by Allan Starling

If You Can Read This… Thank a Teacher

The bumper sticker on the car ahead proclaimed in big bold letters: “IF YOU CAN READ THIS…” but the rest was in much smaller type. I inched closer and read, “If you can read this… thank a teacher.”

We take a lot for granted, including teachers. I can read because somebody spent a great deal of time and energy showing me how. I’m so glad they did.

What About Those Who Can’t Read the Bible?

But, what about those who can’t read the Bible or Christian literature? Aren’t they missing out? Not if GRN can help it!

That’s why we communicate using oral Bible stories and culturally relevant biblical teaching. GRN has been reaching unreached people groups in this way for over eighty years. We started in 1939 with phonograph records and today we use digital formats to reach out to people arund the world. We appreciate that they can remember a lot more of what they hear without all that book learning. That’s why we call them Oral Learners.

Taking the Gospel to Oral Learners

Our GRN recordist team, Pete and Jake, reaches out to an unreached people group of oral learners. They plan to make recordings in their language. First, they learn something about their culture. Pete talks to a man called Diku, who tells him that his people are afraid of evil spirits that live in owls. “Aha,” Pete says. “I have the perfect script to begin with. It’s in this set called Words of Life.”

Jake sets up his equipment and explains to Diku. “I’ll say a sentence. When I point, say it in your own language.” They work together the whole afternoon. Diku does an excellent job, but it is tiring. By the end of their time, they have recorded a message in Diku’s language. It starts with an attention-getting question.

Addressing Cultural Fears with the Good News

“Are you afraid? When you hear the owl hoot, do you get nervous? Are you afraid of the darkness? Are you afraid to die? Do you fear evil spirits? Satan? Do you want fear to leave you forever? Then listen. I have wonderful news for you. You do not need to fear death.”

Jake leaves a five-second pause in the recording. Back at the studio, the team will add the sound of wailing. The message continues to tell how Jesus died and rose again and that He has power over the evil spirits.

One Recording, Many Listeners

Pete thanks Diku and asks for another volunteer. The team will record short oral Bible stories from Genesis through the ascension. They’ll explain how to become a follower of Jesus. A picture book goes with the recording.

Jorge, a man in the village, has a cellphone, so the team transfers the messages to his phone. Jorge is now an evangelist as he plays the recordings over and over to eager listeners. Pete and Jake must move on to another group, but should they return later, they will find new believers in Christ praising God that they are free of the evil spirits.