Funding Goal Surpassed for Words for the World
A designated giving initiative launched last year for the printing and
production of World Church resources in a variety of languages has not only met
but exceeded its goal. The Words for the World initiative was launched in
December 2003 with a goal of $120,000 USD and concluded in June 2004 with
contributions totaling $187,000.
“We are very grateful for the generosity that has been expressed by so
many,” said Presiding Bishop Larry Norris. “This degree of generosity will
allow for significantly more resources to be produced than we had first hoped.”
Some of the outstanding stories of giving to Words for the World and other
ministries were detailed in the June 2004 Herald article, “A Contagion
of Generosity” (pages 29-30).
Two new Spanish Center staff members
in Mexico City include writer Amanda
Hernandez and Nefi Hernandez. |
Writing and translation of resources is well under way in French, Tahitian,
Spanish, Efik, Swahili, Bemba, Lingala, Chewa, Telegu, Oriya, and 10 other
languages. The needed funds for printing and production will allow distribution
of indigenous language materials to sisters and brothers, members and seekers,
in more than 26 countries of the world.
Before the Words for the World effort, significant numbers of Community of
Christ members and friends who do not speak English have not had any published
church resources to help them explore and build their faith. Beyond that, there
has been a great need for culturally relevant materials that will inspire,
educate, and give voice to people in the nations where the church is present.
Thanks to the commitment of church leaders, paid and volunteer writers and
translators, and the generosity of contributors to Words for the World,
materials are being created and planned that reflect the church’s worldwide
presence.
Director of International Resources Larry Tyree visited Tahiti in January,
where church members have had access to the French translation of Worship
Resources for several years. “They now depend on it,” he said. “In
other parts of the world, it will be the first time they have seen anything like
it.”
Tyree explained the concept of Worship Resources to ministers and
members in Haiti. This resource helps worship planners by providing themes,
suggested scriptures, and sermon helps for an entire year. Tyree said, “All
kinds of lightbulbs started lighting up in people’s heads! Those in areas who
have had it, depend on it. Others showed great interest.”
For each country where resources will be available, congregation members and
leaders at all levels helped establish a list of priority resources based on the
needs of people in their culture. Resources that are planned for publication
include intergenerational prebaptismal books in Chewa (Malawi), Chibemba
(Zambia), Efik (Nigeria), Lingala (Democratic Republic of the Congo), and
Swahili (Kenya). “These were written in Africa, by Africans, for Africans,”
explained Tyree. Other resources for these countries will focus on worship,
sacraments, women’s ministry, youth ministry, and evangelism.
Of Water and Spirit, prebaptismal materials, are in process in French
and planned for Spanish. French and Spanish church school curricula for youth,
such as the Power and Light curriculum series, are being explored.
Self-sustaining ministers are working on translations of the Doctrine and
Covenants in both these languages.
In Honduras, a Spanish version of Worship Resources has been printed.
This resource can be locally produced and delivered more cost effectively to as
many as 30 local congregations. Spanish speakers in several countries will
benefit.
A general priesthood course has been completed in Telegu. Faith and
Beliefs brochures are finished and in use in Oriya (India), French, Russian,
Tagalog and Ilocano (Philippines), and Spanish. Seekers and Disciples
materials are available in Korean, Russian, French, and Spanish.
These resources will touch many lives. However, there are other populations
that still long to be served. When information about Words for the World was
announced, a minister from India inquired of Tyree, “Why not Tamil?
Tamil-speaking people have been with the church more than 20 years. We deserve
resources, too.”
Tyree said, “He is right. We have had to make hard decisions about where to
go first and selected languages that impact the greatest numbers. We also
recognize that in some areas we won’t get a foothold until resources are
available.” The possibility of adding a Tamil translator soon is being
explored.
Words for the World begins the process of providing materials that are wanted
and needed in multiple languages. Funds for producing resources in the languages
of all the church’s members and friends will eventually be part of the general
church budget. This pioneering effort to provide resources for a diverse world
is dedicated to the memory of Seventy Ed Guy.
A new designated giving opportunity will soon be launched on behalf of IYF
Around the World (International Youth Forum 2005). Further information will be
in the October Herald and on the Web site at www.CofChrist.org/designatedgiving.
From the Herald, vol. 151, no. 8, August
2004, pages 39. Used with permission.
-Kendra Friend reporting
