25 Old Testament Stories
The Dumas language, initially without a written form, was given life through a collaborative effort that reflects the heart of illumiNations Asia. Hareanto, the translation team leader, assembled a group of four individuals to develop a new script — a process similar to other journeys shared across Impact Stories and shaped by long-term commitment to Scripture access.
When this newly created system was tested with Dumas speakers, their initial reactions were met with laughter and surprise. However, as the novelty faded, they discovered a profound improvement in their comprehension of Dumas stories compared to the national language. This moment of realization echoes testimonies found in faith and inspiration stories and highlights why access to Scripture in one’s heart language matters so deeply.
The Dumas villagers were deeply touched by the Mother Tongue Translators (MTTs) sharing Old Testament stories in their native tongue. Having never experienced such a connection to written literature, they expressed a strong desire for more — a response often mirrored in Impact Stories from Indonesia and other minority language communities. One village church even enthusiastically proposed using these stories for their Bible study, reflecting a growing hunger for God’s Word that leads to obedience and transformation.
With the completion of translating all 25 Old Testament stories, pastors from ten remote small churches eagerly received published sets on behalf of their congregations. Overwhelmed by the availability of the Scriptures in their heart language, they anticipated significant growth and spiritual maturity among their believers — a vision aligned with the broader mission described in How It Works and the movement to join the movement.
Inspired by this positive response, the translation team decided to expand their distribution efforts to other Dumas villages. Supporting this work through giving initiatives ensures that more communities experience the same journey of faith, obedience, and transformation, a global commitment shared by partners such as the Wycliffe Global Alliance.
