Remember, remember, the fifth of November.*
It’s a very special day.
That’s because it is the World Day of Romani Language, which is spoken by the Roma people. The day we celebrate and champion all things relating to the Romani language, culture and education.
Bible translator Florin holds his Standard Romani Mark, John and Acts And this year we have an extra special reason to celebrate!
Three years… three books
After a whirlwind three years of translation work, the books of Mark, John and Acts in the Standard Romani language were launched at an event in Ghimbav, Romania, on 18 October.
It’s a huge moment for the Roma community – not just in Romania, but across Europe.
As Rafael Nastase, chair of the translation committee, says:
‘This started as a programme for the Roma people in Romania, but we are beginning to see that this Standard Romani translation can work in Roma communities across Europe. From our research so far, the translation is as understandable for Roma people in Scandinavia or Bulgaria as it is for those in Romania.
So it could be a key factor in bringing transformation to the Roma people across Europe, just at the moment when the Roma Church is the fastest-growing church in Europe.’
Family affair: Bible translators Alex and Daniel with daughter Miriam Humble and happy
To reach this point has required the translation team to have tremendous commitment and a real sense of calling to bring God’s word to their people in their own language. The team often has to work in the evenings, after a full day in their daytime jobs. But such is the importance of what they are doing, they have made the time and worked late into the night.
And now the first fruits of their labours – three books from the New Testament – have been launched and are being put into the hands of Roma people.
Rafael says: ‘If you had asked me three years ago if this translation would have such an impact, I would say no, not a chance.’
It just became easier for Roma pastors to preach in their own Romani language And yet the translation work has moved forward rapidly.
One contributor to the translation from outside the main translation team commented:
‘It’s been beautiful – three wonderful years, successful and hardworking translators writing together in intelligent and clever ways. You couldn’t believe how wonderfully they work together as a team, humble and happy to set aside their opinions.’
That willingness to work together and for the common good has been at the heart of why the translation has made such good progress.
There’s plenty to smile about for the next generation of Roma people now they have God’s word in their own language The heart of the matter
The Scriptures that have been translated are already having an impact.
Rafael says, ‘When the team came to our church our people were very sceptical, but when the team played the audio version of the Gospel of John in the church that all changed. When people can hear it in their language, they are so excited about it.’
And ultimately, that is what this translation is all about.
Yes, it’s great to celebrate the launching of newly translated books of the Bible in a particular language. But it is an even greater cause for celebration when people read God’s word in their own language and understand it, and turn to Jesus as their Lord and saviour as a result.
The Roma people can now experience God in a deeper way Standard Romani committee member Florin Nasture comments that he has been involved in a number of development projects among the Roma people over the years, but has seen little long-term benefit from these.
However, now he is seeing that the gospel in Standard Romani is bringing genuine transformation, because it goes right to the heart of the matter and deals not just with physical needs but with spiritual needs too.
These first books of the Bible in Standard Romani come at a time when the Roma Church is the fastest growing church in Europe. This seems like a God-ordained convergence: the prayer is that the arrival of the Scriptures in Standard Romani will help to fuel the spiritual revival already happening among the Roma people.
*This is the first line of a traditional English poem written by John Milton to remember the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605 – an attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament building in London, England, and, with it, the King and his government. The rhyme goes:
Remember, remember the fifth of November
The Gunpowder treason and plot;
I know of no reason
Why the Gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot!
