CBC Health Services Chaplains: Heroes of Mission Hospitals
The Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services (CBCHS) recently held its annual Chaplaincy Association Meeting from October 29-31, 2024, at the Nkwen Baptist Center. The theme for this year’s gathering was “Chaplains: Heroes of Mission Hospitals,” reflecting the vital role chaplains play in providing spiritual care and support within the healthcare system.
The three-day event brought together over 65 chaplains serving across various CBCHS facilities, underscoring the growing need for pastoral care in the organization’s expanding network of health centers. Rev. Dr. Paul Mokake, the CBC Director for Evangelism and Missions, addressed the chaplains, recognizing their unwavering dedication. “The patients you serve are not just Christians or Cameroonians, but humanity itself,” he said, “and we thank you for your tireless efforts.”
Mr. Ndosack George, the CBCHS Personnel Manager representing the Director of Health Services, further encouraged the chaplains to steadfastly uphold the institution’s mission through their unique ministry. The meeting also celebrated the opening of new chaplain positions in Makenene and BSPH showing a growing recognition of the chaplains’ indispensable role. Other health centers will be requiring the services of chaplains in the near future.
A touching highlight of the event was the address by Rev. Dr. Nfor Ephesians Bantar, the Chaplaincy Supervisor for CBCHS. He emphasized the importance of the chaplains’ work, saying, “Our focus is to reinforce awareness indicating our uniqueness, as apostle Paul will buttress it as a noble task. We are called to make a difference in ministry, especially the ministry of reconciling, guiding, sustaining, and healing as we take the gospel out of the four corners of the church into the hospital, sick bed, counseling rooms, mortuary, outpatient department, and chapel.” He added, “The chaplain’s ministry is not just about the patients, but the entire hospital community. You are the heroes who provide a shoulder to lean on, a hand to hold, and a dignified presence in the most challenging moments.” Dr. Bantar urged the public to reach out and request the services of a chaplain whenever they visit any of the CBCHS institutions or need spiritual support and counseling.
The meeting also featured insightful sessions on various aspects of hospital ministry, including Mme Nsono Josephine’s lesson on Contextual Bible studies in light of Child Protection and Safeguarding. She encouraged the chaplains to reread the Bible with their audience in mind, identifying and referring cases of abuse.
Ending with words of encouragement from one another, the chaplains left with a renewed commitment to providing compassionate, empathetic, and effective spiritual care to patients, and staff, in and through the CBC Health Services. As the “heroes of mission hospitals,” these servants of God continue to provide a vital bridge between the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients, staff, and the wider community.
