ParaTExt 8 trainers workshop in Thailand

It was really good to work with a team of 57 from all over the world meeting for 8 days at Duangtawan Hotel in Chiang Mai - Thailand to discuss, share ideas and train on the very new software ParaTExt. ParaTExt is a very useful program for doing the work of Bible Translation. With ParaTExt, you can keyboard, use various tools, check keyterms, use interlinear to generate a back translation and do checking of your Scripture to ensure there is consistency. This program has come of age and continues to improve. It is a very important program that makes the work of translators and translation consultants to be real fun. What this means is that Language Technology Support people like me has got a lot in their plates to handle. However, I know that God is going to make all that we are cultivating, planting and watering to grow so that others might come to live a life that glorifies Jesus who is our persnal Lord and saviour. I also meet some really good friends here - linguistics students at Payap University. They are Nu Nu, Mis and Naing.

Connections that Matter

Today I was wondering how to get around the city of Chiang Mai by myself and I immediately started looking through Google Maps. A friend's friend whom I have never met called asking how I was planning to spend my Saturday. After I told her my plans, she said if I won't mind to go by motorbike, she could send her friend to take me out. I jumped for the opportunity. Not very long, Naing Kheng showed up at the hotel and we took off. Naing is a very nice man from Myanmar (Burma) studying linguitics at Payap University. It was really good spending that time with him (especially as he could speak Thai and I don't) and seeing how God do connect people together. You can imagine how we all felt more connected to each other at the end when we realized that we are both Connect to Him.

Best Practices Conference for Traditional Rulers & Church Leaders

Best practices conference for Traditional Rulers and Church leaders just wrapped up at CABTAL Chapman Center in Yaounde. It is the first of its kind and it is just the beginning as the Fons, Chiefs and Church leaders want to see these discussions continue so that they can work together to bring the needed transformation and impact in their communities. This is in line with CABTAL's vission - Communities and individuals tranformed through God's word in their language and using their language for sustainable development. These two Fons are from Bum, in North West Cameroon. They believe in the Lord Jesus, they are upholding the word of the Lord in their community and have been sharing their faith with a lot of passion. They understand and love the Word of God in their heart language (Bum). Their example is worth emulating.

Dedication/Launching of the Ŋwàʼ Nyùy (Bible) and Ŋwàʼ Nsàv (Dictionary)

As per this flyer, the Dedication/Launching of the Ŋwàʼ Nyùy (Bible) and Ŋwàʼ Nsàv (Dictionary) will be on the 19th of November at 9:00 at the Tobin Stadium.

In our office this morning as we were praying for this occasion considering the different meetings and preparations going on, our director mentioned that the Lamnsoʼ community wants to invite even the President of the republic to this event and I said in my heart - why not! This is our God given twin event so mark your calender and plan to be there. One surprise I had (until the time of writing this email) is that I have successfully build apk files for both so guess what? There is already an android apt for the the dictionary as well as the Bible.

See you there!

Frans Barah

The process to get food in the plate is long

This exercise is so important for especially those of us from the NW who eat these leaves. It is quite a delicacy so once this is bought and brought home, everyone will always ensure that it is prepared as soon as possible.

How can I pay God for my health

On the 2nd of July, I felt so sick and on the 3rd I had to be rushed to the hospital. I had malaria and had to take medications, six ivs. I am so thankful for friends for praying and for my wife for taking good care of me while at was at the hospital.

Building the University of Bamenda

On the 2nd of July, all roads were leading to the University of Bamenda to raise funds for the construction of the University of the future. That future lies in the hands of everyone and that future begins now. Donors, well wishers, men of good will gave their all and all to see that there will enough to begin the construction dream. Let us pray for the management team to do a good job and let us pray for this spirit to reign in our hearts and minds.