Did you know there are 800 languages in Africa that have no portion of scripture translated at all?
Worldwide there are 1,800 Bibleless languages. 800 of these are found in Africa. 108 of those are found in Cameroon- Jackson’s home country. It is so interesting that we found out these statistics after the Lord had been prompting Jackson to put together an “African Pastor’s Gathering” which purpose was to gather influential church leaders of the Body of Christ in Africa to discuss Bible Poverty Eradication in their nations.
The African Pastors at King’s Mansion
To see a nation changed and rebuilt the Bible needs to be at the root and foundation of each Sphere of Society. So these pastors my husband brought together spent a week hearing from Loren Cunningham and how the University of the Nations equips and trains young people for the 7 spheres of Society; Education, Government, Science & Technology, Celebration, Media, Religion.
Loren, Jackson and Chimene praying for the African Pastors
During this time Loren shared with them the End Bible Poverty Now vision that we are actively pursuing as YWAM partners with Christians worldwide: www.endbiblepovertynow.com
One of the first steps in this global campaign is signing the Covenant to End Bible Poverty Now (as you will read on the website). The practical steps Jackson is undertaking with the 800 Bibleless languages in Africa is to start “Oral Bible Translations”. This literally is a person reading the Bible in an existing Bible-language (like English/French/Spanish etc) and a translator then translating it in the local languages (like you would use a translator in a preaching/teaching). Then this translation would be recorded on audio and distributed among the tribe. Of course this is not a “perfect” translation but it would be the first time those tribe members would hear the scriptures in their heart language. The Truth would be revealed to them about Jesus and not only would they be saved, but also discipled as they listen to more and more of the Bible.
This would then lay the grassroots for the expert Bible translators (like Wycliffe) to come in and do what they do best: work on the written published version of the Bible. As you can imagine this is a big vision- one that the entire body of Christ worldwide is being challenged to participate in. If you would like to find out more about how you can be part, the first part would be praying and asking the Lord what He wants you to do!
As a first step regarding the African Bibleless languages Jackson will be running a 6 week seminar at the UofN Kona that is a 3 week classroom- 3 week outreach in which the goal is to record an oral Bible translation. The pastors that came for the conference will be the hosting communities for these projects and will be able to provide local teams that the seminar students can train. A DTS is not a requirement for this 6 week seminar. So if you are interested in learning more, contact Jackson: ndecheckj@yahoo.com.
We are extremely excited to to get started with all of this, and it has really given us more clarity on why the Lord wanted us to “make Kona our home” and be missionaries here. With this project we are at work “in Africa” but physically located in Kona. God’s plans are so much more creative than we could ever think..
On a personal level 5 more weeks till Baby Ndecheck the 3d is due! We are very much looking forward to welcoming this precious child of God!
Love and blessings,
Jackson & Anneke, Hope, REJoyce & Baby.
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