Adieu Baa Kishaane

 I've known Baa Kishaane for 20 years, even staying in his house in Bamenda for a few years. Despite living in Yaounde, he'd bring his computer to Bamenda for my IT support. When I moved to Yaounde in 2019, he was sad as he was settling in Bambili.

In 2020, he showed me the Lamnso Bible and dictionary, expressing amazement at its accuracy and the fact that it was translated by ordinary Nso people. He wishes every Nso person would read it and believe the Bible message. He thanked God for blessing his people with the Scriptures.

This reminds me of Psalm 119:130 "The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand" (À sánri jí sé, a sí fó rán, wáy vifií áànjìʼí vitu). Adieu (Ghán kijúŋ) Baa Kishaane.

Inspiring Stories of Determination and Achievement

 In December, Lilian and attended two inspiring graduation events. One standout was Therese who graduated with a bachelor's degree in banking and finance. Despite facing the sudden death of her father (my cousin) and later the political crisis in Bamenda she left the North West to pursue her education. Despite the challenges, Therese remained steadfast in her commitment to excel in her studies

Another remarkable story involved four young men from my language group who became certified mechanics after escaping the crisis in the North West and settling in Yaounde (the capital city of Cameroon). Lilian and I offered words of encouragement at their certification ceremony.  Witnessing the determination of these young individuals, some of whom see us as role models is encouraging. 

We truly appreciate your prayers for wisdom in dealing with young people who come to us for guidance.  

The word of God in heart language

Today was a special moment for me at church. Our Pastor noticed my Lamnsoʼ Bible and later asked me to read the Scriptures of the day - Deuteronomy (Ŋwàʼ Remri) 30:15-20 - in the language that resonates with me the most. It was a profound experience to connect with the Word of God in my heart language, reaffirming the significance of cultural and linguistic diversity in our spiritual journey. This moment also brought back memories of an incredible opportunity I had in 2020 to speak blessings to people in several countries around the world where Wycliffe is involved in Bible translation, using my language. It's moments like these that remind me of the beauty and power of embracing our unique identities and languages in worship and community.

Parkland engagments

 

Wycliffe Africa Leadership meeting January 2024

 Wycliffe Africa Leadership meetings

In January, the leadership team of Wycliffe Africa met in Nairobi, Kenya. This gathering provided a unique opportunity for our dedicated leaders to engage in meaningful discussions, share insights, and collaboratively chart a course for the future. The focus was on enhancing our ability to facilitate Africans with a missionary call for impactful service in Bible translation. Wycliffe Africa is committed to collaborating with the Church in identifying, equipping, and supporting individuals with a calling to missions and ensuring they play a vital role in bringing the transformative Word of God to communities in Africa and beyond. We look forward to the positive outcomes that will undoubtedly emerge from this concerted effort as we strive to serve the African Church and the global Bible translation movement with excellence. Families joined us on the last day, and we had fun together.

Barahs Commissioning Service

 Wycliffe Africa officially accepted our membership on 01 March, and our Church organized a commissioning event on 04 June. Lilian and I are the first Cameroonians to become Wycliffe Africa Missionaries, so this was all new to our Church and us. However, the Church did well to involve the denominational leadership, so we were encouraged by the presence of the Association Pastor, the Field Pastor, and the Executive President of the Cameroon Baptist Convention. A delegation came from Kenya (the Director of Wycliffe Africa and 3 Pastors from Parklands Baptist Church in Nairobi). The coming of Parklands Baptist Church was very timely to equally begin discussing strategic partnerships with two Baptist Churches in Yaounde (Etoug-Ebe and Grace Baptist Church). This partnership looks into the Africa Agenda under the great commission - Matthew 28:18-19. Our commissioning event turned out to be an international event. Some friends and family members told us they had come purposely to understand clearly what was happening with us, but in the end, they testified that it was indeed a God-honoring event. 

Leaving CABTAL after 10+ years

 It was encouraging to hear from colleagues this morning. I didn't know I had had this much of an impact on many. Thank you CABTAL colleagues for allowing me to serve you in the past 10+ years. You have been a great family and team and we've all learned and grown together in many ways. Thank you for speaking words of blessings to my life and future ministry. It was really difficult to say goodbye. May the work of the Lord advance in your hands and may your work bring many people to righteousness.