A Collection of God's Faithfulness

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CELEBRATING

Our Stories

Gathered is a collection of stories showcasing the long-term impact of Scripture in communities around the world.

We invite you to experience these stories. Stories of hope. Stories of perseverance. Stories of faith.

We pray you will be encouraged by evidence of God's faithfulness as he works through people like you to bring his Word to every person on earth.

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Africa

Asia

Europe

Pacific

Americas

Welcome

Start Exploring

Africa

Languages We Support: 435

Total Population: 1.216 billion

Total Countries: 54

Explore Stories of Transformation

Asia

Languages We Support: 260

Total Population: 4.7 billion

Total Countries: 48

We’re gathering more stories!

Europe

Languages We Support: 68

Total Population: 1.156 Billion

Total Countries: 68

We’re gathering more stories!

Pacific

Languages We Support: 122

Total Population: 2.3 Million

Total Countries: 15

We’re gathering more stories!

Americas

Languages We Support: 88

Total Population: 1.03 billion

Total Countries: 35

Explore Stories of Restoration

God is not bound by one language.

Alfred, a villager from Kenya, shares a powerful revelation he had while reading the Bible. He used to think God only spoke Swahili, but when he encountered Scripture in his heart language of Suba, he finally understood that God speaks all languages. Alfred passionately affirms that Bible translation has the remarkable ability to transform lives; it continues to transform his own.

Expert Boat Builders and Fishermen

When Jesus said in Mark 1:17, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (BSB), he could’ve just as easily been talking to the Suba people—a group of outstanding fishermen and boat builders, much like the disciples themselves.

Many of the Suba people live on the islands of Rusinga and Mfangano in Lake Victoria. Before hippo hunting was made illegal, the Suba were renowned hunters of these creatures, considered the most dangerous animals in the world. Today, fish remains a key part of the Suba diet, but farming and cattle herding have become staples to their way of life as well.

Nile Tilapia

Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is the most common fish in Lake Victoria, and it is extensively consumed by local communities. With its mild flavor, it serves as a versatile food source, commonly prepared by grilling, frying, or stewing and served with a variety of flavorful spices and accompaniments.

This popular fish holds a significant place in the cultural and economic fabric of the region.

africa

Preservation of Culture and Language

The Suba [SOO’–BUH] live on the eastern shores of Lake Victoria in East Africa. In 2011, they completed a translation of the New Testament, and since then, they have continued to develop a strong interest in preserving their culture and language. They enjoy learning God’s Word and take great pride in having the first complete piece of literature in their mother tongue. Some pastors testify that, since the dedication of the Suba New Testament, they’ve seen growing unity among their churches.

“As we translate the Bible, the Bible is also translating our lives.”

— Msaswa, Suba translator

The Suba language was considered inferior due to its differences from other regional languages. Education in English and Luo led some Suba to lose fluency in their own tongue. Yet, with the Suba translation of the New Testament, the community is rediscovering their culture, revitalizing their language, and reclaiming pride in both.

Sounds of Suba

The Bible refreshes you.

Jael calls her family to the dinner table.

As they enjoy their meal, they chew their food with anticipation because they know what will happen next. They will gather together, read a verse, and pray. Like always.

But this wasn't always possible. Only 15 years ago, Jael wouldn't have had a full Bible in her language to read, much less share with her family. Now, she celebrates the strength found in God's Word in Suba. "It refreshes," she says.

As you watch Jael turn the pages of her Bible in the video above, notice the crinkles, the well-worn pages. Jael and her family know just how precious their Suba Bible is. "Each day," Jael shares, "God is there for us."

Meet Joyce

Discover Joyce's Story

In the audio story, Joyce shares how the Suba Bible inspires her in her work with orphans in the Suba community.

But Joyce faithfully serves others as well! That's because she shares the hope of God's Word in Suba. When she engages with the Bible in her heart language, she is filled with love. "And I also pass that love along to the children," she says.

Joyce brings the joy of God's Word to orphans. As they discover God's message of hope in their language, they are reminded of the Lord's enduring love for them.

Suba

Years ago, the Suba tribe was dying.

They were being assimilated into the wider culture around them and were beginning to lose touch with their identity.

