December 18, 2003
Words for the World
The Church’s First Resources in African Languages
The Called to Discipleship goal “Learn and Teach the Sacred Story” cannot
be separated from the instruction given to Christians by our Lord Jesus Christ
in Matthew 28:19 to go “and make disciples of all nations.” The church has
taken these instructions seriously by supporting international resource
production and translation in countries throughout the world.
The November issue of the Herald (page 23)
described the global nature of International Resource Centers. There currently
are four such centers including French, Spanish, Asian, and African centers.
Church members and friends in Africa and the rest of the world are seeking
spiritual resources that speak to them from the context of their own cultures.
They need scriptures, study materials, hymnals, and other publications that are
affordable, accessible, inspiring, and available in their own languages.
Publishing resources in the languages of God’s people will impact lives
that are frustrated, unhappy, discouraged, and broken. It will fortify the lives
of those who live with joy. All of these people are looking for opportunities to
learn more about God and the Community of Christ. There is a deep yearning in
the hearts of all for the message of Jesus Christ.
The books and materials that will be produced and translated in various
African languages will help us reach out to those who yearn to learn more about
the sacred story. Africa is home to one of the church’s International Resource
Centers. We are enthusiastic about the job that lies ahead of us.
Africa Resource Center coordinator Mary Ooko, South Africa, and a team of
five translators have already begun work on resources. Rita Bitota, Democratic
Republic of the Congo, translates materials from French to Lingala. Esther Wanga,
Kenya, translates from English to Swahili, which is widely spoken in East and
Central Africa. Chola wa Chola Daudet, Zambia, translates from English to Bemba;
Geophen M. Gausi, Malawi, translates from English to Chewa; and Sunday Ukpong,
Nigeria, translates from English to Efik.
The Africa Resource Center collaborates with Africa Mission Center presidents
Robert Wanga, Joseph Charlie, Ilunga Fwandabili, and field financial officer
Gregg Prymak. Together they help assess church resource needs, create locally
contextualized publications, and distribute resources to the church.
In July 2003 a team of resource producers including selected Mission Center
presidents and Saints from various parts of Africa met in Nairobi, Kenya, to
write four books that will be used in Africa. Director of International
Resources Larry Tyree participated during the second week of the four-week
resource production event to establish a list of prioritised resource needs that
will either be created or translated. As a result, members and friends in Africa
can look forward to a baptismal book, Sunday school courses for children,
resource books on evangelism and women’s ministry, and a youth leader guide.
The writing and translation for several of these items is already complete. A
team of volunteers is providing editing and copyediting services. Then the
process of printing, publication, and distribution can begin. Making a financial
contribution to “Words for the World: Publishing the Gospel in the Languages
of God’s People” can make that happen in Africa and beyond.
The Impact has Begun
The Africa Resource Center has given Saints from different backgrounds a
chance to serve the Lord at different ministerial capacities, receive continuous
training, and develop professionally. As Community of Christ resources are
produced, translated, and distributed, many in Africa will have the opportunity
to study and learn more about the sacred story. Members and leaders will be
better equipped to share the sacred story with others.
I foresee many more Saints volunteering to get involved in the ministry as
they read, touch, and hold materials presented in a familiar language. I foresee
tremendous expansion of the Community of Christ in Africa as resources reach the
hands of the common people, in their common villages, in their common/familiar
languages. Lives are going to be won for Christ.
-Mary Ooko reporting
From the Herald, vol. 150, no. 12,
December 2003, pages 23-24. Used with permission.
