For the last four years, the Ambonese Malay Scripture Engagement (AM-SE) team has been leading workshops and training trainers in the areas of using local language in ministry, trauma healing, parenting, and overcoming addiction throughout central Maluku. At the same time, they have been providing access to Scripture in both print and electronic formats. God’s Word is going out!

Now that the Ambonese Malay New Testament is complete, it is time to ramp up preparation for the New Testament dedication on September 6! The goal is that people of central Maluku realize that the Ambonese Malay New Testament is coming, learn how to get a copy, and understand how to use it when they get it! This is no small task, given that approximately 250,000 people are first language speakers of Ambonese Malay.

Beginning in June, the AM-SE team will kick off a PR campaign and hold several Scripture Use workshops. Following the September dedication, the team will assist in distributing New Testaments and will direct people to the Audio New Testament and the Ambonese Malay Scripture app. They will hold additional Scripture Use workshops and will show the Lumo Mark video.

The AM-SE team works out of the Center for Bible Translation in Ambon, Indonesia. Members are Chica, Telly, Olce, and John. Chicha and Telly are pastors, appointed by the Protestant Church of Maluku denomination to work full-time at the Center. They serve alongside Olce, who has years of experience in oral Bible stories and in the development of translation resources, and John, who has a background in computer support and discipleship.

The AM-SE program needs funding for upcoming workshops and for a variety of promotional Scripture material. Additionally, funding is critical to provide a living-wage to Olce and John. (The two pastors are supported by the local church denomination.) Thank you for considering how you might help the Ambonese Malay Scripture Engagement team bring God’s Word directly to the people of Maluku!