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Imagine reading the Bible in your own language for the very first time. Imagine feeling the thin pages between your fingers as you sound out the words that had previously only been translated for you from English during worship services. Imagine the freedom you would feel as you took a Bible home and studied it on your own during the week.

That is the joy that Josbeth felt when the New Testament was translated into his language in October 2014. Published by the Bible Society of Ghana, there was previously no New Testament in the Dagaare language. During church services, the Bible was read in English and translated into Dagaare.

Sue Kolljeski, who serves with The Mission Society in northern Ghana, sees a hunger for God’s Word among the people she serves. Now that the New Testament is available in their language, church members are studying God’s Word throughout the week.

Josbeth (pictured top-right) is a quiet boy who attends Kalsagri Church regularly. When the New Testament was first translated, Josbeth volunteered to read short passages in church. He read haltingly, not used to the words and unsure of himself. A year later, Josbeth now reads long passages with conviction. His familiarity with the scriptures is increasing as he has been able to study it regularly.

Samuel (pictured bottom-right) is a young leader in the church who often reads scripture in worship. He mentors other people in the church who want to learn to read Dagaare. The church offers an English/Dagaare reading class, enabling more people to read the scriptures for themselves.

Wisdom and Godfred (pictured left) walk from their village a half hour away to attend church each week. Wisdom, a sixth grader, leads devotions at his school. He dreams of being a pastor when he is older.

New Testaments are made available to people who attend reading classes and who read in church during the services. For others of the church, the New Testament is available for a reduced cost.

“It has been such a blessing to watch these young people grow, not only in their ability to read, but in their desire to know the Word of God,” says Sue. “Pray that God's Word would be planted in hearts and that someday these young people would make a difference in their community and beyond!”

Sue Kolljeski serves in northern Ghana, West Africa. She co-pastors Kalsagri Church and teaches reading skills to preschool and elementary-aged children in Lawra, Ghana. She previously led a ministry to disabled children, which is now run by nationals.