Subject: Troyer's December update

Dear Friends,

   This update is just a snippet of things that have been happening this Christmas season as a result of work in  media. More and more, language teams are tapping into the available resources for sharing the Gospel.  We wish you could see how people light up upon hearing the Bible spoken in their mother tongue. It's the key to their heart.

The Word in Charambo

   Last January I (Shirley) had the privilege of helping orient a new group of people to Cameroon.  Among those were Jenny and Jennifer, two single women, who had come to work in the Chrambo language project.  Just before Christmas we received an email from Jenny about their work and how God is working this Christmas season.  Here is an excerpt from that email.

   We recorded Emmanuel reading the Christmas story and noted the recorder numbers as they corresponded with the Big Book Pictures.  Then we took it to the twin lady's compound.  Three people listened to it.  The older lady started saying, "Thank you...thank you... thank... yes...yes...thank you" all the way through the recording.  The look on her face made me want to cry.  The other two listened and pointed to things in the pictures, very excited to hear it in their language, Chrambo.  It was moving.

   Then we took it to their neighbors - seven people in all (four teenagers) who normally attend the Mosque every Friday.  They all had enthusiastic responses, but the most awesome was Mina.  She listened intently and about half way through - at the Shepherds in the stable page - she said "na true?"  [is it true?]  So I said, "on a nnu shini, a nnu shini" [Yes, it's true].  She said something I didn't understand in Chrambo, but it included the words for church and being born.  When I didn't understand, she said in Pidgin "if I go fo church I fit born?... I fit born.. fo new"? [Can I go to church and be born again?]  Soon, others came that could explain more in Chrambo, though she did clearly say she wanted to go to church on Sunday.  Please pray for her that she will actually come.  I've been praying that if I get the opportunity to share the gospel with someone, that God would miraculously give me the right words and He did today.  I had His word on a voice recorder in my hands and the only words necessary from my own lips were "a nnu shini".  God made sure I knew them in advance as just two days ago someone asked me if something quite trivial was true or not. Praise God that He can speak through His Word without us saying anything!

Waiting

   Last Monday, I (Shirley) woke up with a cramp like feeling in my left calf.  By the afternoon, the symptoms indicated it might be a blood clot.  I was able to see my endocrinologist who referred me to Dr. Kingue, a cardiologist.  It was a little before five when we entered the crowded waiting room.  I hoped that there was more than one doctor for all the patients. Over four hours later, I was the last person left and was finally able to see the doctor.

It was well after nine. He was curious, but tired as it had undoubtedly been a long day.  My case wasn't an easy in and out visit, but required almost 45 minutes to rule out a blood clot.  As is Duane's habit, he inquired of Dr. Kingue's language.  When we told him that we had the Jesus film in Duala, his language, his face lit up and he became very animated.  He told us how he had been trying to find the Jesus film so he could have an evangelistic campaign in his village!  The Lord works in mysterious ways.  As we travelled home, I couldn't help but think that my wait for the doctor, was short compared to those who've waited years to hear the Gospel for the first time, in the language of their heart.

  The year 2008 is almost in the history books.  We want to say that we couldn't be here and enjoy our ministry if it weren't for the great support team we have.  As with the stories above, the Word is getting into the hands and hearts of Cameroonians because of people working with us.  We look forward with anticipation to the mighty works He will do in 2009.  See you then!

Happy New Year!

Duane and Shirley Troyer

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