The Best Gift of All:

God's Word in Your Own Language

Kom

We saw the people line up. They kept coming and coming. It was the time for all of those who had memorized the required 40 scriptures to receive recognition and the free New Testament that they had been promised. Organizers thought that perhaps 200 people might be able to do it. The result was that over 700 Kom speakers memorized the verses and quoted them to their leader. Then we saw the man with the white cane being led to the front of the group. He came to receive the New Testament--something he could never see or read but he could hold in his hands to touch, to feel, to treasure. He exemplified the spirit that the Cameroonians who came to the dedication were demonstrating.

The beautiful traditional costumes often caught our attention.The lady in this photo has a banner which reads "Scripture Memory Queen". The green outfit was worn by a whole group from one of the local churches. We can only guess that she did the best in memorization from her church.

It was a wonderful event which focused on the work of the translators and their team and on the availability now of the Scripture in the language of the Kom people. Multiple choirs marched through singing and playing drums and various other instruments. The traditional leaders came--the chiefs and the Fon who is their equivalent of the king. The official government leaders came--the elected representatives, mayors, and officials along with others such as the American Ambassador. All manner of church leaders, pastors, denominational officers, Catholic bishop and others came. Jerry and Joe were there to represent Wycliffe USA. We were completely overwhelmed and humbled to be seated on the front row with the other officials. Joe gave a short speech.

The most exciting time in the dedication was when the translator, Wycliffe USA member George Shultz, began his speech. After beginning in English, which is what had been used by the earlier speakers, he then began to speak in Kom and to read some of the Scripture in Kom. We immediately noticed a change in the crowd. The first thing was suddenly the contrast of white teeth against dark faces that began to smile. It seemed like electricity was flowing through the hundreds of people. The feeling of excitement was clear as people leaned forward to hear better and see this white man speaking their language. George wore the traditional garb of a village elder, a position that he had been awarded in recognition of his work and contribution to the people.

We are busy trying to upload some pictures to the web site (click Cameroon 2005) and publish more about our experiences and the dedication event. It was fun; it was exciting; we were overwhelmed by the honor we received as representatives of Wycliffe. The food was great and we didn't have any problems with eating it. We stayed at the guest house of a Baptist Hospital and leper colony. It was a beautiful place on the side of a mountain where the climate was cool. In the evening we gathered around a fireplace where the kids made smores and we all sang Christmas carols together. What a wonderful time of the year. And the best gift of all that you could ever receive is God's Word in your own language.

Merry Christmas to you all. We hope your Christmas is as good as that of the Kom people.

Joe & Jerry Snyder
Wycliffe Bible Translators USA
Orlando Florida