Bible News from Around the World

There are 6,912 languages spoken in the world today. Of these, only 422 language groups have the entire Bible in their native tounge. There are still more than 2,500 people groups that do not have even a portion of the Bible in their language.

INDIA

The International Bible Society has recently completed the translation of the Bible into the Awadhi language. The language is spoken by more than 20 million people in northern India. The translation took 50 native scholars more than 12 years to complete.
Meanwhile, Hindu extremists attacked three Bible school students and vandalized their Bible school on Saturday after finding the students witnessing for Christ in villages near the school. The Hindu nationalist group, which believes that all Indians should be Hindus often violently oppose Christian outreach efforts. After the attacks, the police took all the Christians into custody - for their own protection, and not as a punishment. The students and staff were released by Saturday evening, and guards have been posted at the school. Gospel for Asia leaders, though, are requesting continued prayer for the school and for the whole Himachal Pradesh province in northern India.

CAMEROON

A Bible translation group is seeking recognition by the Cameroon government so that the organization can expand its work of translating the Bible and health-related materials. The Cameroonian Association for Bible Translation and Literacy, CABTAL, has been dedicated to translating the Bible into various local languages in Cameroon. It also translates materials on HIV/AIDS and water purification techniques, which are of great help to local communities. If CABTAL receives government recognition, they will be able to expand their work to other parts of the country.

MONTANA

Not all Bible translation work is being done in remote jungles. For thirty years, a group in Montana has been working to translate the Bible into the native tongue of the Cheyenne Indians. Even for some Cheyenne who speak English, reading the Word of God in their own language makes a deeper impact. It has been difficult to find the precise words or idioms that fit the Biblical meaning, but it has been a labor much appreciated by Cheyenne Christians. "Spiritually, you have a closer understanding of what the Bible is trying to say," said one Conrad Fisher.

We in America have easy access to Bibles. They can be found in churches and in every hotel room. Dozens of English versions - new or used - are available in bookstores. Every time we pick up our Bible - or one of our many Bibles - we should appreciate the treasure we hold in our hands. It is the Word of God in our own language - a precious gift that other people in the world still suffer for - a gift many still long to possess.