Think about this pie chart as you enjoy your Thanksgiving pie.
There are entire people groups who don't have a single verse of Scripture in their language.
We praise God that the Simbiti people of Tanzania now have the complete New Testament published in their language! The Simbiti are another group that Ben worked with in Tanzania. He mainly focused on the Jita translation, but there were times when he was able to assist other teams as well. The Simbiti team recently published their New Testament and then held a celebration to thank God for the arrival of the books. There was music, dancing, speeches, and of course, feasting.
One of the musicians shouted, "The Lord speaks to us in our language, praise the Lord! We now have God's Word in Simbiti!"
When the books were unveiled at the climax of the ceremony, one copy was given to a woman who had been chosen to read a passage out loud. She read Matthew 28:19,
Ku bhuyö ni-igha moghende mokore abhantö bhonswe igho bhabhe abheegha abhaane, ko okobhabhatiisya ku iriina irya Taata, irya Omoona, na irya Umwika Ömöhörëëru.
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
We praise God that Simbiti people are repenting of their sins and trusting Jesus for salvation! Now that they have God's Word in their language, we pray that the church of Jesus Christ will grow and that Simbiti Christians will go and make more disciples.
photos by A.Olson
Do you remember that great children's book called, Are You My Mother?
I thought of it today as I was reviewing the Jita translation of the Gospel of Mark. There's a story in Mark chapter 3 about Jesus' mother and brothers coming to talk to him because they were afraid he'd lost his mind. The Bible says,
Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him. They stood outside and sent word for him to come out and talk with them. There was a crowd sitting around Jesus, and someone said, “Your mother and your brothers are outside asking for you.” Jesus replied, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” Then he looked at those around him and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”
The Jita language uses three different words for "mother," depending on context. When the narrator says, "his mother," the Jita has {nyiramwene}. When the people say, "your mother," the Jita has {nyokomwana}. And when Jesus says, "my mother," the Jita has {maayi}.
We need to check the context very carefully to make sure that we are translating God's Word clearly, accurately, and naturally. Please keep praying for us!
