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Friday, February 3, 2012

Bible Poverty

Yesterday our family was invited to meet and pray with some of the students in the Bible translation program here at CBTS. Some of these students really struggled last semester because of the tough workload and needed encouragement to continue on. As introductions were made and each student shared why they were here, I was touched by their passion to see the Word of God translated into their own language. Over 8 different languages were represented in that one room. The past 3 weeks we have gone to 3 different churches and to be honest I have barely understood any of them, even though there was an "English" translation. In the villages where these students are from, people think that God does not speak their language because His Word has not yet been translated. Most don't understand that the original Word of God was not in English either. Even when people do come to know Jesus and commit their life to him, it is very difficult to grow in their faith if they do not have the Bible in a language that they understand. It is eye opening and life changing for these people groups when they see and hear God's Word in their own language. I was humbled as I thought of all the Bible's I have at home gathering dust, I don't think I come anywhere close to valuing God's Word the way I should and the way these students do. They call the lack of God's Word - "Bible poverty"- people want it but it is just not available no matter how badly they want it or how much they are willing to pay. The celebrations and rejoicing that happens when a translation is completed in one of these languages is quite amazing from what I have heard. I would love to see it for myself. There are still 89 languages here in Cameroon, that have not even started the process of translating any part of the Bible into their language. These students can't wait to finish their training so that they can be a part of making history and seeing lives changed in their own villages. Pray for them to persevere and continue to what God has called them.
Psalm 19:7-11 "The instruction of the Lord is perfect, renewing ones life; the testimony of the Lord is trustworthy, making the inexperienced wise. The precepts of the Lord are right, making the heart glad; the command of the Lord is radiant, making the eyes light up. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are reliable and altogether righteous. They are more desirable than gold - than an abundance of pure gold; and sweeter than honey, which comes from the honeycomb. In addition, Your servant is warned by them; there is great reward in keeping them.
Pray for these students as they struggle financially and with their studies, the job is difficult, that they will continue on with the vision and hope God has given them.

1 comment:

  1. Marie, this post brought tears to my eyes! I will pray for these student and their important work!

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