"The Bible is not given to us in grand superhuman language. Jesus, in order to reach man where he is, took humanity. The Bible must be given in the language of men." {1SM 20.2} So it is very important that the people are able to read the Bible in their own language.
"I have been shown that the publications already have been doing a work upon some minds in other countries, in breaking down the walls of prejudice and superstition...I saw them holding papers and tracts in one hand, and the Bible in the other, while their cheeks were wet with tears; and bowing before God in earnest, humble prayer, to be guided into all truth,--the very thing He was doing for them before they called upon Him. And when the truth was received in their hearts, and they saw the harmonious chain of truth, the Bible was to them a new book; they hugged it to their hearts with grateful joy, while their countenances were all aglow with happiness and holy joy." {LS 215.1}
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When we visit churches, whether Baptist, Presbyterian, Evangelical or Seventh Day Adventist. Out of a congregation of 150 people, approximately 10 people have a Bible. This is why we have made an effort to raise funds to buy as many Bibles for the people to read - in their own language if they choose, or in English if they prefer. How sad it would be to be unable to study the Bible for ourselves.
These people have received Bibles to study. They are so happy to have a Bible of their very own.
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Mark, our Bible coordinator for Kenya, is picking up boxes of Swahili Bibles, to be distributed to the various areas.
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If we purchase 1000 Bibles at a time, we can purchase a hard cover Bible in Swahili for 1/2 the price of retail Bibles. This is the same for the "Twi" language in Ghana, and for French in Nigeria. We purchase all of the Bibles in the native languages of Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria. We are also able to purchase English Bibles in these countries, for the few people that are able to read them.
When people read the Bible and put its teachings into practice, their whole lives are changed. Their homes are cleaner, they are cleaner in their eating, their family life is changed. In Africa, many women are treated as servants (some are treated more like slaves). When they accept the gospel, the men are kinder to their wives and children. They make more of an effort to work and support their families. Without a Bible, they can only hear what people tell them, and there are many false teachings in the world. With a Bible, they can study for themselves. "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." John 5:39 Jesus is speaking to the Africans, as well as to each one of us.
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