NTM - New Tribes Mission | Planting Tribal Churches

enjoying new friends, Arimtap

We had such an awesome time in Indonesia! We were able to work with 18 different language groups, encouraging tribal church leaders and missionary teams of the importance of literacy skills so that people can read the Bibles in their own languages. A great Bible translation will not have the life-changing effect that God desires, if no one can read It!

We traveled through quite a bit of the country with 28 airplane or helicopter rides. Thank you so much for your prayers! Each tribal group we were with had their own unique situations, and we sure were leaning hard on the Lord for His wisdom to give practical help. God gave us great health and safety as we traveled (even as we ate all sorts of new and “interesting” things). (more…)

When people think of key activities involved in tribal church planting the list often covers things like Bible translation, evangelism, Bible curriculum, discipleship, and leadership development. We would like literacy to be added to the list because…

1.     Of all the possible methods to record the most life-changing Message of all time, God chose the written form to preserve His Word. We believe everyone should have access to His Written Word in their language!

2.     When people can read God’s Word for themselves, they are not dependant on others to hear it. Just think of how many times God has reached down and encouraged you by the exact verse you needed while reading the Word!

3.     The truth of the Word is protected. No matter what teaching comes into the area, people can go back to the Written Word and check it out.

4.     Important truths of the Bible are not forgotten or overlooked. People can remember a lot, but it’s unrealistic to expect that everything will be remembered and passed on to others.

5.     Personal spiritual growth is accelerated. People can study the Bible all through the week and don’t need to wait for the next scheduled public meeting.

6.     Literacy invests in the potential of the Church! Reading and writing skills equip everyone to serve in broader ways. They can work on the Bible translation team, develop Bible studies, share words to songs or prayer requests.

7.     In many locations where there has been little or no interest in Bible teaching, literacy teachers found open doors to provide classes. God has used the relationships built during this to open doors to the Gospel!

8.     Printed materials can go places and reach people in ways that individuals may never be able to. Books have been called the “tireless teachers” and are an amazing tool God has given for the growth and expansion of His Church!

So why are Joyce & I so excited about literacy? Because we believe in the power of God’s written Word to change lives! We are thrilled to be serving in the area of literacy, that God’s Word might be opened to every tongue, tribe and nation!