This is the story of Claudine and Victor Chamberlin, missionaries to Kotto, Cameroon in Africa. They are seeking help in building a medical clinic for the people and orphans they take care of and minister to in Kotto. Harbor House Community Development Corporation has taken on the task of helping them accomplish this goal. They began their missionary work in 1963 in New Guinea and left there in 1983.
We were unpacking drums of personal effects in Ozark, Alabama, when a telephone call came saying we were needed in Africa. September of 1984 found us in The Gambia, West Africa. The assigned task was completed after two years, and we returned to the States.
As time passed and family needs increased, it seemed likely that our time of missionary service was ended. However, in March of 1995, the Lord gave Victor and me a definite call to Cameroon, Africa. All who attended the camp meeting service that day, also sensed that God has spoken. The devil also knew, and told me he was going to give us a hard time!
Six months later while in deputation, and gathering Bibles and supplies for Cameroon, I fractured both ankles at once. Our departure for Cameroon was delayed for eight more months. I did much of our packing from a wheel chair, while Victor continued the deputation and "foot work" alone.
At ages 68 and 66, we launched out on a new, exciting (but mostly unknown) adventure in Cameroon in June of 1996.
It was during our third year of the school, that we suddenly began realizing that school children were missing in classes. Upon inquiry, we learned that the parents of a ceratain child had died, and a distant relative had sent the child back to their tribal village. There the child would become a vertual slave for the elders . It is commonly known that even by the age of four, that child will be sent, day after day, to fetch water from the stream; to hunt for fire-wood; dig sweet potatoes or casava., and most likely would not be allowed to attend school. (There may not even be a school in that particular village. ) But worse than all the heartbreaking information mentioned above, is that the child will be introduced into witchcraft. The elderly relative may be a " Witch or Wizzard" and will use the child to help bring revenge to someone they believe was instrumental in causing the death of the child's parent.
When we were given this stunning information, we were deeply grieved. We knew then that we must have an orphanage where we could take in children when they lost the last of their parents. In 2005, we began taking little orphans into our home. Then in 2006 we returned to the U.S. to share with Christian friends and in churches, the burden of our heart and the need of an orphanage. The response from friends was a great encouragement. Construction for an orphanage was begun and by November of 2008, Victor Chamberlin and his trainees, had completed the beautiful facility, which is now known as EMMANUEL MEMORIAL HOME OF HOPE.
Chief Nawoh, over the village there, has given us land for a clinic. The site is being cleared of tropical undergrowth and huge boulders. Plans are underway for beginning the foundation soon. Sand, gravel, cement, and other building supplies must be hauled in by dump trucks from 60 to 80 miles away. We are truly grateful for wonderful, caring friends who desire that the needy people of Kotto have a medical center. There is many things to purchase, ship, and then take over the mountain. We need the support of our friends, family, and loving people to help this village and children. Below is the story of how our orphanage was brought to being a refuge for these children we serve.