But then they received God's Word in their language, and they were reminded of their worth.

As one Suba community member proclaims: “Today, we are not serving a foreign God. We are serving a God who speaks our language.”

Sounds of the Quechua

Transforming Lives through Scripture

Primarily inhabiting three towns, San Martín Quechua speakers reside in a jungle region dotted with small mountains. Their daily lives revolve around cultivating the land. Some engage in fishing, livestock raising, and handicraft making. Although a few individuals migrate to the city for work, many hold onto their traditional culture, embracing customary dress, bartering, communal work, and the spirit of ayni. (“I help you, and you help me.”)

God’s Word in San Martín Quechua is expected to bring about a renewed, Christ-centered community where separations and divorces are less common, married couples love and respect each other, and people are delivered from alcohol addiction and false religion.

Gather around the fire for some pachamanca.

The Quechua people of Peru cherish the tradition of pachamanca, a traditional Peruvian cooking method that traces its origins back to the Inca Empire. Pachamanca involves burying food in the ground and using hot stones to cook it, creating a unique earthen oven. It is a cooking experience that brings the entire community together. The dish consists of layers of vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, yucca, oca, and mashwa, followed by meats such as chicken, beef, and pork. Other ingredients like corn, fava beans, cheese, and Peruvian tamales are also included. The food is covered with leaves, craft paper, and soil and left to cook for a few hours. Pachamanca is a treasured dish enjoyed on Sundays, reflecting the collaborative spirit and shared enjoyment of the community.

How to Make Pachamanca

Dig a hole in the ground, creating a cooking pit.
Gather rocks and heat them over a fire for approximately one hour.
Place the hot rocks inside the pit.
Begin layering the ingredients:
1. Start with a layer of vegetables such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, yucca, oca, and mashwa.
2. Add a layer of meats like chicken, beef, and pork.
3. Place additional hot rocks on top of the meat layer.
4. Add vegetables that require less cooking time, such as corn and fava beans.
5. Include a pot of cheese and Peruvian tamales.
6. Cover the food with banana and plantain leaves.
7. Use craft paper to further cover the leaves.
8. Fill the pit with soil, completely covering the hole.
9. Allow the food to cook for approximately 1–2 hours.
10. Carefully uncover the pit, removing the soil, craft paper, and leaves.
11. Serve the deliciously cooked pachamanca to the entire community.

Remember, preparing pachamanca is traditionally a communal activity, where everyone works to create this flavorful dish and enjoy it together.

americas

Yucca Plant

The yucca plant, native to South America, has a diverse range of uses in the region. Belonging to the agave family, it thrives in arid climates and has been cultivated for centuries by indigenous communities. South Americans have long recognized yucca’s versatile nature, utilizing its starchy root as a staple food source. The plant’s leaves and fibers are also used to craft various items, such as baskets and ropes. Additionally, yucca has played a significant role in traditional medicine with its extracts believed to possess healing properties. With origins deeply intertwined in South American culture, the yucca plant continues to be cherished for its practical and historical significance.

americas

Reading Quechua Scripture

"They would fall asleep."

Rosa noticed that the Quechua couldn't stay awake in church—and she knew why. They didn't speak Spanish, and that was the only language the sermon was preached in. They opened Spanish Bibles that held a mass of letters that looked like hieroglyphics. It was as if God didn't speak in their language.

"Lord, use me," Rosa prayed. And he answered.

Rosa felt called to begin a study group to teach the Quechua how to read Scripture in their heart language. The group is bonded by their love of God's Word. "It's a beautiful group," Rosa shares.

Vincente shares the incredible impact of the Quechua Bible since receiving it in his community back in 2019. For some time, he felt limited in his faith because he couldn’t read the Spanish Bible. However, since the introduction of God's Word in Quechua, he can express a newfound understanding of Scripture, reading it multiple times a day and witnessing a significant change in his life.

Vincente emphasizes that the translation of the Bible into their native language has allowed the Word to deeply resonate within his people’s hearts. His testimony is just one of many that reveals how translating the Bible into heart languages has the potential to bring about profound transformation in the lives of individuals and communities across South America.

“For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does.”

— Psalm 33:4 (NLT)

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