I just received another update from the Baka team. They spoke of a "jubilant spirit" that is causing the Baka to sing praises to a good God. It seems that the Baka are beginning to understand that Komba, the creator-God, cares about them and deserves their praises. This is a huge step toward the building of a reproducing church among the Baka!!
My friends also spoke of the old oppressive forest spirit, Jengi, who seems to still have a tight hold on the hearts of the people that live in Mayos. You see, though the Baka are learning that Komba cares for them, they also know intimately the slavery that spirit worship brings. They have been appeasing Jengi for generations and are, quite literally, in spiritual bondage.
Most of us in the West have no idea what it means to be cursed by someone or to be the subject of an evil spell. We spend a good amount of money and effort seeking out experts in medicine, finances, even home decorating, but the Baka, and many other people groups who are spiritually enslaved spend money and energy seeking out the expertise of witch doctors. Just as you and I see necessity in seeking out medical and financial help in certain situations, the Baka cannot imagine a life without appeasing the spirits.
Please pray with me that the God who created the universe, moves mountains, calms the seas, and changes the hearts of men would continue reveal His good purposes and His character. Pray that He would work among the Baka to free them from their long bondage.
(To see the full text of Barry and Desma's letter, please see the comments section.)
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Seasons Greetings from Cameroon!
We are experiencing an incredible season here among the Baka! It seems that in our village, a jubilant spirit is at work. It is a common occurrence to hear one or more people singing songs about a creator God who is the highest, who is good, and who cares for us. We have even begun to sing these songs along with the villagers as we go about our daily tasks. It is an encouraging glimpse into the future Baka church.
Are there believers here in the camp? It is hard to say. We are seeing evidence of some wonderful things at work: A national teaching God's word regularly each Sunday (during a regular meeting time); the creation of new songs of praise and adoration; and the emergence of prayer. The signs of life are here.
Please pray that the power of the gospel message will deeply penetrate every aspect of life here. Even those who are active in the church are very much influenced by the spiritual beliefs of their people. While the Baka tradition tells of a creator God, it also instills a great fear of the spirit world.
One night a couple of weeks ago a young man presented himself on our porch with a pain in the area of his jaw. He wanted money to see one of the local traditional healers. We weren't sure by what method this man was supposed to heal him, and were very aware and sensitive that our response could speak volumes. With further discussion, we touched upon a deeper concern than the pain that this young man was experiencing physically. As he explained how things are different among the Baka, saying "Someone can pass by you and point to you or throw something in your direction and you can die!" We realized that for him, the real battle was the spiritual one. We asked if we could pray with him... and when we finished, he thanked us. We tried to convey that God is more powerful than any other power in the world. The next day he said that he was much better. We are praying that moments like this one will deeply impact his life.
The strongholds of fear and superstition among the Baka are traditional and deeply ingrained. I (Barry) recently attended a dance for Jengi, the Baka people's "spirit of the forest." It was disheartening to see many of the same people involved in the church services dancing before Jengi. (It is only a man dressed in a raffia covering, but for the Baka Jengi is a real spirit.) Many of those present, told of their great awe of this spirit. They spoke of an angry Jengi causing illness and even death if displeased with someone. They also recounted times when they had seen Jengi depart into the forest in one direction and reappear from another across the camp, only minutes later. Even one of the men who was baptized here in the last few years told of his great fear of Jengi.
Obviously, there is a long way to go, but things are beginning. The gospel is entering and already changing our local Baka community. Pray that spiritual strongholds will be torn down and that eyes will be opened to the life-changing power of the One True God.
So that the Baka may know the hope that is theirs in Christ Jesus,
Barry, Desma, Brianna, and Brendan Abbott
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