.

More than 20 years ago, Dr. Paul Atem expanded his medical services from his main campus in Bamenda, Cameroon, to the small, underserved villages of Tingoh and Okwala. There was no health care available in these locations.Nurses agreed to live in less-than-ideal conditions to bring medical healing. An evangelist was hired to share the Good News of Jesus. Change was happening in these villages. Dr. Paul’s impact was tangible.

Then came the war. At first, gunfire could be heard in the hills surrounding Tingoh and Okwala. Soldiers began to march past the health centers on bush paths to acquire arms. The military presence increased by the day as on-going battles between the government and rebels caused shots to be fired into the health centers. A military camp was established in Tingoh. The risk became too great and Dr. Paul and his nurses abandoned their homes and the health centers. Since 2019, Dr. Paul has been living in his clinic building in Bamenda.

Dr. Paul continues to provide excellent medical care to the people of Bamenda. However, this month we received notice that he no longer has plans to return to Tingoh and Okwala. This news is not a shock as the ministry has been shifting away from these villages for several years. Yet, it still comes with heartache as the disruption of war continues.

May Christ’s Kingdom come. May His will be done in Cameroon and other war-torn areas of the world. We are sad for how things have gone, but trust in God’s plan. Pray with us for peace and change. Pray with us for the people in Cameroon who feel the first-hand impact of our broken world.

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