Bible Joy
Today I had such a challenge as I tried to buy a Soto Bible. two weeks ago as I prepared for the new class I made a 45 minute journey to the Bible Society offices in the heat of this summer to purchase 16 Xhosa and two English Bibles. Why did I make that long trip when I could have ordered the Bibles on the phone? One good reason is that we had started class and I needed them right away. The better reason is that I loved going to buy the Bibles. I felt such an sense of accomplishment after I had paid for my purchases and all the more because for 18 of the 20 students, this was the very first time they would have a Bible. And then when I thought I was done, one student asked today, if she could have a Soto Bible. I had forgotten I needed another version.
When I went to the local store I was confused by the titles and for a while did not know what to do because the Bible in my hand was labelled "Northern Soto." The sales people were somewhat amused when I asked if there was a "Southern Soto." The point is that we at Evangeline Ministries want the students to read of God's love for them in their own language. And it works so well. I give them a short passage and after silent reading they tell me which words speak to their hearts and they get it right almost every time. And that is what we want for them to see the life-giving words for themselves. As I told them, I want them to be the best Sewing, Computer and English students but most of all I want them to know how much God loves them and how much hope there is as they trust in God and in the Savior who came to demonstrate that love.
Today I had such a challenge as I tried to buy a Soto Bible. two weeks ago as I prepared for the new class I made a 45 minute journey to the Bible Society offices in the heat of this summer to purchase 16 Xhosa and two English Bibles. Why did I make that long trip when I could have ordered the Bibles on the phone? One good reason is that we had started class and I needed them right away. The better reason is that I loved going to buy the Bibles. I felt such an sense of accomplishment after I had paid for my purchases and all the more because for 18 of the 20 students, this was the very first time they would have a Bible. And then when I thought I was done, one student asked today, if she could have a Soto Bible. I had forgotten I needed another version.
When I went to the local store I was confused by the titles and for a while did not know what to do because the Bible in my hand was labelled "Northern Soto." The sales people were somewhat amused when I asked if there was a "Southern Soto." The point is that we at Evangeline Ministries want the students to read of God's love for them in their own language. And it works so well. I give them a short passage and after silent reading they tell me which words speak to their hearts and they get it right almost every time. And that is what we want for them to see the life-giving words for themselves. As I told them, I want them to be the best Sewing, Computer and English students but most of all I want them to know how much God loves them and how much hope there is as they trust in God and in the Savior who came to demonstrate that love.
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