THE PEOPLE
(ah-NI-oh-mah HOH-too-oh) Four distinct people groups — the Enuani, Ghotuo, Ndokwa and Ulukwumi — make up the Anioma-Ghotuo Cluster of Nigeria. With their homes located in rural areas, most people work as farmers. Corn and yams are commonly grown, as is cassava, a starchy root vegetable. Although people tend small gardens to feed their own families, some also sell their crops in nearby trading centers. Many from these communities have turned to Christ and are faithfully sharing the gospel message with others. However traditional religion has a strong influence. Some people consult oracles or take part in cultural practices that conflict with Christian beliefs. The people of the AniomaGhotuo Cluster — altogether over a million souls — need God’s Word in languages they can clearly understand. “Access to the Word through their heart language will give a deeper experience of Christ as the Spirit of God opens hearts,” a project adviser said
THE PLAN
We’re partnering with four local teams to translate the New Testament into the languages of the Anioma-Ghotuo Cluster! Those who speak these languages won’t have to wait until the end of this three-year project to gain access to Scripture. In the first year, each translation team will publish the Gospel of Luke. An audio recording will be produced during this time, along with the “JESUS” film. Recordings of Acts, Galatians and Ephesians will be finished in the second year and immediately made available. By the conclusion of the project, the entire New Testament will be typeset and the people groups will have access to it in audio form! A strong emphasis is also being placed on literacy efforts. Staff will train local educators to teach reading and writing in their communities. As more of God’s Word becomes available, the team will hold memorization and reading competitions to encourage literacy and engagement with Scripture.
THE IMPACT
Fmany years, Roland longed for God’s Word in his own language, Ndokwa. While in Bible school, he was so eager to have Scripture that he began translating the New Testament himself! The work came at great personal cost. Roland, who is now a pastor, sacrificed time and money to work on the drafts. But in the process, God’s Word became more precious to him. Roland and other Ndokwa believers continued drafting Scripture in their language. They needed more resources to efficiently edit and check their work, so they searched for a translation organization to help. With the launch of this project, Roland and the other AniomaGhotuo Bible translators are excited to be able to fully immerse themselves in their work. As the Reverend Dickson Izah, chairman for Roland’s project, says, “The time has come for our people to have the Scriptures.” Your prayers and gifts will help the people of the Anioma-Ghotuo Cluster experience the life-changing power of God’s Word!