Growing by the Word

by Carolyn Ford, Ethiopia
19 September 2008

Of all the things Christians need in order to grow spiritually, God's Word comes first. And it's important that they have his Word in their heart language. That's why Carolyn Ford has devoted many years to Bible translation and literacy for the church in Ethiopia.

CARLA (Computer-Assisted Related Language Adaptation), a program developed by Wycliffe Bible Translators, helped us to produce a rough draft, book by book, of the New Testament in the Banna language. Banna is related to Aari, in which the New Testament translation was completed some years ago. (Learn more about CARLA at www.carolynford.org)

Heart language




	David Gunzaro with a literacy trainee

After we have a rough draft, the translators (native Banna speakers) make changes so it sounds more idiomatic. We also analyze "natural" text, such as Banna fables and life stories, to help us see how people put sentences and stories together. Donna Clawson works with the translators to train, advise, and encourage, and she also checks for exegetical accuracy. After many revisions, a certified translation consultant from outside the translation team comes to verify its accuracy.

Once a specific New Testament book passes consultant scrutiny, we print it informally to be used for literacy and Bible study purposes, even though several years may elapse before the entire New Testament is published and distributed. We have also produced a variety of literacy materials, and we have trained a number of Banna Christians as literacy tutors.

Hope

We have hope for a strong Banna church, as the believers take in God's words in their heart language. Late last year David Gunzaro, who used to be part of the Banna translation team, began to coordinate the literacy effort. Gideon, a tutor trainer, traveled by bus from Kenya (five to six days each way) to help David and others develop the literacy program. Now about 15 tutors are teaching literacy to a total of 37 people, and we trust their numbers will grow.

Pray

that literacy tutors will be faithful, and will themselves form the habit of reading the Bible daily
that church leaders will realize how valuable God’s Word can be in the lives of their people
that translation teams will persevere, even when the process gets tedious

Give

Project # 92407 Give online now

Orality

Two-thirds of the world’s people rely on spoken, rather than written, language for communication. Many of them have been to school and could read and write, but they prefer not to. They can learn just as well as literate people, but they will probably absorb the translated Scriptures better from different formats: stories, parables, movies, music, recordings, and radio.

Of the people groups not yet touched by the Gospel, about 75% are oral communicators. SIM and our partners around the world are developing and using methods to reach and teach oral cultures.

Donate

Resources