A Nest in the Rocks

Building a nest on the rocks of faith and family

The Africa Study Bible Is Coming – Can You Help?

by Leave a Comment

Africa

Did you know that most English Bibles are written from a western perspective?  I didn’t realize that – but they are.

This means that Christians who don’t hail from the United States or Europe have a hard time relating to the Bible, even when they’re fluent in English.  I’ve seen the book of Genesis in this new Bible, and while it’s the exact same, it’s completely different.  The methods of explanation aren’t the same.  The analogies and comparisons are different, but the meaning is the same.  The book is written so that people from African can relate to it.

Scholars from around Africa have worked to create the Africa Study Bible, a translation from an African perspective.  It’s done, and it’s coming, but help is needed to print the Bibles and get them in the hands of Africans.

From the official press release:

“Our goal is to have the first run of the ASB available in Africa by the end of 2016,” says Elliott [president of Oasis International and Project Director for the Africa Study Bible]. “We already know of more than 100 million people in denominations and movements in Africa whose leaders want to use the ASB for discipleship so there is a lot of anticipation throughout the continent.”
 
Designed to grow the faith of African church members, teach them to evangelize their communities, and apply
a biblical worldview to their society, the ASB uses the New Living Translation and includes 2,400 plus features 
such as application notes, stories and proverbs, touchpoints that link Africa and the Bible, learn notes that 
explain basic theology, and major theme articles that apply the Bible to key issues. Oasis plans to initially 
release the ASB in English with French and Portuguese translations in development. Oasis is also developing 
a full-featured app of the study Bible.
 
To support the effort, Oasis is partnering with Tyndale House Publishers to create the study Bible. Other 
participants include Campus Crusade for Christ, International, Willow Creek and Willow Creek Global 
Leadership Summit, IFES (International Fellowship of Evangelical Students), Scripture Union, Africa 
Leadership, TransWorld Radio, Moody Broadcasting, Center for Early African Christianity, PJA (Publications 
pour la Jeunesse Africane), MMD Global, The Livingstone Corporation, InSight Books, Urban Ministries Inc., 
and the Association of Evangelicals in Africa, with additional participants being added on a regular basis.
 
“We have seen the hand of God in amazing ways throughout the development of this project,” says Elliott. “In the words of our supervising editor, Dr. John Jusu, the content of the ASB is bubbling up from the cultures of Africa. The biblical truth is percolating through our own cultures and stories to create a rich and textured tapestry that Africans can claim as their own.”
 
 
The Kickstarter campaign is here.  You’ll find everything you need to help at any level available.
 
Prayers and monetary contributions are sorely needed, but there are other things you can do to help, too.  Share this post.  Share the links to the Kickstarter website and the YouTube video on your social media accounts.
 
Because really, it’s amazingly easy for us to help.
 
I was wishing with a friend tonight for a journaling Bible, but ….
 
I already have 2 study Bibles, a comic book Bible, a Mom’s Bible, a Daily Chronological Bible, a Read-the-Bible-Through-in-a-Year Bible …. all in my language.  With stories I know.  With words I understand.
 
People in Africa have access to … A Bible with stories they can’t understand.  Full of words they don’t know.  With examples that are confusing.
 
The Africa Study Bible is needed.  Thousands of people want one.  Will you help them?
 
 

 

Reader Interactions

What are your thoughts?

Visit Us On PinterestVisit Us On TwitterVisit Us On Facebook