Generally we focus on reaching out to people who cannot read, giving them the ability to hear God's Word in their own language. In many places this includes elderly people whose eyesight is failing or who never received enough formal education. In other areas it means ministering to people who are somewhat bilingual, who may even know how to read Spanish, but have not had an opportunity to learn to read their own mother tongue.
Looking at the text above (from Amuzgo de Xochistlahuaca in Guerrero, Mexico), you can see why reading some of these languages is a tremendous challenge, even for people who know how to read their secondary language. Glancing at the highlighted portion, I see one word with seventeen characters. Reading the scriptures in their native tongue can be a chore that does not resemble a devotional act. Some may possess the capability of slowly sounding out the words, much as a first grader can sound out the vocabulary in their early primers, but few can read for comprehension or retention.
Now this problem can be remedied, thanks to new technology developed by friends of ours with Wycliffe Bible Translators. They have created this phone app that enables people to listen to the scriptures in their difficult-to-read language while they look at the text, which is highlighted in sync with the audio. What an exciting tool to encourage literacy among people groups! We learn best when we can see and hear the narrative.
Praise the Lord for this new advancement in the use of Bible translations in both written and audio formats. It's not just either-or, but both seen and heard.
We used to adapt the prayer from Psalm 119:18 for non-literate people groups, asking God to open their EARS that they may HEAR wonderful things in His Word.
Now we can ask God to open their eyes, ears, and hearts that they may know Him more fully.
To view or download this app, go to https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.wycliffe.amuzgoguerrero.amu
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