Program areas at Spoken Worldwide
Oral Bible Translation: Oral Bible Translation has moved from pilot status in the past year to full programs. In 2022, 8 additional languages were begun with the goal to provide a full Bible translation in an oral form, without plans to put into a text form. The total number of languages in process now are 11. There are approximately 2,000 languages without any scripture available and it is estimated that as many as 2/3 of these would need an oral Bible, rather than a text Bible because of either no written language available or lack of active readers in the culture. It is our goal to greatly increase our capacity to help meet this overwhelming need.
Community Development: Community Development is our program in partnership with Beyond the Word Ministries, a registered non-profit in Ghana. BTWM has a small FM radio station in north eastern Ghana that broadcasts, among other things, stories based on Scripture and audio recordings of the Bible. They also have a clean water distribution company that bottles and bags clean water for sale in the region. All of their "profits" go to support the radio station and educational facilities for children.
Pastor/Leader Training: This has become the primary thrust of Spoken Worldwide's overall programs, as directed by our Board. The initial effort here is focused on a small number of national leaders (experienced pastors) in a given people group that work through worldview issues to develop a 3-year program of stories, songs and dramas based on scripture, to disciple and groom leaders. These national leaders then find other prospective leaders to disciple through the same information and the program begins to self-replicate. This allows the program to be launched in an unreached or least-reached people group and through the practical evangelism component that is required, we establish solid, well-trained leaders to guide those that come to faith in the process. Over the course of this 3 year program, we provide a Biblical theology to these leaders so that they are thoroughly equipped to shepherd and disciple a church. Pastor/Leader development programs exist now in seven countries and 37 languages with more coming on this year - over 7,700 leaders are engaged in at least the first year of discipleship. Because of its ease of replication, this creates a disciple-making movement in the countries where we work.
Orality Coaching: This is one of the fastest growing initiatives of Spoken Worldwide. Please see continued description on Schedule O, Page 1.