The invisible impact of the GEI/LaRed

This week I have been in a community teaching Bible Translators basic computer skills and specifically how to use a Scripture Translation Software - ParaTExt to begin translating the Bible into their language - Mengaka in the Western Region of Cameroon. During this time, were were using one LaRed principle every morning and doing a devotion (round table) whereby, I introduce it, we have volunteers read through it paragraph by paragraph and then share what stands out for us.

It was awesome and every participant really find these relevant in their life and context. I had two Pastors in the group who really appreciated these materials and took them home. One of them was already telling me how they will benefit his family first and even the Church.

Today was very interesting as one cleaner came in the do his work and could not help himself but kept listening/watching as we took turns reading and sharing together. At some point, he came very close and looked on the screen of the computer.

How I enjoy these principles that God Himself has put in place so that we can build up our character and draw closer to Him.

One remarkable thing is that the Mengaka is the first French team to use ParaTExt 8. Their alphabet is the most recent one in Cameroon. It is setup in ParaText 8 and the team is very enthusiastic for the work of Bible Translation. They received a laptop from CABTAL to carry on with this work.

When I arrived there on Sunday night, where I had planned to stay was locked. I had to stay in another section but lo and behold, that is that is the only section that has electricity. This made it possible to run the workshop because I was able to charge up the computers every night and then took them to the training center every morning.

Fitting Mengaka Alaphbet into Paratext

Today we were able to setup the Mengaka alphabet into Paratext. This is preparing paratext software for the translation team members who have finished translation principle workshops and are now ready to begin translating the Bible in Mengaka.

Nice pumpkin meal

I really love pumpkins. A few days ago, I saw my wife boiling pumpkins and my stomach started churning for pumpkin bread or cake. However, I was surprised by what I was saved in the evening. A delicious meal of pumpkin and some meat sauce! It was very yummy!

Basic Computer & ParaTExt software training in Galim

This week 8-12 January, I am teaching basic computer and ParaTExt software to Bible Translators in Galim in the Western Region of Cameroon. Some of these people have never touched a computer and it is very funny to hear their discussions. However, they are very passionate and encouraged. At the end of day one they began telling me that the computer is not very difficult. They now feel they can learn it with ease. I am quite encouraged by their passion. One lady came in just today but I was very amased with her. One of the participants was teaching her how to place her hands on the keyboard and that was the best moment for me to reach out for my camera.

Beginning of the year with a retreat

It was awesome for us to spend the first week in 2018 in a retreat. This was helpful to look back and look ahead on how we will be working. We got together as a group and shared from our hearts. This was also a good time to look at some business related work and then take off with 2018. Our desire is that we can work together and support one another especially our leaders so that together we can go further and success as an organisation.

Christmas Holidays in Limbe

The year 2017 has been very busy for all of us. Personally I have been traveling a lot and my family was always missing me. I made a promise to them that the end of the year we will travel together to spend Christmas somewhere. The girls were so excited about this adventure and so was Lilian my wife. I spoke with my cousin Vicky who is based in Limbe and for her and her family, this was a very perfect timing of family getting together. Lilian finished all her work and on the 24th, we were on the road to the South West. We took the Bamenda Mamfe road and through Kumba and Buea, we got to Limbe. This was a wonderful opportunity for my girls to see areas they have not seen before. To Marie, this was an opportunity to see areas they have learned about in Geography and never had the chance to see.

While in Limbe, my cousing Vicky is usually very busy so this was a good moment for me and her family to catch together. The kids were so excited to visit the Amusement part, the beach, the zoo and Limbe Botanical garden. Lilian's sister Solace has the chance to also hand around with us and this was all fun.
See everything in pictures below.