We've learnt a lot about language, anthropology, literacy, teamwork and more in the last few months. But we've also had the opportunity to think about why Bible translation, linguistics and literacy work is important within the context of other cultures, and why we are going to Tanzania to be a part of it. Here are some reflections on some reading and thoughts
The first Wycliffe Bible Translators was founded in 1942 by William
Cameron Townsend. A missionary to the Cakchiquel Indians of Guatemala,
Townsend had caught the vision for translation when a Cakchiquel man
challenged him: “If your God is so great, why doesn't He speak in my
language?”
Townsend resolved that every man, woman and child should be able to
read God's Word in their own language.
It is our great privilege to join this challenge. People from ten language groups we will be working with in southern Tanzania have asked for Wycliffe's help with linguistic research, literacy and Bible translation. They too want to read God's Word in their own language.
Due to a history of colonialism, a lack of trained pastors, and a lack of biblical resources, the church in Africa is often superficial and doesn't engage with wider society. Many outwardly accept the gospel but don't see it as relevant in their day-to-day lives. As a result, churches are often nominal and legalistic and some people turn to the spirits and ancestors of their traditional African religions to try and deal with everyday life, leading to fear (such as witchcraft), distrust and no real solution to their problems.
Karl Grebe writes of how the lack of Bibles in the languages of the people is a major factor in the state of the African church today:
“Most African Christians do not have access to a translation of the Scriptures in their own languages, so they read in a second language or, for the most part, learn about it through interpreters. This not only limits access by the believers to the Scriptures which is the only sure foundation for a biblical faith, but it virtually makes it impossible for the truth of the Bible to become alive in the cultures of these people. Many biblical truths will not speak to the listener as relevant to his situation because they do not come across in the terms of his daily cultural experiences.”
Grebe, Karl, and Wilfred Fon. African Traditional Religion and Christian Counselling. Karl Grebe, 1997. p.58. LinguaLinks Library version 5. [CD-ROM]. Dallas: SIL International, 2002. Available: Anthropology Bookshelf.
The timetable's changed slightly, but we're really glad we're going to visit Mbeya in March. We'll have the opportunity to meet the team there, find out where we'll be living from August, and be part of a literacy workshop.
God has been amazingly faithful and has provided everything we need. Thank you all so much for the friendship, meals, beds, phone calls, cups of tea, gifts, cards and ongoing financial and prayer support. It's very much appreciated. Please do continue to pray for us; some Kenyan friends put it in a wonderful way: “We choose to be dedicated prayer giants for Alastair & Anna Ministry in Tanzania!” Do join them, and we too choose to be prayer giants, for you, our supporters, so please do keep in touch and let us know how we can pray for you.
“I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God”
(Ephesians 3:17-19)
Keep in touch
God bless, love
Alastair & Anna