Pray for Epena

Colombia: Following the breakthrough among the Epena people in December 2009, with several people becoming Christians and starting to meet regularly to read the scriptures together, 40 digital players with a recording of the Epena NT have arrived from Bible Society. Pray that 20 or more listening groups will soon be formed to consolidate the enthusiasm and stimulate growth.

The first OT Scriptures in Epena (Colombia)—Genesis, Exodus, Ruth, Esther, Daniel and Jonah—are ready for publication, but funding has only been received for a third of the Old Testament, since there are very few believers. Hopefully, Psalms, Proverbs and the two Samuels can be included in one volume and published by 2011.

Edgar, the Epena New Testament translator, is very encouraged that people in faraway countries are praying for him and for the new Epena believers. Pray that they will be able to continue worshipping together in peace, without threats or restrictions from traditional elements within the community or the national authorities.

In July, new Epena believers celebrated the traditional Fiesta of Saint John. Edgar, the New Testament translator, taught them from John’s Gospel about John the Baptist and what baptism is, and then baptised seven of them in a nearby stream—including his father. The beginnings of a church!

The Epena people hold firmly to their traditional beliefs and have resisted the gospel, even while Edgar, the translator, was working on the New Testament. Praise God that last December several people, including some of his family, decided to follow Christ! They started meeting regularly to read the Epena NT and pray together. Pray that they will be built together into a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. (Eph 2:21)