On January 26, 2007, more than 300 people gathered at the CABTAL Chapman Center for the dedication of the magnificent Center to the Lord. Dr Bruce Smith, CEO of Wycliffe Associates, the General Director of SIL, the Board Chairman of CABTAL, the Architect, Mr. Emmanuel Mbailas and many others were among the speakers of the day. Many Church and FOBAC Leaders were also there to celebate with us and consecrate the building to the Lord.

Dear Friends and Christian Workers: We regret very much that we are unable to attend the Dedication of the Cabtal Chapman Centre on Friday, January 26th in Yaounde. However, health concerns and other factors preclude our presence and participation. We do want you to know that our thoughts and prayers, along with those of Erin and Kevin, will be with you, as you observe this sacred occasion. Cameroon for Bob and Ruth was a country very special to them. They enjoyed it to the full and found fulfilment in working with the Wycliffe team and the people of the church which they attended. What joy was theirs when they were able to go to distant places with translated Scriptures in hand, and to share in the rich celebration that took place in these areas. Their home in Yaounde became a haven for missionaries as they extended hospitality and care to many. Tragically in 1989, their two children Ross and Timothy died with malaria when they were on homeland furlough. It was a severe blow to their family and Wycliffe friends, but did not deter them in their determination to return to Cameroon after two years in Canada. Throughout this period, God's grace and strength was their strong support. Then, the final chapter in their lives was written when an air accident took place at the Ivory Coast. Little did we know that so soon after assuming their role as directors for Wycliffe for the sub-Sahara area of Africa this would take place. But again as before, the Lord came with comfort and consolation to all who had known them. As I pointed out in my book, "In Heavenly Love Abiding", 'We as Christians are not promised tomorrow, or are we immune from heartache and sorrow. We hold in our hearts beautiful memories of the generous interest that Bob and Ruth took in everyone they met. They truly practiced lifestyle evangelism, and enjoyed life fully.' We know that, now in heaven, they have been reunited with their two sons, and have heard the "Well Done" from the Lord. On this day of dedication, we must salute those who, with vision and determination, visualized this Centre as a memorial for our children. We also thank God for those who generously and sacrificially contributed to this project. Without them, the work would never have been done. We know that the Chapman Centre will be a wonderful legacy in Bob and Ruth's memory and therein the cause of Christ will be expanded. With mind and heart we will perceive the glory that will surround this building today and in future years. We know, as William Booth declared, "The promises of God are true for those who believe." May His rich blessing accompany all that transpires today and always. With our love and prayers! In Heavenly Love Abiding, Bob & Alvina Chapman Lt.-Colonels

DEDICACE CENTRE CABTAL CHAPMAN _____________________________________________________________ CEREMONIE DE DEDICACE (Yaound?, le 26 janvier 2007) __________________________________________________________________ Allocution de Monsieur le Directeur G?n?ral de la CABTAL All Protocols respected, Dear People of God, Ladies and gentlemen It is a wonderful privilege and joy for me to take the floor on behalf of my collaborators on the occasion of this history-making event. This day, January 26th 2007 is becoming a special day in the history of CABTAL. And each of you is a part of the writing this page of our history today. On behalf of the staff of this organization, I wish to thank each and everyone of you and say that your presence here makes a lot difference and gives meaning to this event. We are indeed very grateful that you set aside several equally important activities to be here. May I seize this opportunity too to wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year 2007. Ladies and gentlemen, The magnificent jewelry called CABTAL Chapman Centre that we gather here to dedicate is a real testimony of God?s faithfulness. In fact, in 1995, at one of their first annual meetings in Yaound?, the CABTAL staff passed a resolution that each staff would contribute 5% of his monthly compensation, into a Centre Building Fund. In 1997, the vision to build the Centre was brought up again during a staff meeting. CABTAL Director Jean Charcot MANFO agreed that it was God?s timing to move forward. Patrick SCHMIDT drafted a building design and a project funding request. These were ready in 1998. About the same time, a Cameroonian wanted to sell a piece of property to SIL Cameroon that was strategically located near SIL and CABTAL. This property eventually became the site of the new CABTAL Chapman Centre. CABTAL began sharing their vision with their main partner, SIL Cameroon. Bob CHAPMAN who was then General Director of SIL Cameroon and CABTAL Board member saw how a centre could bolster its income stream by including some income-generating lodging. Tragically Bob and Ruth CHAPMAN died in a plane crash in January 2000. The CABTAL Board, recognizing the CHAPMAN?s great contribution to equipping Cameroonians to do Bible translation, decided to honor Bob and Ruth CHAPMAN by naming the Centre: CABTAL Chapman Centre. Mesdames et messieurs, Permettez-moi de remercier ici solennellement le personnel de la CABTAL pour de nombreux sacrifices consentis, la SIL Cameroun pour son double soutien, ? savoir l?acquisition de cet immeuble non b?ti et sa contribution financi?re ? ce projet, la Wycliffe USA pour la mise ? disposition des fonds, la Wycliffe Associates pour la supervision des travaux de construction, Arnie MELISSEN, homme d?affaires canadien pour l?octroi d?un cr?dit sans int?r?t, la famille du d?funt CHAPMAN, le d?partement de la construction de la Convention Baptiste Camerounaise, r?alisateur de cet ?difice, l?architecte MBAILAS SOUM Emmanuel, le charg? de liaison SIL/CABTAL Patrick SCHMIDT, la sous-commission du Conseil d?administration charg?e de la construction, sans oublier les anciens Directeurs de la CABTAL, ? savoir Dr Pierre Emmanuel NJOCK, Messieurs Jean Charcot MANFO, Daniel Martin NGWANOU, Eugene TAWE, et j?en oublie certainement, des hommes et des femmes comme vous gr?ce ? qui nous c?l?brons aujourd?hui les merveilles de l?Eternel. Ce Centre pour les membres de la CABTAL porte toute la valeur affective et la charge ?motionnelle qui caract?risent notre amour, notre attachement et notre d?pendance ? Dieu. Ceci est un signe fort que Dieu pourvoit. Bien-aim?s, DIEU POURVOIT, IL EST BON ET FIDELE. Et pour le minist?re de la traduction de la Bible toute enti?re, ce Centre d?montre que c?est une t?che s?rieuse et qui m?rite d??tre prise en compte par tous sans exclusion de d?nomination, de race, de sexe, de tribu, ou de chapelle politique. Sur toute une autre note, la phase de construction de ce centre a ?t? proph?tique de plusieurs mani?res. Elle a amen? ensemble les gens de plusieurs nations et langues pour travailler ensemble afin de faire de ce joyau architectural une r?alit?. De m?me, Dieu nous appelle tous dans cette g?n?ration, de toutes les tribus, de tous peuples et de toutes langues ? nous joindre ? la CABTAL pour rendre sa parole, seule v?ritable catalyseur de transformation spirituelle des vies, disponible ? tous les peuples qui ne l?ont pas encore au Cameroun. Et ce faisant, nous pr?parerons la venue d?un royaume multiculturel ? Apr?s cela, je regardai et voici, il y avait une grande foule que personne ne pouvait compter, de toute nation, de toute tribu, de tout peuple, et de toute langue. Ils se tenaient devant le tr?ne et devant l?Agneau, rev?tus de robes blanches et des palmes dans leurs mains. Et ils criaient d?une voix forte, en disant : le salut est ? notre Dieu qui est assis sur le tr?ne, et ? l?Agneau. ? Apoc. 7 : 9 ? 10. Que Dieu vous b?nisse. Je vous remercie.