Transform 07: Cameroon
4-30 August 2007
The 4 week trip included learning about SIL in Cameroon, producing the first written materials in the Bamunka language in the form of big books for use in village literacy classes, spending a weekend with local village families, helping the local church with a children's club and finishing off with a de-brief on a tropical beach!
Immediate reaction quotes...
"Great to experience the silence and rapt attention of Bamunka children as they saw and heard the first Bible story book in their language being read aloud. We had a great month: were inspired and challenged by local Christians, enjoyed lovely scenery, had a great team who worked very well together" Stephanie, Team Leader
"A fufu-fantastic time seeing the children smiling, playing and singing Gospel songs in Bamunka, whilst being welcomed into village life by the local people; and challenged by their living testimonies of God's love." Matthew, Team member
More reflections on the trip ...
“The time I spent in Cameroon was helpful in confirming that I would like to be involved in literacy work overseas in the future. I have taken part in short term cross-cultural trips in the past but I felt I learnt more about people's daily life and their Christian experience in Cameroon than I have on some other trips.” Fiona, Team Leader
“We were also involved in running a children’s club every afternoon where we played games, sang songs, did craft and told the children stories from the Bible. This was one of the highlights of the trip; we had up to 90 kids, most of them hearing about Jesus for the first time.” Lizzie, Team member
“Our best experience was watching the excitement as people saw a story written down in their own language, and some tried to read it out. It was the first thing they had seen written in Bamunka – the alphabet is pretty new as it’s not a language that’s been written before – so having stories to show them will hopefully inspire people to attend the literacy classes when they start up.” Simon and Rachel, Team members
“One thing I learnt while I was there was that to teach people about Jesus’ love and show them the great news of Jesus’ death and resurrection, much practical love must be shown. John and Sandra worked tirelessly with the local people; taking them to the hospital, giving them malaria medicines, giving some clean water and letting them charge their mobile phones. It would be hypocritical to talk about translating the Bible and telling people about the love of Jesus and to not show it.” Lizzie, Team member
“I have been encouraged to care for the needy.” “I can do mission and could do something else in the future.” Matthew, Team member
Take a look at how the Burkina Faso team got on in July. More...
Could this be YOU next year? Find out about Transform 08
