It's like a miracle

Last year for the first time, Life Groups in Kasese, Western Uganda had access to Foundations 1: Life Begins in their own language: Lhukonzo. This has led to considerable change. All of the groups had people (grandparents, for instance) who were not fluent in English, which had limited their ability to engage with the resources. Now they have the material in their own language, they can read for themselves, which affects the work in a couple of key ways. It enables those in the group to be more proactive, to participate more fully, and because they can grasp the content right away, it’s easier for them to join in with discussion.

“If this continues,” Bwambale Johnson (pictured delivering books) says, “we will see a great change in the district. The number of people accepting Jesus and following him is increasing. As that develops, more people will be reached, and the groups will multiply.”

Not only has the translation of Foundations 1: Life Begins into Lhukonzo provided more effective learning resources, it has also offered a wider group of people the opportunity to teach. Previously, it was only those who could speak English, which excluded many. Having the resources in their own language has also led to more members of the community being reached.

“It was amazing to have the course materials in our own language,” Bwambale says. “It’s rare to find resources in Lhukonzo, so it was such an encouragement to have people stand with us in this way. Thank you!”

The translated group study material has made teaching more straightforward and enabled leaders to run sessions more effectively.

“When we used the English book,” one of the members says, “it was difficult for us to follow what was being taught. Somebody would translate as we went along, but it was slow and confusing.” Another explained, “Because the books are in our own language, the classes run much more smoothly now.” Talking about the impact of having a Bible study resource in their own language, another group member exclaimed, “It feels like a miracle!”

Having a resource in Lhukonzo has meant that as the group learns together nobody is left behind. This has accelerated the development of Life Groups in several ways. It has helped people grow spiritually, and because they understand the gospel more fully, they are better able to share it. Friendships within groups have deepened and people in the community are often heard to say that these days they have many friends. Unity within groups and the wider community has grown, too.

“Villagers who might previously have walked past each have become good friends,” Bwambale says.

Taken together, the spiritual growth, the willingness to share the Gospel, the increase in friendships, and the unity in and outside of the Life Groups are strengthening the wider church. As more people begin to follow Jesus, they start to attend both church and Life Group. Those who have recently come to faith are sharing their testimonies in churches and church members are encouraged enough to want to support Life Groups.

“We can now hope to have other materials in our own language,” Bwambale says, “and through that be able to help more people in our community know Jesus. Already, more and more people are joining our groups.”