The Gunu people of Cameroon call their language Nugunu. The majority live a very basic farming lifestyle. The community lacks adequate medical facilities. School fees present serious challenges for Gunu families, resulting in low levels of education.

Almost half of the population affiliates with the Catholic Church. Protestant denominations also attract a significant following. Because the church grew up around an oral tradition rather than the written Word, many people still practice animistic rituals, and are afraid of sorcery. Jehovah’s Witnesses, who use the same terminology as a Biblical church, are also gaining ground. Believers long to see their community transformed by God’s Word, freed from fear and superstition and well-grounded in Scripture to prevent attrition into various heresies.

This project builds on one that SIL International* started in 1977. After expatriates were no longer involved in the project, the local translators continued on their own. Without adequate financial support or consistent consultant input, they tenaciously pursued their goal of the Scriptures in their mother tongue, drafting 40% of the New Testament. Some of the local churches are already using available Nugunu Scripture portions in their services. This project will provide the resources the team needs to finish the work and bring the Gospel of Christ clearly to Nugunu speakers for the first time.

*Part of the Wycliffe family of organizations