Meeting the Prime Minister and building relationships!
So my friends and I had a private dinner with the Prime Minister of Cameroon. In his home. With his wife. SO COOL. Here’s the story and the special things that God did.
For seven weeks in May and June 2011, my teammate Sarah and I led a team of 10 Wycliffe Canada interns to Cameroon, west Africa. The majority of our time was spent in Oku, a remote part of the Northwest Province. We were there to serve the Cameroon Association for Bible Translation and Literacy (CABTAL), a Cameroonian organization coordinating indigenous Bible translation, language development, scripture use and literacy for over 30 languages in Cameroon (there are about 280 vital languages in Cameroon!). Oku is one of their projects, a language of about 80,000 speakers. The whole New Testament has now been drafted and it is being checked by the translators, exegetes and consultants, set for publication in 2013.
All Oku people speak their mother tongue, Oku, and for many, English is a very secondary language. For the majority of Oku speakers, vocabulary in English is limited what is needed for business or getting by in a major centre. It certainly is not the language used in the home, or for important personal matters. Despite this, primary school is mainly taught in English and by English-speaking teachers. The Oku Language Society, a part of CABTAL’s efforts in this area, is piloting mother-tongue education projects, with results showing stronger comprehension, stronger student retention, and stronger academic success in those who are enrolled in these programs.
In many countries, as it is in Cameroon, those who speak a minority language are often forgotten peoples within their own country, marginalized by their ethnolinguistic minority status. Our team was there to learn about global missions in this context – to live in Oku homes, learn from the Oku people, work in their fields, take local transportation, to serve CABTAL and the Oku Language Society by bringing awareness to the Oku Bible translation project and the impact of Oku literacy.
One of the challenges Sarah and I faced while still in Canada, was that our Cameroonian partners thought it would be too challenging on our interns to live with Oku families. They were worried that the culture shock would be too great, that it was less safe, and it would be difficult enough to adjust to living in a remote area let alone with local families. Sarah and I, however, really advocated for family living because we felt that it would be an invaluable part of cross-cultural learning, whether or not culture shock would be more dramatic. We wanted to foster relationship building, even if the relationships were hard to make and made us feel uncomfortable.
To say that this experience was phenomenal would be a gross understatement. It was the nucleus of our spiritual and personal growth in Cameroon and the beauty we experienced. It certainly was not easy learning living so intimately with another culture and worldview, but each intern learned to love their family and really develop deep relationships over the month. My favorite memory is just sitting each evening for hours with Sarah and our “Mama” (who was three years younger than me!) over the open fire in the mud cookhouse. While I am single and live in high density, fast paced urban Toronto, Mama Isabelle is married with two small children and lives in one of the most mountainous and rural areas of Cameroon. We didn’t even have language in common! We spent our time talking as much as we could, learning about the pace of life, what our favorite things were, what the important things in life were, learning new Oku words, sharing English words – just being together. Sarah and I built a special bond with our Mama that we felt was deeply spiritual, so much so that as I write this my eyes moisten.
It is remarkable how God uses relationships to accomplish his larger, grander mission for nations and the world. Two of our interns were placed in the home of a man whose brother was a butler to the Prime Minister of Cameroon. Interestingly, the Prime Minister had served as the Cameroonian Ambassador to Canada for over 20 years! It was a longshot, but we tried to connect with him to bring greetings and meet with him at his office. It turned out that he was interested in what Canadian youth were doing in a minority language group – let alone his language group! The Prime Minister is originally from Oku! Not only did we meet the Prime Minister, but he invited us to his personal home for a private formal dinner with his wife, and we were able to give him the first ever published books in Oku, his own language. We were able to share with him from our personal experience the transformation and the development work that Bible translation and mother-tongue literacy is making in Oku and around the country among minority language communities. Our team was able to bring the directorate team of CABTAL to this dinner, and they’ve been able to maintain a relationship with him since. The Prime Minister is the second to the President as the most powerful voice in the country of Cameroon. God provided for us to have his interested audience and grant CABTAL to grow a relationship with the Prime Minister, we pray and trust, for the good of the ethnolinguistic minority communities in Cameroon and the work of Bible translation.
