Mozambique (MNN) — According to the most recent data, a little over half
of the population in Mozambique is illiterate.
The backlash against the Portuguese
was a radical education movement that fell into disarray during the Communist
years. In the nearly two decades since
then, poverty claimed the educational future of many adults. As a result, a New Testament in their language
remains a mystery to those who can't read.
However, Tom Dudenhofer with Audio Scripture Ministries says, "The
Sena New Testament was just completed fairly recently. We were using some of
our borrowed room to do these recordings. God provided the speakers, and this
particular recording is a really good example of how partnerships can work on
the mission field."
Recording took place at the old Crown of Victory Studio in
Mozambique. "Even while the building
has been going up, we've been able to work on projects. That's been really
important to us." Dudenhofer
explains the new studios became a necessity because of the pace of growth with
their partners. There is a real strong interest in the Gospel, and we think that
a lot of that probably comes from the history of the country and the fact that
they're still kind of recovering."
Years of war left deep scars.
Stability is attractive now. "Because
of the fractured infrastructure of the country, the finances of the country are
not stable. It's just hard to stay alive in many places and the message of
Jesus Christ provides hope."
What makes this even more significant,
says Dudenofer, is that this is the first-ever recording of this language from
Central Mozambique spoken by 1.4 million people. It was completed in partnership with SIL Mozambique
who recently finished the translation.
The church continues to grow rapidly, but believers in every
denomination have been found to mix Christianity with their traditional
religion. Keeping church leaders well-grounded remains a
priority, which is why the distribution of the audio players is so urgent,
explains Dudenhofer. "The national church, who provides us with the readers, is helping
us organize the distribution."
At the same time, a group is headed to Mozambique on January 19 to
assist with finishing touches on the building project. "God has provided us with all that
funding. We have a couple of small teams preparing to help finish up the
wiring, plumbing, and a few other things on the inside. The second floor is being completed as we
speak."
Dudenhofer asks prayer for hearts to be prepared as this recording
is distributed starting this year. "As soon as the final little technical
things are cleaned up on it, we'll begin to load that recording onto digital
players. Initially, they'll be working with local pastors, probably [beginning] in the rural
areas."
