When a revered Cameroonian king made a heartfelt plea for the Bible to be translated into his native Mankon language, he sparked a movement that would outlive him.
Yaoundé, Cameroon — Nearly 10 years after Fon Angwafor III, the late traditional ruler of Mankon, issued a passionate call for the Bible in his people’s heart language, his dream has come to life. On 30 August, 2024, thouands gathered in Cameroon’s Northwest region for the historic dedication of the Mankon New Testament—ushering renewed hope for more than 40,000 speakers.
Although Angwafor died before the New Testament was completely translated, his son and current traditional ruler, HRM Fru-Asah Angwafor IV, made the significant decision to cut short his trip to the United States in order to return home and receive the Scriptures on behalf of his late father and the Mankon people.
‘I invited you here for a very important matter,’ Fon Angwafor III told church leaders in 2014. ‘When the founders of your churches came and asked for land to establish the different churches, we generously provided them with land. To you, today’s church leaders, the only thing I ask of you is to collaborate with CABTAL and give me the Bible in the Mankon language.’
His request sparked collaboration between the churches in the Mankon area and the Cameroon Association for Bible Translation and Literacy (CABTAL), leading to a decade of linguistic work, literacy efforts, and translation—culminating in the 2024 dedication ceremony.
During the event, HRM Fru-Asah Angwafor IV held up a newly printed Bible and addressed his people and church leaders.
‘Take this Bible and use it for proper evangelisation,’ he said. ‘In all the churches in Mankon, make sure you have the text read in Mankon so my people can understand the Word of God much better.’
The Fon’s call to action highlighted more than just a desire for Scripture—it spoke to the heart of a people longing to connect with God in their own language. For Mankon speakers, the Bible represents identity, dignity, and belonging. Even during the deadly crisis that gripped the region in 2017, the Mankon community championed online literacy classes, ensuring that the light of understanding and hope never dimmed. Now, with the Bible in their language, their faith journey continues with deeper meaning and renewed strength.
On the day of the New Testament dedication, this excitement and hunger for God’s Word were evident among the Mankon people. 1,000 printed copies were sold out, reflecting a deep longing to engage with Scripture in their own language. Community members immediately voiced a collective request: that work should begin on translating the Old Testament.
Church leaders present at the event pledged to integrate the Mankon Scriptures into services, recognising the value of hearing God’s Word in the heart language.
‘The Mankon language speaks to the soul in ways English never could,’ said Rev. Andrew Ndeh, a local pastor.
Story and photos: Isaac Forchie, CABTAL
