Our team spends a great deal of time working with native Nahuatl speakers to ensure that what we are saying sounds natural. Whether we’re dealing with literacy materials, translation, or the Bible teaching, we strive to communicate clearly, which for us foreigners, requires constant tweaking.
A few weeks ago I was asking my friend Bernie about a lesson on John the Baptist. She was tracking well with all of the details of the story, but I asked her about something that hadn’t been explained yet, just to see what she would say. “When John saw Jesus,” I said to her, “he said, ‘Look, the Little Sheep of God.’ Why do you think he might have said that?”
Bernie said, “Well, long ago the people took little sheep to the house of God. And the one in charge there laid hands on the animal and all the sins of the people were put on it. And then it wasn’t necessary for the people to die because the little sheep had died instead. And I say,” she added, “that is what Jesus will do for the people.”
I was moved by her explanation and by the comments she and others in the village have made which show they are understanding. I feel privileged to be part of this ministry and overwhelmed by the grace that sent the Little Sheep of God to his death so that he would take away our sins.
Ruth Rowe says
I am praying regularly for you and the Nahuatl people. I am very excited to hear about the Gospel coming to them. I would like to hear any updates you have along the way. I grew up in Brazil (MK), and served in Thailand both with New Tribes.
Laura Cochran says
Gram Cochran I was almost to tears to read the answers you got from the ladies about their understanding of The Lamb of God. Then God spoke to my own heart about the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Jesus told the disciples that when the Comforter came he would teach us all things about Jesus. The Holy Spirit works in all hearts that seek Jesus. The same as He works in my heart. We don’t save people, you are like John, the one preparing the way in your teaching. The Holy Spirit is the one that draws them to God.
I bet this time of teaching and Christmas’ real meaning caused you to have a Blessed Christmas. Love, Gram
Start Arnold says
Hallelujah!! SO EXCITING!! I pray lots for you guys!! Hugs!!