Kom New Testament Dedication 
 

It is December 10th, 2005. The day dawned bright and clear. We arrived in the town of Fundong in midmorning as the bustle of market day began and hundreds of people began arriving and gathering for the dedication festivities of the Kom New Testament. We were escorted to our seats on the front row of the reviewing stand which sits prominently in the only paved stretch of the road through the center of town. There was clearly an air of excitement with photographers all around, tents set up for shade for important participants, and some police to handle the crowd control.

The beginning of the event was indicated as choirs began approaching from each direction--left and right. Primarily, the music was vocal but every group had one or more drummers and some had various kinds of horns that they played. At first, the choirs were all singing at once (each with their own song) and they approached very slowly. However, as they gathered in front of the reviewing stand, they would each perform their own selection while the others waited.

As you can see from the photos of the choirs, the dress was very colorful. Many came through dancing to the music. Most had enthusiastic and rhythmic leaders. The music was very "African" and done in the Kom language.

This group came in carrying the new New Testament and protecting it with spears. They carried special branches used only on important occasions. A woman in the middle and near the back of the procession had the New Testament in an animal skin pouch that she carried on her back.

 
 
This choir was led by two "actors" who danced before the group and carried big bush knives which they would clang together (like a sword fight).

 
 
So, now you have seen traditional choir robes, colorful patterns of cloth, and these ladies have on dresses that say "The battle is the Lord's" on them. This is very traditional--women's groups, church groups, choirs, etc. will have matching dresses. On Sunday, you will see them walking to church and all wearing the same dresses.

For the following pages we will just put a gallery of photos from the dedication. If you want to click on them, you can see a larger picture and the explanation. We think that may be easier and you can browse through whatever you want to look at. Click on the link:

Kom Dedication Page 2 Photo Gallery   (next page)