A Special Visit and the Power of Resilience

 

After several years apart due to the ongoing crisis in Anglophone Cameroon, my mom has finally been able to visit us. She arrived with her smartphone and was amazed at what she could learn and accomplish with it. Teaching her has been a jy, and I thank God for the skills I’ve gained in adult education, which now help me guide her in navigating technology. Seeing her embrace this new knowledge with excitement is truly inspiring. She even noticed people accessing Scriptures on their phones in church and wondered how they did it. Now, she knows—and she’s making an effort to do it herself! She was especially shocked when I told her that the Lamnso' Bible App was compiled by me! That moment opened the door for me to share more about the kind of work I do, making Bible translation and literacy accessible.
During her stay, I also noticed she was struggling to read. When I asked about her glasses, she said they got lost while escaping into the bushes. She explained that whenever there is an encounter between separatists and soldiers in their area, the locals must flee to the bush for safety. In the chaos, people might lose not just valuables but, tragically, even their lives. Hearing her recount these experiences was heartbreaking. It reminded me that resilience is not only about learning new things but also about enduring hardship with hope.
These are the harsh realities of war that many never understand unless they live in a conflict zone. My mother’s story is just one among many. We truly need to pray for this part of Cameroon and for all regions of the world experiencing political crises. More than that, may we also seek ways to bring hope and healing to those who are suffering.

Answering the call: Commissioned to serve and share the Gospel

 

February 16 was a joyful celebration at Agape Baptist Church, Nkoulou, Yaoundé, as we joined Martin and Faith Marara in their commissioning by the church, in partnership with Wycliffe Africa, to serve the Lord. This was especially exciting for us, as we answered the same call nearly two years ago. Like Martin and Faith, our role as missionaries is to facilitate Bible translation and language development in Africa, serving in various ways.

Rev. Haison, in his exhortation and charge, reminded the Mararas—and all of us (missionaries present)—that we are commissioned to preach the gospel at all times, not just from the pulpit. Preaching from Psalm 67, he challenged us to live in a way that causes all nations to praise God through the task He has given us.

Celebrating the Life of a Legend: Robert Hedinger

 

I first met Robert (Baa Sam) and his wife, Ria, in 2003. During their ten years in Bamenda - Cameroon, Ria (Ma) was my supervisor. I worked closely with Robert. As an expert linguist and Bible translator, Robert had a profound knowledge of language software and a deep passion for mentoring young people like me especially in the field of Bible translation and linguistics. He guided me, inviting me to participate in some of his workshops, and we traveled together several times. 

I often attended Robert’s classes, providing IT support while also learning valuable language software skills. His mentorship, coupled with my supervisor’s support, led to my selection by SIL Africa Area as one of the first Africans to receive a growth plan in language technology training. Robert’s selflessness extended beyond professional guidance—he was even my chauffeur on my wedding day. He truly embodied selfless service and mentorship throughout his life.
His exceptional dedication and organizational skills significantly contributed to linguistic development and Bible translation in Cameroon. Through his training and support, numerous language teams, Bible translators, linguists, and academics benefited greatly. Thanks to his efforts, many African languages, including mine, now have dictionaries.
Adieu, Robert. Your life and legacy continue to inspire me and I am forever grateful that you truly became one of my Baa (Dad) in every sense of the word.

Some photos below reminds me of our times together in Bamenda. 

Visiting the Meta Bible Translation project

Hanging out with Robert to Yaounde where he attended EC meetings.

We attended the Mundani Bible dedication

Men's group Dedication at a Church in Bamenda

Our wedding in Bamenda

Visiting during the day of my baptism