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Big 3 Update: Gospel Proclamation
There are more than 7000 languages around the world, but approximately 3000 of those languages do not have the Bible written in them. That represents almost 1 billion people! Thankfully, translation ministries have decided to work together and have a goal to reach the entire world with the Bible in every translation by 2033. Carmel has a decade goal to raise $1M for this effort, and through the generosity of the Carmel family, we have raised $1M in just 3 years. That said, there is a great work still to be done, and we can’t wait to see what God continues to do through the generosity of His people at Carmel and around the world! Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Moses spoke of the Word in Deut 32:45-47 including, “For it is no empty word for you, but your very life.” David speaks of the importance of the Word of God in Psalm 1 and 119. Jesus says, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” Matthew 24 Carmel is currently involved with 6 different gospel translation projects including: The Fulani people in West Africa (600,000 people) This is a Muslim nation, with high persecution for those who become believers. They are nomadic herders that live in a volatile region. Translation Project – checking Psalms, Bible study groups beginning with a few of the draft books Micronesia (12,000 people) Formerly animistic (everything in physical world is rooted in spirits – from sickness to weather, etc. They are now almost 100% Christian in name only, with 10% actual followers. Most have moved to urban centers. A sense of community overrides their own personal rights. Translation Project – Ready to publish Matthew-Acts, and early checking on Romans The Yaniku people in West Africa (200,000 people) Farmers, traders, businessmen and civil servants. Unpredictable terrorist violence and insecurity in the region have had an abrupt and significant effect on the translation project. Believers face intense persecution from those in another religion. Translation Project – Final phase of checking to make sure the New Testament is understandable! Ukrainian Roma (46,000 people) Roman culture emphasizes relationships over material possessions. Extended families share life together, with several generations often living in the same house. Many struggle to make ends meet. Many a fortune-tellers to make their money, while others sell walnuts or turn to crime. Translation Project – Already have Luke and Acts. Now translating Genesis, Ruth, Jonah, and John. These will provide OT storylines and themes that culminate in the Gospels. Southeast Tanzania (2.1 million people) 85% Muslim, 15% Christianity+ traditional beliefs – For example, if rain doesn’t come for many days, someone may receive a beating for working witchcraft. Most villagers are subsistence farmers. Translation Project – All 3 languages have a full New Testament! Now working on the Psalms in all 3 languages as well as audio recordings. Bamboo Terrace in South Asia (12.5 million people) There are 10 people groups with most residing in rural home areas. Most depend on agriculture for livelihood. There is limited access to education, health care and clean drinking water. Those that identify as Christian range from .01% in one language group to 100% in another. Translation Project – 6 of the 10 language groups are in the final stages of translating the New Testament and hope to have a complete NT in 3 years! Now they are starting to work on OT books. The goal is to see lives transformed by the good news of Jesus told in the Bible. These projects include 26 distinct languages and millions of people! There is great work being done, but we are not done yet. Please get involved:
