Residents of Bamenda celebrate the arrival of the Bible Society
When the Bible Society of Cameroon decided to open a new office in the north-west to better serve the region’s Scripture needs, it never dreamed that it would cause such excitement. But more than 2,000 people turned up for the official opening in Bamenda late last year, including traditional chiefs, government officials, church leaders and hundreds of children.
Most enthusiastic welcome!
“It was the most enthusiastic welcome for a new Bible Society regional office that I have ever witnessed!” said David Hammond, who has overseen the work of Bible Societies across Africa for many years. “It was so moving to see all of Bamenda’s inhabitants coming together to celebrate the arrival of the Bible Society in their community.”
Children dancing in joy at the opening ceremony.
A dance by the children expressed the community’s joy at welcoming the Bible Society, and ended with a symbolic gesture: a group of children carried a Bible to representatives from different churches, who prayed over it. The presence of the Bible Society has already brought churches of different denominations in Bamenda together: they planned the opening ceremony together and they will all be served by the Bible Society.
United around the Bible
“Who would have imagined this was possible? All the Churches are united around the Bible,” smiled Tita Tiku Thomson, President of the Association of Pentecostal Ministries.
Children present a Bible to church leaders.
“Now we all know where to find the Bible!” stated Baptist pastor Denis Nyong.
“This new office is the accomplishment of a dream that we’ve had for several years,” said. Bible Society General Secretary Luc Gnowa. “Our wish at the Bible Society is to serve all the communities across our country so that everyone can have access to God’s Word.”
The Bible Society now has four regional offices and a depot, enabling it to make Scriptures more widely available and respond quickly to the specific needs of the churches in those regions.
By Jacqueline Kouvou Zoutene, Bible Society of Cameroon
Cutting the ribbon at the new Bible Society office in Bamenda.
