Stories that Open Doors

Partners in Southeast Asia are working to bring Bible stories into local dialects that still have little or no access to the good news. 

What begins as Bible translation is becoming much more. It opens doors for people to hear and  respond in their heart language.

One team in particular has embraced this work with urgency. They are translating story sets into three dialects spoken by some of the most unreached communities in their country. As the stories take shape, they are not only being written down. They are also being shared, discussed, and lived out.

Recently, a team member named Mr. T* had an opportunity to sit down with a respected teacher from the majority faith in his community. What followed was both unexpected and deeply moving.

Mr. T shared, “Last Saturday, my team and I spoke with two religious teachers. As we shared the good news, one of them, Mr. W*, chose to believe and become a disciple of Jesus. Just a few days later, he was baptized.”

Afterward, Mr. W struggled to find words for what he had experienced. Then he said something that stayed with everyone who heard it.

“I have never felt love like this before. Jesus the Messiah is like air, water, and blood in my body. I do not want to know Him only as the vine. I want to know Him all the way to the roots, so that I can be strong in my faith and bear much fruit.”

In a place where access to Scripture has been limited, God is making Himself known through faithful translation and courageous witness. Pray for Mr. W as he grows in his new faith and begins to share with others. Pray for Mr. T and his team as they continue translating and telling these stories. Ask that many more would hear, understand, and respond with the same deep hunger to truly know Jesus.

*pseudonym

GIVE UP YOUR WAY
Together the couple had sought the Lord on where they might live to be most effective in making multiplying disciples. And the Lord had answered. read more …