Chunhua Changed | A Bible Translation Story From Central Asia
*Chunhua was eleven years old when her family heard the Gospel. Local believers from a nearby city had visited the family and shared it with them. When our GSI team first moved to her city to plant churches among the Tuja people, I was invited to her home. On my first visit, she shyly smiled as I noted the wall full of school certificates, indicating that she was a top student with high test scores. She spoke to me with a quite precise, standard form of the national language – a significant accomplishment, given that the national language is entirely distinct from the local language which her family uses at home.
Upon entering junior high school, Chunhua threw herself enthusiastically into English study, practicing with me on weekends, and eventually becoming a skilled English teacher. Her language skills are such that we can comfortably study the Bible together in English or the national language.
In light of these skills, it’s not surprising that when she heard God’s Word was being translated into the local language, she thought it was a good thing for other people, but not necessary for her.
That all changed the first day that we gathered to use the newly approved translation of Psalm 51 in her mother tongue. As the Scripture was read in her language, a look of surprise came over her face, and she shared the following:
“I felt really moved. I can read the Bible in two other languages, but now that I’ve heard it in my own language, the feeling is so right. I’ve realized that before when I read Scripture [in other languages], I felt like God was far away, but now I know God is not foreign. He is close to our lives. I used to think that our language cannot fully express what is in the Bible, but now I know it can. I really hope that all the women and older people can hear the Bible in our own language. It would be really good for our church.”
The translation of the New Testament continues within this previously unengaged people group. Many local believers read the language well, and Chunhua has been able to participate in studying the Bible and discussing Scripture in her local language. This availability of Scripture is vital for the church’s long-term growth, allowing all members to participate in the study of God’s Word.
Please pray for Chunhua and her church, that their foundation will continue to be rooted in God’s Word as they face opposition from outsiders. Also, pray for GSI field workers that are in the middle of the translation process within people groups that have yet to hear about Christ’s redemptive plan for the very first time.
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To learn more about the importance of translation consider reading this.