How many languages...?

If you look back at our blog entry from May 25th, we made a statement about French being the official language for most of Cameroon.  Many folks might think, "If French is the national language, why does the Bible need to be translated into the 270+ languages of Cameroon?"  It's a really interesting situation which is very common across the world, but that most folks in our society don't really conceptualize.  We in the good ol' US of A are pretty monolithic when it comes to language.  

In Cameroon there is a multitude of languages, with over 270 still spoken.  But French and English are the official languages of government and commerce.  This situation is not unique to Cameroon.  There are many countries that have great linguistic diversity but use an official language, or trade language, as the method of wider communication.  But many people in this situation do not speak the trade language in their homes or in their villages very often.  As such, the national language would not work so well when attempting to engage people with deep thoughts, such as are found in scripture.

And while the idea of putting information as important as the Gospel into the mother tongue for best understanding is huge, there are some side benefits to development of the multitudes of languages in the world.  Development of these languages gives identity and dignity to what are in most cases minority cultures that are often marginalized.  It so traces with the content of the Gospel, that its message is level ground for all.

Additionally, it is a way of fulfilling the great commission outlined in Matthew 28.  In fact, the end goal of the great commission is shown in Revelation 7:9-10 - worship of God by people from every nation, tribe, people and language.

So, while we are not directly translating, we are a cog in the wheel.  Our ministry in the arts is meant to accentuate or facilitate translation projects for those that have no scripture in the language they know best...their heart language...their mother tongue.

While Cameroon is very in need of Bible translation for its many languages, there are a lot of places like it around the world.  Wycliffe Bible Translators is at work in those places, pressing toward the goal of seeing a Bible translation available to every person earth in their heart language.  See this video, It Starts in the Strangest Place, for an even better explanation.

News from our family:

We enjoyed a short trip to Pennsylvania for the 66th Sutton family reunion.  It was fun to reconnect with many of Lori's very large extended family.  We were asked by so many folks about our work with Wycliffe and that made it extra fun!  

Lori's cousins Jack & Cathy Croft and Dusty & Mary Sutton

We also enjoyed a visit with one of our Wycliffe colleagues in Philadelphia, Josh Mills, for a Sunday of cheesesteaks and other fun.

The Gasslers with Josh Mills in Philly

Please keep Lori's parents in prayer as they have had many health challenges in the past few weeks.  It's been an up and down road for them lately.