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Partnerships and new formats point the way in Malawi By the Rev Francois Sieberhagen, UBS Africa
Area Media Consultant
MALAWI — “We will have to adapt the focus of our ministry,” says Bible Society of Malawi General Secretary Clapperton Mayuni. Faced with serious economic and social challenges such as HIV/AIDS and illiteracy, the Bible Society will have to find new ways of helping people to engage with God’s Word, he explains. “We need to listen carefully to what people are not saying. We must not be so focused on supplying people with traditional printed Scriptures that we fail to ask whether they actually read the material. Or even if they can read at all! It is no use if people say that they are grateful to have the Bible in their own language but they cannot use it. Engage“In order to help people engage with the Scripture, we need to do two things. Firstly, we will have to supply God’s Word in a format people can use. This will mean expanding the Faith Comes By Hearing ministry, using the Talking Bible and developing the Radio Bible project. “We will also have to take partnerships seriously and seek to work with people who really want to reach those who have to live without the Word.” Plans are already in place to move the Bible Society’s ministry in the direction of Mr Mayuni’s vision. “We look forward to receiving The Proclaimer, the digital audio Scripture unit from Hosanna that will replace cassettes (see World Report 400/4). People have been really struggling to use cassette players because of the lack of electricity and the high cost of batteries. “Our latest project, the First Audio Bible using the digital Talking Bible, will also allow people, especially young adults, to engage with the Bible and to understand it better. “With regard to partnerships, we are exploring all avenues to strengthen our links with the Churches and Christian organisations. Only through strong partnerships will we be able to reach the people who really need these alternative Scriptures.” This report refers to project 50646. (WR 401/17 - 04/05.06) [3 photos] |
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