Topic: Missionary Activities in Cameroon

1. Introduction

Missionary activities in Cameroon began in the 19th century when Christian missionaries came mainly from Europe. Their aim was to spread Christianity, but they also influenced education, health, culture, and social life in Cameroon.

2. Meaning of Missionary Activities

Missionary activities are the efforts made by religious groups to:

Spread the Christian faith
Teach people to read and write
Provide medical care
Improve moral and social behavior

3. Arrival of Missionaries in Cameroon

Missionaries arrived in Cameroon mainly through the coastal areas, especially Douala.

The Baptist Missionaries arrived first in 1845.
Later came Presbyterians, Catholics, and Basel missionaries.
Their work spread from the coast to the interior regions.

4. Major Missionary Groups in Cameroon

a) Baptist Missionaries

Led by Alfred Saker
Settled in Douala
Translated the Bible into local languages
Opened the first schools

b) Basel Mission (Presbyterian)

Came from Switzerland and Germany
Worked mainly in the South West and West Regions
Promoted education, agriculture, and Christianity

c) Roman Catholic Missionaries

Arrived later
Built churches, schools, and hospitals
Spread widely across Cameroon

5. Activities of Missionaries in Cameroon

Missionaries carried out the following activities:

Spreading Christianity
- Preached the gospel
- Converted many Cameroonians to Christianity
Education
- Built schools
- Taught reading, writing, and arithmetic
- Introduced Western education
Health Services
- Built hospitals and clinics
- Treated diseases
- Improved hygiene
Social and Moral Training
- Taught discipline and good behavior
- Fought against slavery and some harmful practices
Language Development
- Reduced local languages into writing
- Translated the Bible and school materials

6. Effects of Missionary Activities

Positive Effects

Spread of Christianity
Introduction of formal education
Development of health services
Reduction of slave trade
Promotion of literacy

Negative Effects

Destruction of some traditional beliefs
Disrespect for African culture
Promotion of European values over African traditions

7. Problems Faced by Missionaries

Resistance from traditional rulers
Language barriers
Tropical diseases
Poor transport and communication

Missionary activities played a very important role in the history of Cameroon. Although they had both positive and negative effects, they contributed greatly to education, religion, and social development in the country.

Missionary Activities in Cameroon during the 19 Century