Mokpe New Testament bible ready to read
By Nchendzengang Tatah
The indigenous people of Fako, part of whom are Bakweri, have the books of the bible’s New Testament testament translated into their native language, Mokpe. The translated piece was unveiled on March 29 at the Buea-Town stadium, Buea.
The idea for the good book in Mokpe is said to have been born from the desire to reach out to the locals in the language they best understand while preserving their cultural heritage. The launch also served as an avenue for fundraising to realize other aspects of the project.
The Mokpe New Testament project was lodged under the Bakweri Literacy and Language Association abbreviated BALALIA, with Ekema Humphrey Monono as chair. It was coordinated by the Rev. Genty Ndeley, a cleric of the Cameroon Baptist Convention. During the unveiling, several pastors of different denominations led those present in prayers of gratitude to God. They invoked his blessing on the endeavor which they also supported financially.
“We just started humbly. And thank God, we are here today. Our idiosyncrasies, we’ve grown over. Our fears, we have toppled. And the work is here!” The BALALIA chairman stated. He further informed that the Mokpe is being taught in schools with its alphabets. By this, he explained that many are gaining literacy skills in Mokpe. The work, therefore, was timely and valuable to reinforce these strides.
Ekema Humphrey was optimistic that the Mokpe New Testament would enhance the bible’s comprehension by many, especially the elderly. Since its language is one which they could better relate to.
Citing a UNESCO scientific survey, Rev. Ndeley told pressmen that children groomed with an input of their indigenous language had slimmer tendencies of becoming delinquents. They, he noted were the best of academics and administrators. He highlighted the realization of the project as hope for the communities and its people.
Rev. Ndeley entreated pastors to make use of the Mokpe-translated New Testament in their various churches. He sustained that, despite challenges like inadequate financial resources and interpretative divides the goal was achieved. Nonetheless, he went on to lament that six of the twelve members who were trained and kicked off the project had transited along the line.
Flipping through
The 667-page Mokpe New Testament is called “Yòombo Hvenya”. It has in it coloured illustrations on some pages to ease understanding. Up to 2800 copies were announced to be available in hardcopy. An audio copy is also accessible. The Mokpe New Testament, we were told, was put together in a period of slightly over ten years. Rev. Genty Ndeley hinted that a bilingual edition (Mokpe and English), audio version, the complete Old Testament, a Jesus film and hymnary are on the list of subsequent works of the translation body. He explained that the Old Testament, though three times bigger than the New Testament, may take them just ten years. As a result of rapid innovations in software technology assisting the process.
The Mokpe Bible was realized through financial support from Fako elites. Additionally, the Cameroon Association of Bible Translation and Literacy is also credited for the success. Its General Director, Keyeh Emmanuel, present at the event, said the association felt fulfilled in the realization of this milestone in evangelisation. He said the organization was aimed at facilitating sustainable development while impacting communities with God’s word.
