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Posted in ACMI:
Hello ISM friends, I am new to focused international ministry. (Campus ministry and church planting background.) I’m working with a few churches, helping families show hospitality to I.S.’s as a path to disciple-making. I’m dreaming about some resources, that might or might not exist out there. Perhaps you have some ideas. I’d love to have a few things for the students we’re getting to know who speak Chinese, Arabic, Korean and Mongolian. I’d love to have:
For Chinese, I’ve found a Song of a Wanderer in both Chinese and English. There are several bi-lingual bibles out there, but I’m not sure if the Chinese version is very readable. One some of the Koreans has a New Revised Korean Version?? bilingual bible, but he reports he’s rather read the NIV because it’s easier to understand! ;) Any thoughts on these resources? And any chance there’s a central location for getting these kinds of things in every language? You old-time ISMer’s might be chuckling right now at that one. Blessings, Luke Hello friends! Thanks so much for all the resource “centers” you suggested. I thought I’d send a compilation of the replies:
Here is the discussion: Hi Luke With regards a Chinese Bible, whether bilingual or not, I'd go with the 新译本 which translates I think as the Chinese New Version (Simplified). It's a much more readable Bible than the older 和合本 (Chinese Union), although the older one is still what you'll find in most Chinese churches in China. You could say it's like a comparison between the NIV and the KJV. Also when buying Chinese Bibles, remember there are simplified and traditional characters, and generally speaking it's only people from Taiwan or Hong Kong (and some people from the southern province of Guangdong) who would read traditional characters. Song of a Wanderer is excellent (particularly from an apologetic point of view), and recently there have been many good translations of other books available, including from writers such as Tim Keller etc. The obvious advantage of translated books is that you can know what the content is! Re a basic booklet of what it means to follow Jesus etc., we've tended not to use these (apart from ones focusing on Christmas/Easter etc.), largely because there's not a lot of good stuff available. There are many translations of western materials which are written to an American audience, and are on the whole inappropriate to give to someone with a Chinese cultural background. If you're looking for thoughts on this, I'd recommend instead a blog by a Chinese guy (who blogs in English) called Jackson Wu. http://www.patheos.com/blogs/jacksonwu/resources/ Hope that helps Pete Hello Brother Luke, and others interested in the Chinese side of Luke’s inquiry, Thank you all for serving the Lord Jesus by serving the international students. I praise God for this association of likeminded coworkers! As for the Chinese Bibles, you can read a sentence or two about each one (with links to preview them all online) under the Bibles section of our website. Although the old CUV is more difficult to understand, I must admit that Chinese are still coming to Christ in droves through it. Although for an unbeliever, most of us Americans would prefer to use a CNV, and even better if its bilingual with the NIV, as an introductory Bible. Eventually, down the road, the student could be introduced to the CUV since that is what they will read in a Chinese church setting. We distribute tens of thousands of CUV Bibles here in North America each year, almost exclusively to Chinese Christians. And thousands of CNV Bibles, almost exclusively to Americans. I’m not sure if this polarization is good or bad, but it’s an interesting factoid J There are some good paraphrases out there, but are not always easy to obtain. But hopefully later this year we’ll be stocking the TCV and CCB. You can check our website every once in a while to see: www.ChineseResourceMinistry.org. As for a basic book or booklet for Chinese students, there are several options available, depending on the level of depth you are looking for - I can share what I believe to be useful. On a beginners level, there is the Chinese re-write of the Four Spiritual Laws: Bilingual Five Great Mysteries. This is also available inside a Bilingual Gospel of John. The next level up, I would say the Stranger on the Road to Emmaus is a great explanation of the Bible’s message from a Gospel viewpoint. For seasonal use, What are Christmas and Easter all about? is a condensed version of the Stranger book (Easy-English, but coming soon in Chinese, hopefully by Easter, fingers crossed). Growing in Christ is one of several good books for new Christians, talking in depth about growth and spiritual disciplines. There are many more than these, but any of you can call me if you have questions or need more information. The items I listed in this email are simply for Gospel and Bible understanding, not really for apologetics or other needs. There are many resources available to help answer students’ questions, and help them overcome the hurdles that keep them from listening to the Gospel (Luke mentioned Song of a Wanderer, which is one of several great books). I’d love to talk with any of you and introduce you to items that may fit your needs. You can start by looking at our recommended items and new resources. God bless! Jared Thanks again and blessings on your work. Luke A Conference about Missions, Muslims, and the Heart of God
June 23-24, 2016 Grand Rapids, MI http://www.legacyconference.org/ Sponsored by Horizons Internationa Association of Christians Ministering among Internationals
The 2016 annual conference will be held among the beautiful Rocky Mountains in Estes Park, Colorado. We'll meet May 26-29*. Take a look at where we'll be gathering for meetings, meals, fellowship and lodging! http://ymcarockies.org/ Make this part of your Memorial Day/Summer vacation plans as there will be the option to arrive before or stay after the main Conference dates.**Though still a conventional ACMI Conference designed to equip, connect and encourage those engaged in or desiring to launch international student ministries (ISM), the 2016 Conference will be family friendly. The YMCA of the Rockies offers lots of on-site complimentary recreation! Children's activities will be available during the conference, and childcare will be available for younger children. 2016 CONFERENCE PLENARY SESSION SPEAKERS: Georges Houssney - Founder and President, Horizons International Georges Houssney was raised in the city of Tripoli, Lebanon. He came to faith in Jesus Christ as a teenager. Soon God grew a deep love in his heart for those without Christ, and he began to sense Gods' call for full-time service among them. He is well-known for his work supervising the translation and publication of the Bible into clear modern Arabic. He writes and lectures internationally, and strives to awaken a new generation who will proclaim the gospel boldly. Doug Shaw - President, International Students Inc. Indian-born, Dr. Douglas Shaw, once an international student himself, is the President/CEO of International Students, Inc. in Colorado Springs, Colorado and has served in that role since 2001. After receiving his initial education in Calcutta, Dr. Shaw came to the United States and earned both an MA and Ph.D. degrees.... At a time of changing paradigms in Missions, Doug Shaw is firmly focused on driving forward the strategic goals of ISI as it pertains to reaching out to future world leaders.... |
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