A vital audio Bible distribution trip was abruptly postponed, but God was still at work. Last fall, multiple devastating mudslides struck the region and remote town of Acuautla, Mexico, collapsing churches, and destroying the roads and bridges that would have allowed our team to reach the region with God’s Word.
In this unexpected delay, you stepped up to faithfully cover the postponed trip in prayer, asking God to make a way for His Word to reach the devastated community.
This February, your prayers were answered.
ASM Latin America Directors Jim and Jamie Loker returned with a team from Galcom Canada (pictured, left) to the very place where the mudslides had struck. They heard many stories of how God had sustained the people living there.
Pastor José shared how much it meant after the disaster when they found a church sign still standing, and recovered one Bible. Completely caked in mud, yet still readable. Tears poured from his eyes as he wept over what had been lost, and simultaneously at the hope-filled reminder. God’s promises will remain.
This one Bible was an anchor to remind them
that even when all seems lost, God’s promises are eternal.
The ASM and Galcom team arrived at the village after trekking through what Jamie described as the most treacherous mud and roadways they’d ever faced. Now for the first time ever, the people of Acuatla could listen to the complete Bible, Old and New Testaments, in their heart language, Otomi.
The arrival of 800 audio Bibles was
all the more meaningful after the losses
experienced only a few months ago.
Until last year, only an earlier New Testament translation existed in print. Now the community can celebrate this Otomi full Bible translation and recording, the first opportunity for many to hear Genesis, the Psalms, and other portions of God’s Word they’ve never had previously.
Literacy is just beginning to grow in the area. Enrique is a young man who has been working on the New Testament revision and Old Testament translation of the Otomi Bible since his teen years. Now he teaches local people how to read. Still, many cannot yet read.
A hush fell over the crowd as the audio Bibles were turned on. God’s Word in their heart language. Clear words of hope echoing after so much destruction. Pastor José expressed the gratitude they all felt. “Thank you so much! Not only have you brought more of God’s Word, but now we have ALL of it in audio!”
