Hosea, the prophet of the troubled Northern Kingdom of Israel on the brink of Assyrian conquest, delivers a timeless message that resonates today, especially for the disillusioned and displaced Christian minorities of Indo China.
His ministry unfolded during a period of profound spiritual and moral decay, with his own tumultuous marriage serving as a poignant metaphor for Israel’s broken covenant with God. Yet amid the bleak pronouncements of judgment lies a thread of hope and restoration — a testament to God’s relentless love, even as He confronts Israel’s idolatry.
This potent message bears particular significance for the abandoned ethnic minorities of Indo China who face persecution for their faith. For the spiritually isolated Christians of Indo China, Hosea’s strongly worded censure of the “lack of knowledge” can be terrifying especially at a time when they are already suffering from political and religious oppression.
My people are being destroyed because they don’t know me. Since you priests refuse to know me, I refuse to recognize you as my priests. Since you have forgotten the laws of your God, I will forget to bless your children. – Hosea 4:6 (NLT)
God’s condemnation starkly encapsulates the peril of spiritual ignorance, where true understanding stems solely from engaging with God’s Word.
At the heart of Hosea’s book lies a profound truth: God longs for an intimate, restored relationship with His people. It’s a relationship rooted in communication and understanding — one where knowing Him truly, forms the cornerstone of faith.
For those language groups still lacking Scripture in their native tongues, the call is clear. We have the privilege to help them “know God” by gifting them a verse of His Word in a language closest to their hearts – give a verse today.
Working on the Word in Trying Times
The pandemic had significantly limited movement throughout our country, impacting both the strength and progress of our translation project team. These have indeed been challenging times for everyone involved. Despite these obstacles, a mother-tongue translator is collaborating closely with a former translator to carefully review all translated materials.
We’re thankful that the New Testament translation work is nearing completion. Soon, Hashang* believers will experience the joy of hearing and understanding Scripture in their own language for the very first time. This milestone represents years of dedicated work and perseverance through unprecedented difficulties.
The team has demonstrated remarkable resilience, finding creative ways to continue their essential work even when traditional methods were no longer possible. Their commitment to bringing God’s Word to the Hashang* community has never wavered, regardless of the circumstances.
Your gift today will be doubled through our 1-for-1 matching challenge, and together we can help translation teams overcome obstacles and complete vital Scripture projects for waiting communities.