A work in progress continues, despite disruptions in Cameroon

Cameroon (WAS/MNN) — Boko Haram isn’t just in Nigeria, anymore. The terror group has been crossing country borders, wreaking mayhem in Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. Like Islamic State, it wants to establish a Sharia state.

Wycliffe Associates is supporting indigenous Bible translators who live and work in those areas in a climate of fear and violence.

Because of danger and instability in one area of the region, the work of Bible translation was slowed down. The government had closed roads in the area, and as a result, some translators had to pass through as many as seven checkpoints to reach the language groups with which they work.

Yet, despite the obstacles, Wycliffe Associates is continuing to support Bible translation efforts in northern Cameroon for more than 3 million people who speak more than 100 languages.

“Cameroon is on the front lines in the mission to advance the gospel in Africa, and the dangers are real,” says Bruce Smith, president and CEO of Wycliffe Associates. “Extremists threaten to sweep in from the north at any time. Christian communities face challenges to their faith without the Scriptures in their heart language.”

Wycliffe Associates is providing assistance by forming relationships with communities in spiritual need, helping to direct translation efforts, and training local translators to use MAST (Mobilized Assistance Supporting Translation). This method brings groups of national translators together to work in parallel–accomplishing Bible translation faster than ever before and translating God’s Word in areas where extreme persecution of Christians is taking place.

Additionally, Wycliffe Associates has installed Bible Translation Acceleration Kits for a number of translators. The kits include a laptop computer, satellite communication terminal, solar panel, battery, and power supply, so that Bible translators can work safely, remotely, and communicate with translation consultants thousands of miles away.

Wycliffe Associates is currently raising $100,000 for a regional translation and training center in Northern Cameroon, where translators are at the greatest risk of violence from extremists.

“In a climate of great fear and violence, translators are risking their lives to share God’s Word,” says Smith. “The need is pressing…as our window of opportunity for this work may close at any time.”