Monday, June 24, 2013

You Can Read - How ?

There are ongoing debates regarding orality and literacy -- whether teaching should be solely oral or should it be coupled with the written word.  It is the assumption is that many Maasai are illiterate but that picture is changing as Maasai go to school and learn to read.  The printed media then becomes very important.  The following account was related to me during a recent trip to Longido by a Maasai friend and co-worker concerning the Maasai and Bibles.


Obedi is the one on the right
Obedi traveled to and stayed in the town of Kitumbeine for several days to participate in a seminar and discussions concerning different issues related to ministry.
I was able to give him some Maasai Bibles to take and distribute to some pastors in that area.
I saw him several days later.
He said that the pastors were overjoyed to receive the Bibles and wanted to know if they could get more.
Obedi then related that many people wanted Bibles so that they could read God's Word for themselves.
I asked him if they could really read with understanding.
He relayed that many Maasai, even women who had no formal education, were able to read and understand the Bible in Kimaasai.
Obedi talked to them personally, listened to their readings, asked questions about what they read, and they responded according and correctly.
He does not know how they were able to do this until he asked them about it.
They said they were not able to go to school.
So they prayed and asked God for understanding and for the ability to read and understand His written Word.
Then they were able to obtain a Maasai language Bible.
They began practicing and were able to read and understand it in just a few days.
No instruction, no formal education, no teacher.
They said that God gave them the ability to do this.
Obedi said it must have been the Holy Spirit Who enabled them to read and understand God's Word.
He could not explain it any other way.
I accept this explanation and view it as a modern day enablement from God for these Maasai to read and understand His Word through the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2 comes to mind after his story was finished.
But it is still continuing in many places in Maasaini where Maasai desire to know God and His Word.
Will miracles ever cease?
No.
Not as long as God is working them.

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