From Slums to Priesthood: Cameroonian Catholic Priest Shares Journey of Faith, Renews Commitment to Serving the Poor

Douala, 22 May, 2025 / 11:36 PM

A Cameroonian Catholic Priest has penned a heartwarming testimony of his experiences in a book, narrating his experience with poverty to the sacred vocation of the Priesthood.

In the 102-page book published under the title, “From the Slums to Royal Priesthood”, Fr. Christopher Geh Kum traces the pivotal events of his life, bringing to life a compelling journey through vividly portrayed characters who encounter mutual challenges and spiritually transformative experiences.

In an interview with ACI Africa, Fr. Kum recounted humble beginnings in the slums of Esu in Cameroon’s Bamenda Archdiocese, to surviving as a hawker and laborer, and his eventual admission into St. Paul’s Major Seminary in Douala.

“My grandfather once prophesied that I would become a great man, and that I would suffer. His words proved true. Shortly after he passed away, the suffering began,” Fr. Kum told ACI Africa Thursday, May 22.

He added, “In the book, I recount how I struggled through those early years, selling wood just to pay my school fees. It was not easy living in the slums.”

“At one point, I was entrusted to a Nigerian businessman in Bamenda, where I worked for eight to nine years. Despite the hard labor, I left with nothing to show for it,” Fr. Kum recounted.

“Life then took me to Yaoundé, where I survived as a hawker. I went on to work as a sales boy, a night watchman, and even a babysitter. Life was harsh, but through it all, God had a plan,” the member of the Clergy of Cameroon’s Douala Archdiocese said.

Divided into 14 chapters and published in both English and French, the book offers an inspiring account of resilience, faith, and divine calling.

The first two chapters detail Fr. Kum’s early life: his birth, family, baptism as a Presbyterian, and primary education. 

The next eight chapters explore his experience working as an apprentice to Mr. Okafor in Bamenda, his conversion to Catholicism, and his eventual move to Yaoundé. 

The final four chapters describe his time in Yaoundé and how his encounter with a close friend led him to consider the Priesthood.

In the May 22 interview with ACI Africa, Fr. Kum said, “In 2005, I began my Seminary formation. I returned to school after 19 years—a journey filled with pain, resilience, and divine guidance.”

“The book tells the story in detail. Readers will discover the road I traveled toward the Priesthood,” the Youth Chaplain in Cameroon’s Douala Archdiocese said.

He hopes his story will serve as an encouragement to young people, particularly those discerning religious vocations.

“It’s a journey I share to encourage young people: do not run away from suffering. Challenges are part of the path. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel,” the Cameroonian Catholic Priest said.

He added, “Today, many aspiring Priests want comfort without the cross. They dream of large Parishes without the journey of self-sacrifice. But the path to God is marked by trials. As St. Paul said, ‘I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I complete in my flesh what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions.’”

The 60-year-old Catholic Priest emphasized that the book which goes for 20 US$ is not just about his life, but a message of hope, perseverance, and faith. 

“Let us pray that this book inspires young Seminarians, uplifts families, and motivates students, not the lazy, because laziness has no place in the service of God,” Fr. Kum told ACI Africa.

He called for increased support for internally displaced persons and emphasized the importance of providing quality education for vulnerable children. 

“I thank God for this incredible moment. It is His gift to me, and today I am a happy Priest. The proceeds from this book will be used to take care of the needy,” the Catholic Priest said.

He sees his vocation as a channel of grace, stating his desire to “remain a servant of God’s people.”

“May the Lord bless all who read this book. It will inspire you, strengthen your faith, and help bring stability to your family. No matter the challenges, faith always triumphs. Destiny awaits, and with perseverance, we will reach it,” Fr. Kum told ACI Africa.