Fusia lives in a village in Ghana . She attended the Extend the Word training facilitated by an OMS Village Church Planting ( VCP ) trainer . There , she received a micro SD card containing audio Bible stories in the Ga language , her mother tongue , and installed it on her basic button phone .
Other trainees could play the JESUS film on their smartphones , but Fusia only had a basic phone . Nevertheless , she used it to play the Ga language audio Bible stories for her family and friends . Sometimes , when they didn ’ t understand the stories , they asked Fusia difficult questions . Fusia would go to her trainer to get answers for her friends . Now , these friends have joined her in worship at her newly planted village church .
OMS missionary Philip Richardson wrote an incredible YouVersion Bible reading plan called “ Mission in Jesus ’ Parables of the Kingdom .” He explains in the parable of the soils that the mark of genuineness in a disciple is hearing the Word , understanding the Word , and bearing fruit as a result — simple but profound ! All three phases are essential for followers of Jesus , yet each phase presents unique challenges when making disciples in places without Christians .
The Extend the Word outreach of OMS ’ VCP ministry that impacted Fusia addresses all three phases , as church planters start churches in villages that have never had one . Our church planters in these areas find many impediments to disciple-making , such as linguistic barriers and illiteracy . It ’ s hard for English speakers to imagine the vast variety of languages and dialects spoken within a single African country . We thank God for the work of Bible translators who continue making God ’ s Word comprehensible for hundreds of people groups across the continent ! However , a Bible text offers little help if you can ’ t read it .
Digital Bible resources , based on their translations , address both the linguistic and literacy challenges . These resources include Bible texts and audio Bible readings , the JESUS film , and audio recordings of Bible stories in local languages . Stored on micro SD cards and installed on villagers ’ phones , these resources are powerful tools for spreading the Gospel . Digital Bible resources empower people — young and old , read-
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