I loved reading to my boys when they were younger. Their favourite bedtime ritual always included a Bible story. Their eyes would widen in wonder as they heard how David overcame Goliath with a sling, or when God parted the Red Sea for the Israelites. Reading and bringing the Bible to life for them were precious moments for me as a mum and brought me much joy.
What about making the Bible come to life for those who are illiterate? What about those who did not have the privilege of going to school? How would they be able to be amazed at the wonders and miracles of God?
This has been one of our biggest challenges at Mittaphab Methodist Church. Most of our members are illiterate. They work mainly in the construction industry, working long hours and living in rented one-room spaces. Although many have an audio Bible app, most of them do not bother to use it. “Too tired” or “I don’t understand it” are the most common reasons given.
Desiring our church members to experience the same kind of wonder our little boys had when reading the Bible, we embarked on a “Journey through the Bible” this year. Everyone was encouraged to come at 9.30 a.m. every Sunday to study the book of Exodus. Come and see the Bible come alive, we told them. We prepared slides and pictures to share stories from the Bible.
The turnout was initially discouraging, with fewer than 10 trailing in at 9.40 a.m. But we persevered. Each time we visited a family, we would remind them to come earlier on Sunday. We also urged those who came to spread the word and bring their cell group members. Our perseverance paid off.
After half a year, we have a roomful of 30 to 40 people every Sunday at 9.30 a.m. We have fun making up actions together to commit verses to memory. Repetition is key, and illustrations help bring the Bible to life. We play games such as “Who’s who in the Bible?” Happiness is when they can easily differentiate Moses from Abraham!
We pray that as we journey together through the Bible, our church members will truly fall in love with the Word and hunger for it.