The aim of SURAM (Scripture Use Research And Ministry) Cameroon was to evaluate the ownership, use, and impact of vernacular Scriptures in communities across Cameroon where New Testaments or full Bibles in the local mother tongue were published between 2007 and 2017. The research, carried out in 25 communities from 2022 to 2024, employed both quantitative and qualitative approaches, including questionnaires, observation and interviews to gather data.

While collecting data in these communities, the Scripture Engagement team worked simultaneously, teaching Bible engagement methods in the mother tongue and helping revive existing SE activities.

The study revealed varying levels of Scripture use among communities, highlighting barriers such as dialect complexities and challenges in mother tongue literacy. Key findings underscore the importance of community ownership, the role of church leadership, and the influence of factors like literacy, orality, distribution efforts, and the integrity of translation teams and committees on the use of the local language Scriptures. Recommendations for greater success in current and future language development and Bible translation programmes include strengthening partnerships with churches, consecrating time for dialect research and community decision-making, promoting sustainable literacy programs, establishing effective systems for distribution and promotion, engaging more youth and women, and increasing awareness of digital and audio Scripture resources.

This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the transformative potential of local language Scriptures and provides actionable insights for improving Bible engagement strategies in Cameroon and beyond.

Download as PDF documents in English or French:

SURAM Cameroon 2022-24 – Final Report (English)
SURAM Cameroun 2022-24 – Rapport final (français)