Congo: I will never forget Bobenga

When I first had disposable income to give to Christian causes, I allocated some to the British and Foreign Bible Society, as it was then called.

I knew little or nothing about its work except that it was 'a good thing'. In following years my contacts with it were minimal, although when I entered Spurgeon's College, it presented me with a Greek New Testament and a Hebrew Bible, as it did for all theological students.

Years later, on our arrival in Congo, we became aware of the church's lack of Christian literature. Bolobo had at one time boasted a large printing press, but for some undoubtedly good reason this had been dismantled and much of the machinery had been put into the foundation of the girls' school. All that was left was a small, hand-operated printing press and bookshop. We produced leaflets and individual books of the Bible on it. Two employees who knew not a word of English did all the proof-reading.

In 1959 or '60, Frank Emery paid us a visit. He was a former BMS missionary now working for the Bible Society in England. He naturally wanted to see more BMS stations and it fell to me to show him round. We talked about the perennial problem of Christian literature and this deepened my interest. People had just begun to produce magazine-type booklets, Envol in French and Litatoli in Lingala, for the church. An issue of the former described how an American missionary had made a trip somewhere distributing copies. At the end of the journey he had remarked to his companion: 'Next time we should flood the country with it!' His words stayed in my mind.

An American organisation called Lit-Lit offered to supply every one of our pastors with all the Christian literature which was then available in Lingala. For some reason (probably laziness!) I did not take advantage of this offer and still regret this. Even so, had I responded properly they would not have received very much - a New Testament, which they probably already had, a few pamphlets and some other booklets.

Some time later, Bobenga, one of our monitors, came into my office carrying a few cards in his hand. 'I found these in one of my cupboards', he explained. 'Could I please borrow them to teach my little boy how to read?' He showed me the cards which contained series of such syllabic sounds as mo-ma-mi, bo-ba-bi, etc. Naturally I agreed to his request. As he went away, however, I realised how greatly his situation differed from mine. Bobenga was pleased to have been given a few pieces of card!

Bedtime stories

We used to read to our two children, Helen and John, from a Bible story book each night. Peggy McKerchar from the Gateshead church had been sending them a comic every week and they had other books besides. I had scores of books in my home, Bobenga had possibly only half-a-dozen. This incident left a lasting impression in my mind and since then has continually stirred me to do something for those who have little or no Christian literature. Bobenga had no idea of the effect of his words and probably forgot the incident quickly, but I shall never do so.

The majority of the world's population falls into Bobenga's category. If they could see our well-stocked bookshops with their displays of records, tapes, CDs and everything else, their eyes would pop out of their heads. They might also wonder why we keep so much for ourselves and do so little for others. Oswald Smith, the Canadian missionary statesman, used to say: 'Why should anyone hear the gospel twice before everybody has heard it once?' We could paraphrase this and ask: 'Why should anyone have two Christian books while so many people do not even possess one?' Both these questions condemn us and challenge us.

God multiplied the effect of Bobenga's request far more than he ever knew (although one day he undoubtedly will). In the same way he can magnify any small act of obedience we offer to him and Jesus's words to Nathanael in John 1.50 are exemplified: 'Do you believe? ... you will see much greater things than these'.
We can all take part in this expansive ministry.

Book Aid (020 8857 7794 or 01777 817101) will gladly accept all the Christian books or Bibles we can offer. From a small beginning some 15 years ago, Book Aid now sends a million books a year to book-starved people in English-speaking countries worldwide. (Ring them for the telephone number/address of your local collector.)

Wycliffe Bible Translators and Bible societies are engaged in vigorous and imaginative programmes of translation and distribution. Gideons share in the latter work in many countries, while organisations such as the Langham Trust specialise in supplying vital Christian books for church leaders and students.

Congo: I will never forget Bobenga

Bedtime stories

Remember Bobenga.

Fred Stainthorpe

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