How often do we contemplate the power of Scripture? When does that lead to celebration in our own lives, in our families, our churches, our communities? Are we sometimes numb to Scripture? Is it possible that, as the old adage says, “familiarity breeds contempt” - or perhaps we have such great access that we just take Scripture for granted. Maybe a glimpse of others’ joy around receiving the Word can refresh our perspective.
Traditional celebrations anticipating the arrival of the Ki-Tharaka Bible
In June of 2019 the Tharaka community of Kenya celebrated the completion of the entire Bible. The New Testament had been completed about a decade earlier. Since that time, the team labored tirelessly to complete the Old Testament. The work was done. The whole Bible was available for the first time in history among the Tharaka in their own language. It was grounds for dedication, and celebration. It was electric.
Travel by foot in the Ki-Tharaka community - not the exception, the rule
The event was situated a mile and a half outside the city limits. Getting there required travel down a long, dusty, unpaved set of roads. The team told us this was intentional, to ensure that only those really interested would show up. If you were there, it was on purpose.
Over 3,000 attended, many walking miles or riding bicycles to participate in the seven hour gathering. Guests included church leaders and congregants, members of the translation team, local and national government officials - even the Deputy President of Kenya flew in with his military and Secret Service escort. It was a distinctly Kenyan event with only one expatriate speaker and scarcely a dozen expatriate visitors.
The traditional lead “cheerleader”
The joy was unmistakable - the celebration vibrant from all sectors of the community. One of the platform speakers noted that less than 10% of the language groups in the world have the whole Bible in their mother-tongue. This thought, along with the blessing and responsibility of it, reverberated through most of the speakers. A solemn and joyful celebration.
Scriptures wrapped as a present from above - to the community at large
I was inspired from the very beginning when the local Salvation Army marching band led the procession a mile and a half down that dusty road, to the joyful church and cultural celebrations, to the time when the Scriptures were dedicated to the Lord and given to the community. You’ll note that the first box of Bibles was wrapped like a Christmas present… the Scriptures were received by the community as a gift from God. Celebration was the theme as people rushed to receive their own copy…
Visit the photo section to see more pics of the event…