Last month, the Bhogongo Bible translation team in the Central African Republic (CAR) spent an afternoon in a makeshift recording studio made from armchair cushions stacked on a table to cut out background noise (pictured above).
‘It was so moving to hear this story in our own language,’ says Arnaud Yangbe It was an exciting moment: the team members were there to record the Christmas story in their own language.
As the team coordinator read from the booklet, they hung on every word, willing him to not make a mistake… and he read fluently and accurately for 10 minutes, without a pause, making only one small slip.
At the end of the reading, initially there was a stunned silence.
Then the whole team burst into spontaneous applause.
This was the first time they had ever heard the complete story of Jesus’ birth read aloud from a written Scripture portion in their own language!
Pastor Arnaud Yangbe, a member of the Bhogongo translation team, says: ‘It was so moving to hear this story in our own language. It’s going to have a real impact on our community.’
The Bhogongo Bible translation team (with Paul Murrell, centre) at work Paul Murrell, who serves with Wycliffe and was at the recording in his capacity as a linguistics consultant, says:
‘While I was focused on the technical reading of the text during the recording, I had underestimated how significant this moment was for the Bhogongo translation team.
‘Seeing their reaction was a moving reminder to me of what a difference it makes when you are able to access the Scriptures in your own language!
A Bhogongo Bible translation team member writes his language ‘It also reminded me of how vital and important the work of Bible translation is, and the crucial impact that the prayers and giving of our supporters have in making sure this work continues. Every time I take part in a linguistics workshop I remind the participants that studying their language is also spiritual work, and that there are people around the world praying for them each day.’
Despite all the excitement at hearing the Christmas story in their own language at the recording session, the team has been encouraging the Bhogongo churches to hold back from using the booklets until Christmas Day, for maximum impact.
The Bhogongo Christmas story booklets The team has already given the booklets to about 20 churches, and there has been a lot of interest. People are practising reading and preparing for the first reading at their Christmas services. They are very happy!
So, as we read and hear the story of Jesus’ birth in our own language yet again this Christmas, stop for a moment and remember those people groups like the Bhogongo, hearing it in their language for the first time!
And perhaps ask God to give you a little bit of the excitement that the Bhogongo people across the CAR are feeling today!
We are hoping to get a few words and photos or video from Bhogongo Christmas Day services, featuring the first use of their booklets. So look out for updates!
