Equipped for Transformation
Scripture Engagement Training in 7 Mozambican Languages
by Helen van der Walt
Items being used as part of a Scripture Engagement activity called Listening Groups
Three years ago, Wycliffe SA took on the big task of training all their partner language groups in Scripture Engagement (SE), with a vision to see God’s Word impacting lives. The Oral Bible Translation process brings transformation and change in the lives of the translation team; but what about the wider community? We want to equip translation teams to take the translated Scriptures into all areas of their community, in creative and meaningful ways, to see God at work amongst their family, friends, neighbours, and beyond.
In April, the “Introduction to Scripture Engagement” training was completed with the final 7 languages in Mozambique: Koti, Meetto, Phimbi, and the CD Cluster. The new Programme Coordinators for eSaka and Marrevoni also joined us. This was a huge milestone, leaving only the Himba team in Namibia in need of SE training.
I have been developing this workshop over the past few years, aimed specifically at SE facilitators in oral African contexts. It covers the motivations and value behind SE, methods and tools, God’s plan for languages and cultures, community mapping, kingdom goals and community needs, as well as creativity and applications of SE.
Also included is training to lead listening groups; an oral method for engaging with Scripture. This method has been groundbreaking in so many communities, with a huge number of stories about salvation and transformation. Each day of the workshop started with a listening group, where we listened to Scripture, learnt the story, and then explored the story together. We had great fun learning Biblical stories with drama, gestures, and props, and the insights that the group shared in discussion were invaluable. Each team is now equipped to lead listening groups in their own area, and to train more facilitators.
"These listening groups will be good for us, especially the women. They often say, "we can't read, the Bible isn't for us, only the men". But now the Bible is for them too!" - Koti team
This 3-day workshop was no different to the success of previous workshops. In fact, the teams were even more engaged than I expected. They were full of questions and a desire to be equipped. I appreciated their thoughts and questions, and valued their responses to Scripture. Most of all, I absolutely loved the last day when we commissioned the teams. To prepare them to make informed decisions for their context, I shared a wide range of available resources and training. We talked about the practicalities of their role as SE facilitators, our head of Translation Services gave an encouraging word, and we prayed both with and for them. My favourite part was seeing the teams eagerly making practical plans for next steps.
Only a few representatives from each team were able to come to the training due to funding restraints. However, each person has now gone back home and trained their whole translation team. They have already started visiting and serving their communities! Please pray for them as they serve.
