Two men navigate the complex realities of Scripture access.
When we read about the first Christians in the Bible, many of us long for that depth of community and that urgency of following the Great Commission. They’d just seen, with their own eyes, their Lord raised from the dead!
But how many of us could have withstood the persecution we know these believers faced? They risked everything for Jesus. For Bible translators working in a nation hostile to the gospel, the persecution that tested the early church is their daily reality.
There are only about 20 known believers in a language group named Astare* (AH–STAR’–AY). Seed Company has been supporting Bible translation for this language since 2022.
Most Astare speakers follow a religion that opposes Christianity. Recently, a TV segment highlighted how dangerous and complicated it is to follow Jesus in their part of the world.
Facing Accusations
A professor and renowned writer was invited to discuss his work on a news program. The topic of the Bible came up because he also assists with Astare translation work, and a portion of the book of Luke was shown. Though it was risky, the professor discussed his involvement with the project.
A viewer then sent in a question live, accusing the professor of being a missionary because of his work. Though Bible translation is not illegal, the professor defended himself as if accused of a crime.
Stan*, the project manager of the Astare translation team, watched his colleague with sadness. “Although freedom of religion is written in the constitution,” Stan explains, “this is a law only on paper. In reality, the unwritten law sees missionary work as a threat to national security and a terrorist activity.”
In some countries, Bible translation is considered a political act.
Speaking Truth
The news segment reminded Stan of his military days when he faced similar accusations. One night, Stan’s commander had questioned him harshly, “Did you work as a missionary while you were a civilian?”
Stan replied, “If you define ‘missionary work’ as an activity that undermines the country and is hostile to the state, then no. … For me, missionary work means sharing the good news of salvation of Jesus Christ.”
This was a bold statement for Stan to make, as his mentor had been murdered for spreading Christianity. But for reasons unexplained, his commander let him go.
As Stan watched the professor defend himself on TV, he prayed that Astare believers would bravely share the gospel in a nation that violently opposes them.
Sowing Patiently
Because of people like the professor and Stan, Astare believers are reading Scripture in their own language for the first time. They’re hearing the stories of the early church and the political obstacles the apostles faced in spreading the gospel.
Like the tree in the parable of the mustard seed in Matthew 13, God’s kingdom is taking root despite resistance.
Stan believes that “one day, that mustard seed will grow, sprout, and turn into a huge tree, and its branches will expand with magnificence. Let’s continue to sow patiently, and when the time comes, God will send someone to harvest!”
*Pseudonyms used to protect Bible translators in sensitive regions.
