Why we chose mission

We have been serving in Kunbarlanja since 2018 as co-workers in the gospel with Emmanuel Anglican Church. During this time, we have had the joy of seeing Christians take hold of the Kunwinjku Shorter Bible — containing the complete New Testament along with Genesis, Exodus and Ruth — and hear God speak to them in their own language. As we watched God’s Spirit convict, transform and strengthen his people through his word, we became even more convinced of the importance of this work. Why wouldn’t we continue going, when God is using his word to build his church?

Over time, this work led to church members asking us to help continue translation work in the Old Testament. To prepare for this role, I (Matt) have been studying translation, whilst we’re continuing to help make Scripture more accessible through audio recordings for Kunwinjku speakers. Many people learn and communicate orally, so recorded Scripture plays an important role in helping people hear, remember and share God’s word.

Helping people hear God speak in their own language and grow in confidence as disciples of Jesus

God speaks Kunwinjku. Our desire is to remove as many barriers as possible that might prevent someone from hearing and knowing God through his word. Literacy work, audio recordings, discipleship and further translation all serve this goal — helping people hear God speak in their mother tongue and grow in confidence as disciples of Jesus.

Many people in Kunbarlanja communicate and learn primarily through oral language, which makes accessible Scripture and audio recordings especially important. As people hear and understand God’s word clearly, the church is strengthened to stand firm in Christ, teach others faithfully and continue proclaiming the gospel throughout the community and beyond.

Will you partner with us?

Like Paul’s gospel partnerships throughout the New Testament, we do not do this work alone. When Jesus calls people into his family, he also calls us into his mission – together. Paul did not simply ask churches to fund a journey and wait for updates; God calls believers to become fellow workers in the gospel, sharing together in the work of making Christ known amongst the people God has placed around us.

We need prayer, encouragement and tangible support so this ministry can continue long-term. Humanly speaking, the task of translation, discipleship and making God’s word accessible is far beyond our lifetime to complete. Yet together, as co-workers in the gospel, we can continue sending God’s word out so that more people may hear Christ speak in their own language and know him. Through CMS, you can partner with us by praying faithfully, encouraging us in this work and helping send us back to Kunbarlanja to continue serving the church there.