Matthew and Teresa Lee told a story at "Sing & Share" a few weeks ago. They are serving in Cameroon (currently here on campus while he does additional study at Dallas International University). While I was in Explore Bible Translation class last week, I got to hear the story again - I think it well explains why it is so important to have scripture in one's mother tongue:
"We Have Never Heard This Story Before"
The Yambetta Story
At a Good Friday service in 1980, Leonard Bolioki stepped to the front of the church he attended in Cameroon and began to read the story of Jesus' crucifixion. Always before, this passage from John's Gospel had been read in French, but this time the priest had asked Leonard to read a portion that had been translated into the local language, Yambetta.
As he read, he became aware of a growing stillness; then some of the older women began to weep. At the end of the service they rushed up to Leonard and ask, "Where did you find this story? We have never heard anything like it before! We didn't know there was someone who loved us so much that he was willing to suffer and die like that... to be crucified on a cross to save us!"
Leonard pulled out his French New Testament and showed them that the story was in the Bible. "We listen to this Passion Story every year during Holy Week," he told them, but they insisted that they'd never heard it before. That, says Leonard, is what motivated him to translate the Scriptures into the only language his people could really understand -- Yambetta!
Leonard had to work full-time to support his family, and for many years, he could only translate when he found free moments. By 2008 Leonard and other Yambettas had drafted just 35% of the New Testament.
And then in 2008, the Seed Company picked up the project and began providing funds for training, equipment, and living expenses for Leonard and his team of translators and literacy teachers. In addition, SIL Cameroon was also able to assign someone to work alongside them as a consultant. The New Testament is now complete and it was dedicated in November 2017!
Leonard says, "I took it upon myself to translate for my people this Word of God that gives life. From 1980 on, this goal remained uncertain. But now, I can see the realization of this dream, and I can only be happy -- VERY happy! May this Word of Life that has saved many people from other language groups also save the Yambetta people!"Matthew and Teresa went on to tell us that they were there for the great celebration in November 2017 when this New Testament was given out. One of the ladies who had been so touched by hearing the scripture in her language for the first time some 40 years ago was still alive and was there to receive her first copy of the scriptures in her heart language.
Leonard Bolioki died in November, 2018, just a year after completing this task.
I was so blessed to hear this story!
If you are interested in knowing more about Matthew and Teresa, or supporting their work in prayer or financially, please visit https://www.wycliffe.org/partner/302162
Note: As I understand it, the Seed Company is a partner organization with Wycliffe and SIL that helps with financial needs in scripture translation projects.
No comments:
Post a Comment