First but not last
"When do we get our chance? When's the next class?"
The missionary team working among the Biem people was bombarded with questions from the crowd of 700 who attended the graduation ceremonies of the first Biem literacy class.
The excitement was evident among the 21 students who graduated and are now able to read and write their own language. “The community too was fired up,” wrote Brandon Buser.
"Brandon, I'm 30 years old and I've never known how to write my Biem name until now!" said one man.
Another man asked for materials so that he could begin teaching his four young children at home.
The graduates will use their new skills to read the Scriptures and Firm Foundations Bible lessons that the missionary team is translating, in preparation for beginning Creation to Christ Bible teaching.
Three Biem men have been excited to be a part of checking ten chapters in the book of Genesis.
“To watch them as they heard the Word of God read to them in their own language for the first time ever ... what a thrill,” Brandon wrote.
Here’s a loose English version of Genesis 1:1 in Biem: “So so far before, in the time that God made the land and sky, He was there and he spoke and land and sky they just became. He didn’t make them with anything. With just words he made them.”
“Thanks so much for the prayers!” Brandon wrote. “God has answered so abundantly and we pray He’ll continue to grow this momentum as we speed towards the Bible teaching this summer. Please keep praying. We need a much bigger classroom, capable teachers, and wisdom in how best to maintain this enthusiasm.”