Oral learners communicate and embrace core beliefs through verbally expressed stories, songs and proverbs—not through things like books and outlines preferred by literates. That’s why Trans World Radio, in partnership with the International Bible Society, the United Bible Societies, the American Bible Society and Faith Comes By Hearing, is producing its The Radio Bible Project in the Central Asian Russian Scriptures (CARS) "language." These 15-minute broadcasts offer both nonreaders and literates in Central Asia the opportunity to hear the Bible in an engaging fashion. The dramatized presentation of God’s Word takes listeners through Scripture selections from the Old Testament and all of the New Testament.
CARS, otherwise known as "Eastern Translation," is not an actual language, but an adaptation of Russian that is understood throughout Central Asia—reaching a total population of 54 million people. Bible translators discovered that although Russian is the region’s trade language and is understood by millions, its use presents a huge cultural barrier. Most Central Asians, for example, are not familiar with the Russian names for biblical people such as Moses, David and even Jesus. Hearing those names being used could confuse them or prompt them to reject the gospel as a “Russian religion.” To prevent this, International Bible Society translators worked with others and created a neutral language using Russian as the basis, but replaced confusing or misunderstood terms with those used by Central Asians.
TWR’s The Radio Bible programs have been adapted from the CARS translation of the Bible. The broadcasts were scheduled to begin airing six times a week this fall, but because of unexpected setbacks, the start date has been delayed.
TWR’s The Radio Bible Project is currently on the air in Mandarin Chinese, Uzbek, Malayalam and Bahassa Indonesian. Other languages that have been aired are SiSwati, Swahili, African English, Lomwe, Ashanti Twi and Guarani. Languages now in development are Arabic, Hausa, Spanish, African French, Shona, CARS, Urdu and Caribbean English.
Prayer Points
- Pray that any delays in airing the CARS The Radio Bible programs will be resolved. Uplift the producers working on these broadcasts, both for wisdom and for their safety.
- Since this area of the world is closed to missionaries, pray that the Lord will open the hearts and minds of listeners and prepare them to receive His Word as it is presented on The Radio Bible.
- Because The Radio Bible is well suited for oral societies, pray that these dramatized Bible stories will open many doors for the presentation of the gospel by believers living in this region.