Heart of a Chaplain Training graduated its first-ever batch of chaplains on November 13, 2025, at the Baptist Centre in Bamenda. The first batch of graduates consisted of 23 CBC Health Services chaplains who underwent a rigorous online training under the supervision of the Samaritan’s Purse Evangelism and World Medical Missions in the USA in partnership with the Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services (CBCHS).

The graduation ceremony was also an opportunity for Samaritan’s Purse to donate training materials to the second batch of CBCHS chaplains to facilitate their studies. In his welcome address, the Director of Health Services, Mr. Ngum Samuel, expressed gratitude to the Samaritan’s Purse team for their support in training and donations to the CBC in diverse forms. He congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to serve with purpose, reminding them of the significance of their ministry in the various healthcare facilities.                                                                         

Graduating chaplains, Chaplains Eliasu Hamidou, Nfah Mercy, and Gur Ernest, shared reflections on the impact of the training on their lives and ministry. They expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the program and highlighted the skills and knowledge gained.                                                   

Samaritan’s Purse and Program Manager of World Medical Missions, Rev. Dr Jacob Pratt, drawing inspiration from Matthew 25:31-46, emphasized the importance of serving others as a reminder of Christ’s teachings. He praised the CBC Chaplaincy program, stating, “The CBC Chaplaincy program is something to be proud of and grateful to be able to share with others of the impact it has made”. He challenged the chaplains to clothe themselves with the love of Christ so as to better serve people and the patients.           

Pastor Moses Kamau, Samaritan Purse Regional Chaplain, Kenya, congratulated the chaplains and encouraged them to be the heart, hands, and legs of Christ, representing Him in all they do.

Responding on behalf of the graduating chaplains, Rev. Timlak George expressed gratitude to Rev. Dr. Jacob Pratt and his team for their generosity and support, as well as the Administration of the CBC Health Services for giving them the opportunity to take the training. The class representative requested that Samaritan Purse create a chaplaincy residency program in the CBC Health Services.

The Executive President of the CBC, Rev. Dr. Teke John Ekema, represented by Rev. Dr. Ngala Godlove, said the CBC is a fertile ground to in. Rev.  Dr. Ngala Godlove remarked that CBCHS chaplains have a vast platform that no CBC pastor has to preach the gospel. He urged the chaplains to continue ministering to the numerous people they see at the OPD every day.

Like the EP, Prof. Tih Pius also urged the graduating chaplains to continue learning and upholding the ministry, which is a special calling. The graduation ceremony was a celebration of the chaplains’ commitment to serving others and a testament to the partnership between the CBC and Samaritan’s Purse. As the graduates embark on their ministry, they are equipped with the skills and knowledge to make a meaningful impact in their communities.