Dozens of languages still waiting for Bible translations in...Europe?
When you hear ‘unreached people groups,’ you probably think of tribes in Africa and Asia, or of small communities of rural people. But seldom might Europe cross your mind. It's easy to think that in Europe, anyone who can afford a Bible can access one in their own language. But there are dozens of languages used by a marginalized community that have no Bible translation. The Deaf population in Europe consists of roughly 900,000 people, according to a 2010 report. Across the continent there are about 70 different Sign Languages used. Bible translation projects are underway in over 20 Sign Languages in Europe through various agencies, but many others have yet to access the Word. In an effort to reach this unreached community, Wycliffe Bible Translators is embarking on a survey regarding the European Deaf community. Currently, Wycliffe needs more language surveyors for work in this area. Pray: for the work of Wycliffe as it seeks ways to translate Sign Languages across Europe. (1Pet.1:23)
Dozens of languages still waiting for Bible translations in...Europe?
When you hear ‘unreached people groups,’ you probably think of tribes in Africa and Asia, or of small communities of rural people. But seldom might Europe cross your mind. It's easy to think that in Europe, anyone who can afford a Bible can access one in their own language. But there are dozens of languages used by a marginalized community that have no Bible translation. The Deaf population in Europe consists of roughly 900,000 people, according to a 2010 report. Across the continent there are about 70 different Sign Languages used. Bible translation projects are underway in over 20 Sign Languages in Europe through various agencies, but many others have yet to access the Word. In an effort to reach this unreached community, Wycliffe Bible Translators is embarking on a survey regarding the European Deaf community. Currently, Wycliffe needs more language surveyors for work in this area. Pray: for the work of Wycliffe as it seeks ways to translate Sign Languages across Europe. (1Pet.1:23)
Botswana: South African outreach
A month of outreach by South African Christians in areas where ancestral spirit worship is very strong has been blessed with 2,600 people giving their lives to Christ. Praise God! The organisers of this outreach have asked for prayer for the new Christians needing discipling to know the leading of God's Holy Spirit. Pray also for the local churches working under very difficult circumstances with no regular financial income, some without transport walking long distances between villages to do follow-up visits to cattle posts and small hamlets. They are doing this because they believe and know that there is eternal life after death and they want to guide and teach their people about these things. Pray for God to give them the courage and endurance to continue working in the Lord’s harvest field.
Pray: for Africa's most stable country with relative freedom from corruption and good human rights records would see powerful spiritual revival. (Is.44:2-4)
Haiti: Another cholera outbreak
Last week, the Pan-American Health Organization issued a statement saying that 2,600 people were infected with cholera every week.(Oxfam said the number of deaths is lower than last year as people can get help faster.) Basic hygiene plays a crucial role in prevention, but in many poor communities, especially in the rural areas where the Baptist Haiti Mission serves, people don't have dependable access to supplies like bleach and other disinfectants. The Civil Protection Department called the situation critical and the Red Cross reopened a cholera treatment centre near Port-au-Prince. The Health organisation reported, ‘The situation in Port-au-Prince continues to deteriorate. They continue to receive new patients through the day. An estimate of 1,300 patients is currently admitted in units in Port-au-Prince who are operating at full capacity. The service for dead body management is now functioning between 6am and 9pm. Pray: that the resources of aid agencies would contain the disease and establish systems and structures to eradicate it. (Ps.103:3)
Kenya: Eternal life via canoe
Mfangano Island, on Lake Victoria, is home to a small tribe called the Suba. A few weeks ago, more than one thousand people gathered at a local orphanage to dedicate the newly translated Suba New Testament, a task that took nineteen years to complete. No one was happier than the lead translator, Naphtaly, who had worked so hard and grieved the death of some of the initial translators. The Bibles were brought in by canoe, a symbol of life for the island. Emotions ran high as people jumped and cheered, rushing to purchase copies of the book that talks about eternal life. The celebration continued for hours with singing, dancing, speeches, and food.
