Taped Farefare Scripture
From SPARK
Brief Summary
Many people helped with these recordings as translators, readers, singers...
Introduction
Our experience with taped Scripture portions began ten years ago in the first translation project with which we were involved. Now, in our second language project, we continue to produce taped portions of Scripture because we find them to be an effective way to encourage the use of Scripture.
Key Factors
- Music is a big part of the Farefare culture.
- Local choirs are available and willing to help.
- We chose the songs for recording during the process of recording the Scripture portions.
- Several churches were involved in the production.
- The church choirs helped with the recording.
- Farefare Christians believed that their music recorded to tape and the spoken Word would encourage other Farefares.
What Was Done
Each Scripture portion was read by a different reader. Not all were readers or singers. Some suggested what Scripture to use and how to read it. Many people had an active part in the taping. Discussion about the translation resulted in changes to the text. It also helped explain the translation process. As portions were read over and over for the recording, people became better readers. This increased the meaning of the taped portions.
We had made a list of portions we thought might be good to include, but this was modified as the tapes developed. The songs were also chosen on the spot over the two-week period as the Scripture portions were recorded. The songs came from several churches and involved the choirs learning what was needed. Though we have not included music on other tapes, this was a good beginning for other groups who now produce Christian Frafra music tapes. While music is very much a part of the Frafra culture, the spoken Word on its own is also very effective.
Results
The 25 participants in the recording process were the first to gain from the taped Farefare Scripture portions. A lot of discussion occurred about the actual translation, which resulted in changes in the text, as well as good opportunities to explain the whole translation process. As passages were read again and again for the tape, everyone present became more skilled at reading them and understanding their meaning.
There was noticeable spiritual growth among the participating young people as a result of exposure to God’s Word in their own language. Those pastors who came from a great distance for one or more of the sessions became more involved in the translation of the New Testament.
Others gained from the Scripture tapes too. Those in a reading class read along with the tape. As a result, they became more fluent in reading their language. One house owner (elder in charge of the house) called everyone together after listening to 1 John. He told them that the message was truth. He told them all to listen. A group of older Christian ladies was sent a tape player. There was no church in their village. The tapes were a spiritual help to them until their church situation improved.
Even those who did not hear the tapes gained from those who did. They gained from the listeners who improved their reading skills. They gained through the believers who were strengthened through their interaction with God’s Word during the taping.
Two principles were used during production and use of the taped Farefare Scriptures:
- Keep the technology simple. This gives more local control to the production and use of the tapes.
- Coordinate the recording with the production of written Scripture.
The taped Scripture (Matthew portions and complete books of John and 1, 2, and 3 John) made a meaningful contribution to the response to the Farefare New Testament when it was published in 1986.
Helpful Information from the Author
- By: Bob and Sally Schaefer
- Date entered:
- Date range of story: January 8, 1998
- Location: Ghana