This happened because a choice was made to live in the Oku community, despite concerns about safety and culture shock. This larger-scale good happened because of valuing relationship, no matter if it was awkward or uncomfortable. God does marvelous things to move forward His mission. We are just blessed to be part of it as we choose to value and love His people.
-If you or anyone you know is interested in a short term trip like the one described above – check out http://www.wycliffe.ca/involved/instigate.html or Google “Wycliffe Canada instiGATE”. Applications for this year are accepted until April.
Wycliffe Canada Intern Wins Scholarship for Research Project
Wycliffe Canada Intern Wins Scholarship for his research project! Yay Stephen! Are you interested in an internship — if not, YOU SHOULD BE! 
http://www.wycliffe.ca/newsroom/news_057_stephenli.html
A University of Calgary (U of C) student serving as a Wycliffe Canada intern has received a $1,000 U of C scholarship for his research into the writing systems used to translate Scripture for Canada’s Cree nation and two languages in Asia.
Stephen Li, a Hong Kong native who moved to Calgary with his family in 2003, utilized biographies, video documentaries and archived materials to research the impact of scripts developed by missionary James Evans and two others, as far back as the 19th century. The project demonstrated how the scripts affected all three language groups by giving them access to Scripture, helping preserve their culture and giving them greater access to national education.
Evans’ script, developed in 1840, drew its characters from a British shorthand system. It was used to establish written languages for the Cree, Ojibwa, Inuktitut and several other First Nations. Li’s project also traced how indigenous groups in Asia adopted two other scripts created by missionaries to develop their written languages.
Now in his fifth year of studies at the U of C, Li completed the research as part of a combined degree program in international indigenous studies and social and cultural anthropology. He was one of 20 students honoured Nov. 25 at the Undergraduate Research Award Reception, for their achievements in a poster competition as well as oral presentations. Li won the Graduate Students Association Award: Excellence in Research.
An article on the university’s website says the reception “showcased the efforts of selected undergraduates and highlighted the value of undergraduate research in a research-intensive university.”
At Wycliffe’s Calgary headquarters, Li has been working with Chinese Ministries to develop a hands-on manual for future administrators of that ministry. The 24-year-old student expects to graduate from the U of C in 2013. After that, he hopes to acquire more skills in project management.
“I see that project management is important… to the fulfilment of Vision 2025,” says Li, referring to Wycliffe’s vision to see Bible translation started, for all languages that still need it, by 2025. “I would like to combine the project management skills I have with linguistic training.”
Wycliffe Canada offers a growing number of internships each year to qualified applicants. For more information about internships and other short-term opportunities with Wycliffe, visit wycliffe.ca/involved/shortterm.html.
The Impact of Literacy – learning circles, vegetable gardening and political rights
HI! This is an excerpt from some partners in Bangladesh which explains so well the impact and influence of literacy and mother tongue education. I’ve had the chance to be in the Mahle community a few times. I’ve posted some of my own pictures from that community.
LEARNING FOR LIFE
Written by: Cornelius Tudu
In November 2011, I had a great experience in Dinajpur (northern Bangladesh) on a visit to six ‘learning circles’. The learning circles are groups of people from the Mahle community who meet once a week to discuss different issues and learn together. The groups started running this year with support from SIL Bangladesh. I went with the mobilization team to listen to the participants’ experiences and hear about the ways that their lives have started to change. We heard some very encouraging stories from the group members.