Praise: God for the blessings of His Word that brings life. (1Jn.1:1)
Kenya: Eternal life via canoe
Mfangano Island, on Lake Victoria, is home to a small tribe called the Suba. A few weeks ago, more than one thousand people gathered at a local orphanage to dedicate the newly translated Suba New Testament, a task that took nineteen years to complete. No one was happier than the lead translator, Naphtaly, who had worked so hard and grieved the death of some of the initial translators. The Bibles were brought in by canoe, a symbol of life for the island. Emotions ran high as people jumped and cheered, rushing to purchase copies of the book that talks about eternal life. The celebration continued for hours with singing, dancing, speeches, and food.
Praise: God for the blessings of His Word that brings life. (1Jn.1:1)
France: Restrictions won't stop the Palau team
Nothing like this has been done for quite some time. So it's time.’ Colin James with the Luis Palau Evangelistic Association speaks of their bold endeavour to bring the Gospel to over 1 million people living in Marseilles in southern France. The Palau Association will be holding their Marseille Provence Festival on the beaches of Plage du Prado from June 30 - July 2. The festival will be a large undertaking, but the opportunity is enormous as James elaborates on the situation. ‘In France the opportunities are very limited and constrained because of the culture and the way the country has been run. It's not an evangelical-based country’ says James. The Palau team knows what they're getting themselves into. They've dealt with restrictions such as not putting the words ‘evangelism’ or ‘pastor’ in advertisements or posters for events in France. However, despite these difficulties, they are seeing a positive change in the tide of thinking for France and Europe. Praise: God for this initiative and pray for the intervention of the Holy Spirit. (Is.45:2-3)
France: Restrictions won't stop the Palau team
Nothing like this has been done for quite some time. So it's time.’ Colin James with the Luis Palau Evangelistic Association speaks of their bold endeavour to bring the Gospel to over 1 million people living in Marseilles in southern France. The Palau Association will be holding their Marseille Provence Festival on the beaches of Plage du Prado from June 30 - July 2. The festival will be a large undertaking, but the opportunity is enormous as James elaborates on the situation. ‘In France the opportunities are very limited and constrained because of the culture and the way the country has been run. It's not an evangelical-based country’ says James. The Palau team knows what they're getting themselves into. They've dealt with restrictions such as not putting the words ‘evangelism’ or ‘pastor’ in advertisements or posters for events in France. However, despite these difficulties, they are seeing a positive change in the tide of thinking for France and Europe. Praise: God for this initiative and pray for the intervention of the Holy Spirit. (Is.45:2-3)
China: Massive floods kill 175 and affect 36 million people
Floods caused by torrential rains in southern and eastern China since this month have left at least 175 people dead and another 86 missing and has affected over 36 million people with 1.6 million displaced. In Zhejiang province 8,400 houses collapsed and many highways were closed. A total of 241,600 hectares (597,000 acres) of farmland have been destroyed and 1,846 factories have suspended operations in one of China’s leading manufacturing centres. The rain-ravaged people await the next crisis of a steep rise in food prices; vegetable production has already come down by 20% and pushed prices up by as much as 40%. China has mobilized troops to rescue stricken farmers and distribute food, but some villagers from the Zhejiang province said more could have been done to prevent the flooding in the first place.
Pray: for God to be at work in the midst of China’s tragedy, and for Christians to know God’s provision as they reach out to their neighbours. (Ex.23:20)
More: http://www.christianpost.com/news/massive-china-floods-kill-175-affect-36-million-people-51380/
India: Asks US evangelists to leave
An international advocacy group urged the U.S. government to condemn Indian authorities for asking three American Christians to leave India because they allegedly participated in evangelism. ‘We urge the U.S. government to look into this matter and take appropriate measures to pressure India to respect the religious freedom of Christians and other religious minorities,’ explained an International Christian Concern (ICC) representative. Shelly Deeds, a nurse from Pennsylvania, her daughter Katelyn 15, and Diane Harrington a teacher at Wisconsin were ‘asked to leave’ the country after Hindu organizations complained they ‘tried to convert poor families in India's southern state of Kerala. Indian police acknowledged there was no evidence the Christian tourists participated in proselytizing, but said they asked them to leave because the women ‘violated’ visa regulations by trying to attend a prayer meeting. Pray: God’s protection for Christians and the Christian community in the sensitive areas of India. (Ps.17:1) More: http://www.bosnewslife.com/17201-india-asks-u-s-evangelists-to-leave