In the rugged terrain of 8th century BC Israel, the humble shepherd Amos was called by God to issue a powerful message of judgment amidst societal injustice and moral decay. His message serves as a stark call for justice during a time when God’s chosen people had turned away from their true faith, turning to false prophets and practices.
This historical rebellion finds a disconcerting parallel among many marginalized Christian communities in East Asia today. Many have developed syncretic belief systems, blending traditional shamanistic practices with biblical teachings, often distorted and poorly transmitted in a language they don’t quite understand. Over 200 language groups across East Asia remain without reliable access to Scripture, leaving them adrift in a sea of confusion and half-truths, devoid of the transformative power of God’s Word.
Amos’s warnings echo through the ages, urging repentance and highlighting God’s unwavering heart for His people. In a poignant passage from chapter 5, he prescribes not empty religious rituals but “a mighty flood of justice, an endless river of righteous living” (Amos 5:24b, NLT). For many Christians in East Asia, the struggle continues: battling against the tide of watered-down faith and the allure of idolatrous practices.
In the face of spiritual and social decay, Amos delivered a powerful indictment of the hypocrisy of religious festivals (Amos 5:21) — deplorable shows and pretenses of faith when Scripture is misunderstood, when God’s Word is not accessible in the language that speaks to the heart.
The words of Amos resonate with a timeless urgency, calling us to address injustice, and thirst for authenticity in faith — give a verse today and help battle diluted beliefs and the pull of idolatry.
Bringing God’s Word to the Mountain Heights
The Siksa people live in seven villages, with five located on mountain tops. Their remote location makes travel difficult, particularly during the rainy season, limiting access to outside support and resources.
The Siksa language group comprises approximately 7,000 people, yet they have no Scripture in their heart language. While many identify as Christians, their churches use a national language Bible that most do not understand. As a result, some Siksa people continue to practice animism, turning to witch doctors for help in times of need.
A new Bible translation project is underway to bring God’s Word to the Siksa. This project includes initial steps toward Bible translation and literacy programs to help the Siksa read and engage with Scripture. However, there are many challenges to overcome, including limited education, lack of electricity, and no internet access.
Your gift today will be doubled through our matching challenge, providing crucial resources to overcome these barriers and bring the transformative power of Scripture to the Siksa people.