Over the last four months, the groups have discussed many different issues, including vegetable gardening, the importance of education, how to save money, how to access local facilities and services, and the bad effects of alcohol and drugs. People have experienced the benefits of learning in a group. They realize that education is very important in dealing with government officials, talking about participating in government projects for needy people and their land rights . They also believe that people will respect them and listen to them if they become educated. Thomas Murmu, a learning circle member, said that after attending the learning circle, he decided to check on his son’s school attendance. He realized that his son was not always going to school regularly, so now he sets aside time to take his son to school in the morning and to speak with the teacher. As a result of the learning circles, parents are now more aware of the value of education and are encouraged to take better care of their children.
Group members also shared with us what they have learnt about vegetable gardening. Many of the people are landless and have a very limited income. They used to think that they could not grow vegetables because they do not have any land. But in the learning circle they learnt that they can grow many small crops in a broken pot or a tub. Monika Hembrom, a learning circle member, has planted chilies, spinach and garlic. She is really pleased and is spending less money on vegetables now that she is growing some of her own.
Other group members were struck by the discussions on savings. They learnt how easily they can save a small amount of money by setting aside 5 to 10 taka each day from the money they usually spend on cigarettes or betel leaf. Some have already started to save in a mud pot and are encouraging others to do the same. One man talked about his plans to buy a chicken and maybe, in the future, a goat. He also wants to set aside money for his children’s school fees and for medical emergencies.
In one village we noticed that a learning circle member had started her own group. We asked her why she had decided to do this and she told us that she was really encouraged by the learning circle she attended, and wants to share her knowledge and information with others. She told the supervisor of the learning circles, “I don’t want money for this, because this is my duty for my community.” This is a great sign that community people are taking ownership of their own learning.
Of the 40 million people living with HIV/AIDS worldwide, 26 million live in sub-Saharan Africa where this disease is the leading cause of death.
Wow. Huge concerns! How is prevention done and awareness created for some of these vulnerable populations?
Flyers, classes, health clinics all in a country’s majority language and in model of Western learning are not reaching the minority language communities in this region, where HIV/AIDS is a serious problem and clouded with myth. It’s EXCITING, that Kande’s Story, a biblically-based story study program translated into minority languages, is being used and an answer to the needs that exist.
When I was in Cameroon this summer, I visited two language communities – both of which had Kande’s Story translated into their languages and were being actively used in the community. Such a priority are health needs that this material becomes some of the first material translated into minority languages in sub-Saharan Africa. Read this link to find out more about the impact of Kande’s Story and how it relates biblically and culturally to ethnic communities.
Techie’s in Bible translation! Computers, Software,
This morning, I had an email from a guy who works at RIM, developing cool stuff for Blackberry and Playbook. One of the neat things he does is write code so that the software works in various (and complex!) languages. He wrote this “The Lord has given me quite a bit experience working with languages, input and writing code which would be cool to use it for bible translation software or some tool you guys might need that I could build.” So cool! and TRUE!
It got me thinking I should post on Computers! I just ripped some of this stuff off Wycliffe.ca , so check it out yourself! Read on — your skills can be used in technology!
Advancements in computer technology have provided this generation of translators with lightweight portable computers and specialized software applications that are speeding translation and enabling teams working in related languages to collaborate more effectively.
SIL, Wycliffe’s main partner organization, is a leader in linguistic computing. They focus on providing tools that help field workers to organize and analyze language data and to prepare the results for publication.
Software developers serving with SIL and JAARS, Wycliffe’s partners, have collaborated to create a variety of translation support software programs. For example, FieldWorks is a suite of programs designed specifically for linguists and Bible translators.
At Wycliffe’s Canadian headquarters in Calgary, a team of software developers works as part of SIL’s global language technology team. They are focusing on solutions for the Linux operating system, including a complete software package that is used by mother-tongue translators in remote locations for drafting Scripture, building dictionaries and preparing literacy materials.
Check out this website for more stories and articles on computers in linguistics! http://www.sil.org/computing/
Christmas is coming! @1_book a meaningful opportunity this season!
I was in Starbucks last week and I realized I was hearing the bell-ringing and cheery tunes of Christmas melodies! How exciting!
