Mexico’s terrain is vast and varied, ranging from high, rugged mountains to low coastal plains, plateaus and deserts. In Mexico, over 40,000 people speak Tseltal de Tenejapa and are eagerly awaiting their very first Scripture in a language and format that speaks to their hearts!

Years ago, a group of pastors from Tenejapa, a municipality in southern Mexico, worked together to translate worship songs in their language. The hymnal they produced was one of the few in Tseltal de Tenejapa.

After seeing the people’s enthusiasm for the hymns, church leaders throughout the area imagined how their people would be transformed if Scripture itself were available in their language. Soon, the pastors who produced the hymnal felt God calling them to team up and meet this need.

One pastor already drafted some New Testament books prior to the start of the project and, with help from partner organizations and members of their community, the team hopes to publish 11 books of the Bible for Tseltal de Tenejapa speakers.

TRANSLATING FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

Team members believe reaching the next generation with God’s Word will bring lasting change to their community. That’s why portions of the translation project are specifically dedicated to serving young people.

Each year, church leaders plan to hold a youth rally where participants can learn more about God’s Word and how to apply it to their lives. Additionally, since young people often use mobile devices to read, Scripture will be made available in a convenient digital format.

God is already transforming kids in Sunday school classes with His Word! That’s because the teacher doesn’t just summarize a Scripture passage or read it in a language the kids barely understand. Instead, the teacher reads the verses aloud in Tseltal de Tenejapa.

Although this project began in 2023, God has already made moments like this possible among the adults in the community too. Members of the community have read drafts of various New Testament books like the Gospel of Matthew and have shared them with others.

The team recently held a rally where songs, plays and poetry were all presented to young people in Tseltal de Tenejapa. Seeing their enthusiasm for their language touched the translation team.

As the project continues, team members are ready to provide their community with even more ways to draw closer to Christ. Whether through theological training for adults or Sunday school material for children, they want every generation to learn how to follow God’s Word.

Tseltal de Tenejapa translators will produce the four Gospels and seven other New Testament books in print, audio and digital formats. So far, the staff have tested the Book of Matthew and 1-3 John with members of the community. These books are now being prepared for a consultant to review.

Prayer points:

• Strength for the translation team members as they handle many responsibilities.


• That church leaders will continue to be invested in the translation work.


• Praise: The first youth rally was successful!