PLATEAU TEKE Plateau TekeSpeakers 200000Dates 20182020Project Goals G - PDF document

1 PLATEAU TEKE Plateau TekeSpeakers: 200,0
PLATEAU TEKE Plateau TekeSpeakers: 200,000Dates: 2018-2020Project Goals: Gospel of Luke, Old Testament portionsAFRICAREPUBLIC OF THE CONGO 0118/E90331/980866 wyclie.org THE PLANTHE IMPACTTHE PEOPLEThe people who speak the Plateau Teke language are part of a larger people group — the Bateke — who are spread across the central region of the Republic of the Congo.Located in a mountainous area, Plateau Teke speakers live mostly in rural communities, although some have moved to urban centers in search of greater job opportunities. Those in rural communities are primarily farmers who are dependent on the food they grow and animals they breed. But many also engage in small commerce, like selling sh, or producing and selling cassava bread along the roadside.A large number of people belong to religious sects that follow a mixture of traditional beliefs with some Christian elements. But when faced with problems, most people turn to their traditional religion and its practices, some of which involve sorcery. Without God’s Word in their own language, the gospel message remains obscure and doesn’t have a deep impact on people’s hearts.We are partnering with local translators to produce God’s Word in the Plateau Teke language!Because very little Scripture has been translated into their language, the team is working to complete the Gospel of Luke and a set of 27 Old Testament stories. This will help people to understand the truth about God and the storyline of the Bible.Local churches are supportive of the project and have been involved in the selection of translation team members. Representatives from the dierent churches also formed a committee that gives input on the translation goals and encourages community members to use Scripture products.Each year of the project, the team will publish and distribute completed Scripture as printed booklets. They will also produce audio recordings of the translated materials. Listening groups will be established at local churches throughout the Plateau Teke area, giving people more opportunities to hear God’s Word through the Scripture recordings.“For many Plateau Teke speakers, this will be their rst exposure to the gospel in a form they can understand,” said a project adviser.Before translation work began, Bible readings in churches were done in a language of wider communication, such as French or Lingala — languages that most Plateau Teke speakers don’t understand very well.With Scripture in their own language, individuals and churches will have the opportunity to grow in their knowledge of the truth. Translated materials will be used for teaching, discipleship and evangelism. And audio Scripture will reach a large number of people who don’t read in their language.“Plateau Teke Christians hope that through Bible translation, those in their communities who still live in fear of sorcery will come to faith and know the power of Jesus Christ,” said the adviser.Your prayers and investmentwill help the Plateau Teke people access God’s Word in their heart language! (TAY-kay)