To grip God's Word
Not many tribal people have the Old Testament translated in their own language, but the Kuna people of Panama are about to join the fortunate few.
The Kuna Old Testament translation is nearing completion, scheduled to be delivered in 2013. The Bible translators are a team of mother-tongue Kuna believers with Keith and Wilma Forster, Wycliffe missionaries overseeing the work.
NTM missionaries Jerry and Joyce McDaniels, serving among the Kunas, are excited to see the goal in sight.
“Just think of it!” they wrote. “Soon our Kuna friends will be able to read the Psalms and all those wonderful Old Testament books in their own language for the first time!”
But illiteracy threatens to keep the scriptures out of reach for many Kuna people. Even among those who can read, many cannot read well.
So, in partnership with the Kunas, the McDaniels developed a literacy program — a series of student books, writing practice, comprehension drills, flash cards, homework papers and teacher’s daily lesson guide.
It’s designed in the hope that the Kunas will grip God’s Word in their hearts and not just their hands.
The Lord is certainly preparing the way for His Word.
Trial copies of Scripture portions, given or sold at print cost, were quickly taken.
And as news of the Kuna literacy program spread, many people who were not interested in hearing Bible teaching expressed a desire for learning to read and write their own language.