The prophet Isaiah, whose ancient words from 8th century BC, emerge as a timeless voice, warning his people about moral decay while simultaneously offering hope amid looming threats. His prophecies, particularly regarding the Assyrian invasion and the promise of The Lord’s Suffering Servant, remind us of a divine sovereignty that transcends nations — a message strikingly relevant to the Christian communities of Southeast Asia.
For the ethnic minorities of the region, translating Scripture isn’t merely about words; it’s about opening wellsprings of grace. Isaiah’s proclamations resonate particularly for those living in places susceptible to natural disasters and conflict — offering solace which heralds good news to the broken-hearted (Isaiah 61:1) and promising renewal when the glory of the Lord is revealed… for He has spoken. (Isaiah 40:5)
But in what language would that be?
Southeast Asian cultures, rich in diverse influences and indigenous traditional beliefs, thrives through oral storytelling, complicating the task of translating Scripture into the 787 languages spoken across it. Yet this challenge could be perceived as a blessing: when God’s Word is shared orally, it becomes an enduring narrative, passed down through generations, leaving behind a resilient legacy.
The essence of Isaiah’s message advocates for the accessibility of God’s promises to all peoples. How can hearts respond if they cannot “listen” in their own tongue, as Isaiah 55:1-3 invites? To withhold the Word in their language is to deny them an encounter with that promise.
Your gift of a verse is also a lifeline — a direct link to faith for someone hungry for God’s Word, no matter the language.
Thankful for Involvement in the Translation Project
Working with the Nyakeh translation team has presented significant challenges. As one translation team member shares, “I faced many temptations to leave, but I’m thankful to God for watching over me and keeping me with the translation team. He enabled me to overcome all challenges and temptations!”
Another translation team member expresses similar gratitude: “I am grateful to be part of the Nyakeh* translation team. Being involved in this translation work, I now have more opportunity to read God’s Word!”
The translation team’s dedication is evident in their careful translation work. Consider Luke 8:25, which reads in English: “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”
The Nyakeh translation captures this powerful moment with cultural nuance that reads: “Un dau-A mida, “Kaꞌ mbi pengelan cem?” Takut na ida ngan salam, sulo pisui kata ida, “Aeꞌ kelunan ni, kiꞌin-A sendeng cuk kepo ngan sungai na denaꞌ ngan ida nebayaꞌ dau isui-A?”. When back-translated, it reads: “And He said to them, ‘Where is your belief?’ And they were scared and amazed, and asked among themselves, ‘Who really is this man giving orders to the wind and water… and they obey his commands?’
Your gift during our 1-for-1 matching challenge will be doubled, bringing God’s Word to communities still waiting for Scripture in their heart language.