Today, millions of people around the world still lack access to Scripture in the language and format that speaks most clearly to their hearts. Through Oral Bible Translation, local believers are changing that, one community at a time.
One of those people was Dinya*, a widow from Nigeria whose life was transformed when she heard the Gospel in her own language.
Hopeless
At 57 years old, this widow and mother of six from Nigeria had spent years battling illness. She searched for answers at hospitals and from traditional healers, but nothing helped. Eventually, she was told an evil spirit was to blame. With no hope left, Dinya felt forgotten.
Hearing and understanding
Ado, a member of the Gwak Oral Bible Translation team, heard Dinya’s story and invited her to attend a community Scripture checking session where newly translated passages were shared aloud in her heart language. Over three days, the team prayed with her and shared Mark 1:29-34, the account of Jesus healing the sick.
For the first time, Dinya heard these words in the language she understood best: “That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed… and Jesus healed many who had various diseases.” (Mark 1:32, 34).
Trusting Jesus
The translators encouraged Dinya to place her trust in Jesus – the One who still hears prayers and has the power to heal. As they continued praying with her over those three days, hope began to replace despair.
Dinya kept coming back to hear more of God’s Word in her heart language. As she listened, her faith grew, and she chose to follow Jesus as her Lord and Saviour. Later, she joyfully shared that her health had improved dramatically. Filled with gratitude, she thanked the translation team for their prayers and support and began attending church regularly.
Dinya’s story is a powerful reminder that when people can hear God’s Word in the language and format they understand best, lives are transformed. Through Oral Bible Translation, people who have never had access to Scripture are encountering the hope, healing and saving love of Jesus for the very first time.
Source: Spoken Worldwide
