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Travel and visitors
A few weeks ago, I (Tim), had the privilege to help plan and host the visit of a lovely couple from the UK who have been part of the team that have supported the Koro projects here in Nigeria. Doug and Rachel have supported Wycliffe one way or another for all the 50 years since they were married.
It was amazing to see them interact with translators
and members of the communities, to see their eyes open even further about all that is involved in helping a community have access to and be transformed by well translated scripture.
We made it around 5 different location (4 Koro Cluster languages plus a bonus program near Abuja who were having a scripture launching). Lots of miles driven between us and lots of great conversations had with everyone from ladies weaving in the village to paramount chiefs and their district heads.
We crossed rivers and rode on Motorbikes, experienced a variety of foods, saw lives transformed during a showing of the Jesus film, hiked in beautiful scenery, bounced on rough roads, heard stories and watched drama presentations. Our guests where honoured, crowned, prayed for and prayed with.
I was once again encouraged and envisioned that the work we are involved in here is enabling the church to fulfil the call God has on them, the same call He has on my church in England, to reach the community, the country and the world.
Doug and Rachel shared these reflections with me as part of our debrief.
Doug
1. Every village we visited we were treated almost as royalty. In all the services we were seated on the platform, which we were unaccustomed to, and it made us feel very humbled being so elevated. People were honoured by us visiting them. This made us want to honour them.2. Wherever we went people were very friendly and wanted to greet us and shake our hand (or take selfies). In one place the cook wanted to show us round the village and introduce us to folk. When meeting chiefs, although the protocol was time consuming, all were friendly, the smiles were wonderful. We were seated on chairs when we entered, others came in practically on their knees and sat on the floor. At the end of an ‘audience’ the chief would have us standing in a circle holding hands and praying.3. Intellectually I was not ignorant of the complexity of getting God’s word to the people. In all the language groups we visited an alphabet had to be agreed before they could start translating. It was noticeable that even when a book had been translated, the translators could read it fluently but Translation Committee members sometimes stumbled. This emphasised the need for literacy work – to teach folk to read their own language, which previously had been only spoken but not written. This also stressed the need for audio versions so that those who had not yet learned to read fluently could still access the Word.
Rachel
1) we have met the highest people in Nigerian society – Chiefs – to whom our visit has meant great honour – genuinely. 2) We have been impressed by the value that people have placed on their language, culture and knowing that God values them. 3) it has been a joy to share with many different people because of out common humanity and / or faith regardless of circumstances.
What a privilege for me to able to be part of that journey.
So see more pictures, you can go to:
Nyankpa
Gbari
