Introduction / History

A visitor to a Bambili village is likely to receive a warm reception from these friendly, hospitable people. The village situated along the Ring Road northeast of Bamenda. This is an anglophone area (schoolchildren are taught in English), and the use of Pidgin English is widespread. English and Pidgin play a significant role in community life, but the Bambili language still maintains its place as the heart language of most Bambili people.

Bambili people have a lot of contact with speakers of other languages. Bambui is surrounded by a number of related languages (Bambili, Babanki, Bafut, Mankon, Nkwen, Mendankwe and Awing). Bambili was thought to be a dialect of Bambili, but now it is believed that the two are probably distinct languages (and each group insists on its independent identity). Their attitudes toward literacy are very favorable. Interviewees said that they would appreciate being able to read and write all of the neighboring languages that they speak and understand. The greatest resource of the Bambili people is their access to higher education.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Being mostly subsistence agriculturalists, the general population is far from being wealthy. Yet they do have a good number of highly educated individuals. Bambili has a seminary, and the many higher education institutions of Bambili are nearby. Bambili is situated on a good road, making transportation to and from the nearby city of Bamenda quite easy. People have access to healthcare at a subdivisional hospital and two community dispensaries.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The majority of Bambili people see themselves as Christians belonging to several churches: Catholic, Presbyterian, Baptist, Apostolic, and Full Gospel. Christians are eager to have God's Word in their language. Reportedly, many Scripture portions and doctrinal teachings have been translated into Mbui. Church leaders are enthusiastic say they hope to complete the entire Bible, though they have no training in linguistics or principles of translation.

What Are Their Needs?

The main needs of the Bambilis are spiritual. They need a full Bible and gospel materials to be distributed to their homes.

Prayer Points

Pray that the initiative the Bambili people have shown for Bible translation will continue and result in hig- quality translated Scriptures that will speak to Bambili people's hearts.
Thank God for the reported unity between Christians of various denominations; pray for this to continue.
Pray for audio Bible tools to become widely distributed to their homes.
Pray for increased freedom from the spiritual bondage of traditional religions.
Pray that the Bambilis will cling to the pure word of God and not be swayed away from it.

Scripture Prayers for the Bambili in Cameroon.

References

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