Evangelization in Cameroon: when faith goes through the internet ✝️

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Once limited to churches and physical gatherings, evangelization has taken a new turn with digital technology. On Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and even WhatsApp, Cameroonian pastors and prophets attract thousands of followers daily through live prayers, biblical teachings, and virtual deliverance sessions. For some believers, these new practices have become an integral part of their spiritual routine.

Prayers at your fingertips 🙏

Today, all it takes is a smartphone and an internet connection to join an online prayer session. On Facebook, popular pages of renowned pastors broadcast live services followed by thousands of people. YouTube is filled with preaching videos, while on TikTok, short motivational, prophetic, or exhortative clips go viral.

« Before, I had to go to church several times a week to attend prayers. Now, I can pray live from home with my pastor. There are also pages like those of Pastor Mohamed Sanogo, Father Jean-Emmanuel, and many others, » says Sylvie, a devoted follower of online prayers.

For his part, Thierry believes this opportunity allows him to maintain his connection with the church. « I work a lot and don’t always have time to go to church. Thanks to online prayers, I stay connected to my faith, even when traveling. There are daily prayers, special prayers, and worship sessions—everything is available, and everyone finds what they need, » he says.

A phenomenon amplified by COVID-19 🌍

Although online evangelization already existed, the COVID-19 pandemic played a major role in its expansion. With health restrictions in place, many pastors turned to digital platforms to maintain their connection with believers. Today, even with life returning to normal, habits have changed, and online services continue to attract thousands of worshippers. Additionally, even some imams have embraced this trend.

« I realized that the faithful were no longer coming to prayer. During the coronavirus period, it was impossible to go out. Online evangelization allowed me to reach more people. If you check my pages, we even preach in local languages. Sometimes, these online prayers gather more people than those who come to the mosque, » says Aboubakar Ousmanou, an imam in a mosque in Yaoundé.

These habits persist even after COVID-19. « During the lockdown, I discovered pastors I would never have known otherwise. Since then, I continue to follow their prayers on Facebook and YouTube. Whenever I’m upset or sad, I immediately look for a prayer or worship song online, and it calms me down. There are also WhatsApp prayer groups, which help a lot, » explains Mireille, a merchant.

Online prayers… and miracles ?✨

Many believers share testimonies of the effectiveness of online prayers. Some claim to have experienced healings, financial breakthroughs, or spiritual transformations after attending online services.

« One day, I followed a prayer on YouTube where the pastor said someone was going to receive good news. The next day, I got a promotion at work. Since then, I truly believe that God acts even through a screen. It’s possible as long as you simply believe, » says Richard, a devoted online prayer participant.

However, not everyone shares this enthusiasm. For some Christians, nothing can replace physical presence in a church, and online evangelization has its limitations.

« It is always better to stay in the house of the Lord. I also think that concentration is better there. At home, we are tempted to do other things, like checking messages on WhatsApp, » laments Agnès.

Abuses and concerns ⚠️

Like any digital space, online evangelization is not free from abuse. Some individuals take advantage of believers’ credulity to sell « miraculous oils, » paid prayers, or spiritual consultations. Others are wary of the increasing number of self-proclaimed preachers on the internet without real legitimacy.

« There are too many fake pastors on Facebook and TikTok who are only after money. They promise miracles in exchange for online offerings. But I believe the real miracle is simply having faith that what we ask for will come true, » explains Armand, a skeptic.

Online evangelization is now an unavoidable and uncontrollable reality in Cameroon. While it allows reaching a broader audience, including young people and the diaspora, it also raises questions about the authenticity and supervision of digital religious practices. Regardless, for many believers, the internet has become a true spiritual space where faith is nurtured just as much as in traditional places of worship.

Your opinion matters!!!
What do you think about online evangelization? Is it a real spiritual revolution or just a passing trend? Let us know in the comments! ☺️