Location
The Meta’ (Bameta’), numbering about 87,000 people, are located in the east and south east of Mbengwi and Batibo Subdivisions, in Momo Division.
Introduction
It is basically a subsistence farming community. They earn a living from coffee and craft work. In this community birth and death celebrations form an important cultural aspect of daily life, with wide community participation.
General Info
It is estimated that about 80% of the population are church members. Traditional religion is still practiced by many of the people. The main denominations here are Pres-byterian, Catholic, Baptist, and the Full Gospel. Islam is also making its way to the community.
The Meta’ Language Committee has been active since the 1970’s. An SIL family lived in the community from 1975-1989. In 2000, CABTAL took over super-vision of the project. At that time the Meta’ churches were also beginning to work to-gether in the Meta’ Bible Translation Steering Commit-tee (MBTSC). This Committee is made up of leaders of the local churches.
A booklet teaching the alphabet was published in 1976, revised, and extended as a transition book in 1990. A grammatical description is in progress. A 4000 word lexicon has been compiled, with a plan to increase it to 6000 words before publication. Many church services are in the Meta’ language. There is a literacy rate of 75% in English and below 1% in the Meta’ language.
Expected Results
The translated Scrip-tures will be used for Bible study, which will give individuals access to the real meaning of the Scriptures, and cause important growth in the church.
In the long term, Scripture use activities will bring a significant increase in the literacy rate of the congregation in the first language.
Prayer point
Pray that God will work in this community that which is pleasing as He makes them complete in every good work. Read Hebrews 13:21.
Last modified: 2009-02-09
