Cook Partners

Jamaica: Christian Magazine to Close

Caribbean Challenge is going out of business, reports the Jamaica Gleaner. The magazine, published by Christian Literature Crusade in Jamaica for over 50 years, once had a circulation of 30,000 in the region. Eaton Facey, who served as its editor for the past eight years, told the Gleaner that

We are conscious that the magazine has really made an impact over the years. It is an institution. We actually waited as long as we could - even to the point of probably being forced to have to close it. It is a painful decision. Sentiments also got involved. But when you look at the overall focus of the ministry, a decision had to be taken to maintain the ministry (of CLC) and to sort of sharpen our focus. The focus of CLC is to serve the Church and the population outside of Christ through literature.

Jamaica: Controversy on Bible Translation

The Jamaica Gleaner reports that:

The plan by the Bible Society of the West Indies to publish a Patois [Jamaican Creole] version of the Bible, expected to cost $60 million over 12 years, has sparked a raging debate over the relevance and appropriateness of the project.

Even the country's prime minister has taken a position on this issue. Speaking at a high school graduation ceremony, Bruce Golding, the prime minister, said the plan suggests schools have "failed" students in teaching proper English. An article in the Jamaican Observer notes that some call it "a waste of time, effort, and money."

Linguists, on the other hand, argue that such efforts lead to standardization of vernacular languages, and that Jamaican Creole should not be devalued. Dr. Gosnell L. York, a professor at Northern Caribbean University (NCU) in Mandeville, Jamaica and a former translation consultant with the United Bible Societies, writes that such efforts are "a positive post-independent and post-colonial development ... a way of asserting ourselves in the realm of language - especially in light of the unrelenting forces of globalisation."

Though some say much of the support for the project comes "from Jamaicans living abroad [who] have become more nationalistic," York appeals to the example of Christ:

if Jesus showed no hesitation in embracing Aramaic, His mother tongue, in His conduct and conversation with others around Him, including when dying on the cross, then why should one hesitate do so in Jamaican-if that just happens to be one's mother tongue?

Cuba: Christians Without Bibles

Granma Digital publishes Fidel Castro's reflections. For March 3, 2008, he writes,

A health professional without a specialized textbook in his hands is like a Christian without a Bible.

Castro argues that doctors need books—and Christians need the Book of books. That's why Cook International works with the Cuban Council of Churches to provide Picture Bibles and other materials to pastors and Sunday school teachers. Learn more about our work here.

Cuba: Book Fair in Progress

Even as Fidel Castro's resignation from the Cuban presidency brings the world's attention to this island nation, Granma Digital reports that

Some 297 publishing houses from Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia are participating in the Cuba 2008 International Book Fair, which opened its doors Thursday [February 14] in Havana, reported Mirta González, president of the Cuban Book Chamber.

Despite this activity, however, Christian resources are scarce in Cuba, where Cook International has partnered for years with the Cuban Council of Churches to provide resources to pastors, Sunday school teachers, and children. Learn more about our work here.

Jamaica: Book Industry Unites for Education

The Book Industry Association of Jamaica is "committed to transforming minds," reports Jamaica Gleaner News. The organization wants to work more closely with the country's Ministry of Education and to continue donating age-appropriate books to pediatric hospital wards.