And also last week, I had the chance to attend a dinner hosted by OneBook, a partner organization of Wycliffe, that seeks to fund national Bible translation projects. The main speaker was Efi Walters, incoming Director of CABTAL. I had the privilege of working intimately with CABTAL in a language project in Cameroon this summer, along with 11 other Canadians. He shared about the change that God is bringing to language communities in Cameroon as the Bible is translated and literacy materials are produced and used. I mean not only are people able to learn about Jesus, but they are learning how to self-purify their drinking water, thereby reducing cholera! So cool!
So – as Christmas approaches and we rush into a season so special, but often quickly is overrun with busyness and materialism, I want to encourage you to purchase your gifts through OneBook. They have an online calendar where you can actually donate to translate ONE VERSE of the Bible in a language from Burkina Faso! What an incredible gift you can give someone – participation in the Bible being accessible and coming alive!
Look at the gift catalogue on their website here: www.onebook.ca ! Don’t stop there – check out their website, picture and stories. Capture vision for what God is doing around the world!
Rape, Violence = the Bible brings hope
I read some news articles this week about an ethnic language group in Cameroon that I visited with my Dad this past July. You can read for yourself here, but basically a group of Aghem women have been refusing to work in the farms and protesting to the authorities after a recent series of sexual attacks, one woman even dying of fatal wounds. It is estimated that 20% of women in Cameroon are raped with another 14% escaping from rape. That is over 1/3 of the ENTIRE female population of a nation experiencing sexual violence. Many of these women come from ethno-linguistic minorities and are also the victims of larger economic and political frustrations and issues. Without a written language or education in the mother tongue, development is stifled and these women are limited in achieving the productivity and self-confidence possible to improve their quality of life.
There is a lot to say on this issue of violence, but language development and Bible translation can bring hope and healing and enable worldview change that can put a stop to this situation. Literacy, education and the spiritual transformation of Jesus encounters through Scripture can change the world! Especially for these women in Aghem.
There is a Bible translation ministry in Aghem now. There are literacy classes that many women are attending. God is bringing healing and hope through his translated word. Dad and I were able to sit in with Aghem translators who were working on Revelation 8. I would like to challenge you to pray – pray intentionally, pray deeply, pray desperately, pray passionately – for the Aghem people, these women and the impact of the Bible translation project there. Revelation 8 talks about the prayers of God’s people rising along with incense – it is a beautiful and welcome scent to God. In prayer we have a mysical engagement with God to affect change in our world.
Pray for Aghem.
Watch the impact of God’s word on the life of people and communities:
A Bigger Goal-new video on Teaching overseas!
Interested in using Teachers College in missions? Have a B.Ed and want to teach in a new context?
Check out Jen’s experience as a teacher! She wanted to support children’s education as well as serve an even bigger goal!
Wycliffe anthropologist publishes research on HIV/AIDS
Bible Translation and HIV/AIDS?
David Beine, an SIL anthropologist and Wycliffe USA member, publishes research in October 2011 issue of Global Journal of Health and Science. He looks at the efficacy of HIV/AIDS prevention efforts and argues for adapting information to fit global cultural norms, using Nepal as an example. You can read his article here:
http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/gjhs/article/view/10300/8694
An understanding of…cultural influences must undergird our efforts and result in culturally appropriate education materials and methods that incorporate these features if we are to succeed in reducing stigma associated with HIV and AIDS in Nepal.
You can also read more about Beine’s background and other published research here: http://sil.org/sil/news/2011/hiv-aids-research-journal.htm
Cholera + Bible translation?! @wycliffe_canada video!
Check out this video on an awesome and energetic Argentinian lady pursuing God’s heart and living big adventure….
Cholera reduction and Bible translation??
“I am a very common person.. but I understood that God used the most common person in the world!
“We need more people coming to help us…. especially young people!”
Check it out…
