As we study through the Gospel of Mark together as a church, my personal life has been deeply impacted.  I have grown so much by studying the message and ministry of Jesus that I can’t imagine not having the ability to read this book.

3 million Hunsrik people of Brazil do not have the Gospel of Mark in their language.  We need to do something about it.

As we studied, I really wanted to help other people around the world be able to study the Bible as well.  I inquired from the Wycliffe Bible translators of a good project to support, and I was informed that the translators for the Hunsrik people have a goal for this year – to translate the Gospel of Mark in their language.  It appears as if God is up to something.

It takes about $35 a verse to support the work of translation.  There are 678 verses in Mark.  I told our kids at VBS this year about the need.  They stepped up big time.  Hoping to translate a few verses, these kids actually raised over $6,000 and have translated 26% of the Gospel of Mark!  Did you catch that?  Our elementary-aged children have translated over 1/4 of the book.  It’s now our turn to finish it up.

Would you consider giving over and beyond to the work of the ministry?  I pray you are tithing to the church.  I know we have a building fund setup for people to give.  But we can’t let 3 million people continue without reaping the benefits found in Mark.  Would you give?

You can give any amount, but you might consider giving some multiple of $35 so we can continue to highlight the verses off the pages as we go forward.  You can give to Rocky Creek with a note attached about the funds going to “Bible Translation.”  Let’s give them a gift that can change generations to come.

Information on the Hunsrik People

Hunsrik is the second most spoken language in Brazil. As such, Scripture in that mother tongue will potentially reach many people. This is a Christian group, but churchgoers often give evidence of not being true Jesus followers. God’s Word will lead individuals to know the Lord in a personal way.

Hunsrik speakers live in southern Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. Many of them reside in small towns. Some face poverty and unemployment, while others are well off. Certain areas lack schools. Due to industrialization and devaluation of subsistence farming, relocation to urban centers is increasing.

The communities are hardworking and orderly. What unites them most as a people is their mother tongue. Nevertheless, it’s difficult for them to discard the low view they have of their Hunsrik language due to centuries of discrimination.

Christianity is the religion of the people. As such, they base their societal and community laws on biblical teaching. They observe Easter and Christmas and have baptisms and communion services. Weddings and funerals take place in churches. The Hunsrik enjoy a friendly, peaceful and cordial coexistence with other language groups, and they mix socially with them.

Nevertheless, many churchgoers lack a genuine spiritual rebirth and a vibrant relationship with the living Lord. Alcohol abuse is common. Some follow superstitions, relying on lesser beings such as angels and departed saints to meet their needs rather than trusting solely in God and Jesus. The Scriptures in their own mother tongue will help combat these trends and transform individuals, families and churches.

For more information, check out the resources here.