The large multilingual Bible used in the “Follow the Bible” initiative arrived in Cameroon through Douala International Airport on March 2, 2010. After traveling through Eastern Cameroon, Chad, and Northern Cameroon, the large Bible was warmly welcomed in Yaoundé on March 8, 2010. And many people said “yes.”

Under the sweltering heat that hung over the Cameroonian capital, the large multilingual Bible made its triumphant entrance. Undiminished by the festivities marking International Women’s Day, the celebration of the event matched the scale of the mobilization of the city’s population. Television programs, advertising spots, awareness messages broadcast on radio stations, and visits to local churches—nothing was overlooked. The administration of the Central Africa Union pulled out all the stops to ensure the success of the initiative.

The first phase brought together mainly Adventists. During a worship service on March 8, 2010, at the Djoungolo 2 Adventist Church in Yaoundé, the large Bible was unveiled before a large gathering. A skit had been prepared and performed during the celebration, which brought together more than 2,000 people. The event was broadcast live by the Adventist radio station “It Is Written,” based in Yaoundé. It was covered by five television stations, about ten radio stations, and six local newspapers.

The second phase, eagerly anticipated by the people and media of Yaoundé, consisted of a march accompanied by a marching band. Nearly 2,000 people responded to the sound of the trumpets. Setting out from the Ahmadou Ahidjo Omnisports Stadium toward the Adventist College of Yaoundé, they attracted the curiosity of large crowds along the way. And the multitude could read the invitation: “Follow the Bible!”

The scene was reminiscent of the Ark of the Covenant being carried into view, as the special Bible was carried by Adventist Youth (AY). Leading the procession was the marching band. Behind them came church officials proudly wearing T-shirts specially printed for the occasion. Many people from other Christian denominations also responded to the appeal made over the radio waves and television screens. Along the route, some participants distributed approximately 2,000 copies of Adventist World magazine.

Upon reaching the final destination of the march at the Adventist College of Yaoundé, the large human procession merged with another crowd of nearly 2,500 people who had been waiting there. A loud ovation greeted the arrival of the Great Bible. Under tents set up for the occasion, numerous guests took their seats. Most of them wanted to receive Bibles and the annual Bible-reading guides. It should be emphasized that Pastor Allah-Ridy Koné, president of the Adventist Church in Central Africa, had placed particular emphasis on the free distribution of Bibles during the public celebration. The promise was made and fulfilled, as more than 1,000 Bibles in English and French were distributed that day.

Particularly noteworthy was the participation of other churches. Leaders from the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon, the Evangelical Church of Cameroon, the Methodist Church, and the Evangelical Messianic Church of Cameroon took turns emphasizing the importance of the Holy Scriptures. The Director of the Bible Society of Cameroon joined the other speakers in congratulating the Adventists on the initiative. He literally embraced the large Bible as a special gesture of welcome. Following these encouraging words, Pastor Gilbert Wari, president of the Adventist Church in West-Central Africa, traced the history of the great initiative, which was inspired by the Olympic torch relay.

In his distinctive style, Pastor Wari moved the crowd and stirred deep emotions. By sharing his own testimony of conversion, the man of God could hardly have demonstrated more effectively the transforming power of the living Word of God. “Today, I have no regrets,” he declared, challenging those who might still hesitate to choose to walk with God. For the Bible addresses the problems facing society today. To conclude the ceremony, Pastor Allah-Ridy Koné thanked the guests and pastors from the other religious communities and reiterated his wish that everyone would once again devote themselves to studying the Word.

A prayer of intercession for the nations of Central Africa and Cameroon was offered by Pastor Wari. At the end, Pastor Emile Albert Nlend led the congregation in a hymn of blessing, sending the crowd home in the peace of the Lord.

The following day, Wednesday, March 10, 2010, the Great Bible continued its journey to East Africa, heading for Kenya.