New Bible Translation Reaches Slovenian Teens

Young People in Slovenia Fall in Love with the Holy Scriptures

Until 1990, Slovenia was an atheist country under Communist rule. Although the country gained its independence in 1991, atheism has remained widespread.

Decades of Communist rule have shaped whole generations. “These influences have had a deep effect on our young people. The churches find it hard to reach out to them and although they are searching for answers and meaning, young people don’t reach out to the church”, said the General Secretary of the Bible of Slovenia.

Further complicating the task of reaching youth in Slovenia, is the fact that existing Bible translations are hard to understand. Unable to read the archaic, outdated language found in most Slovenian Bibles, many young people find the Bible irrelevant.

To combat the growing chasm between young people and the Bible’s message of love, Bible Society of Slovenia committed to translate the New Testament in modern Slovenian language, called Life with Jesus. This easier-to-understand translation, created with input from young people, will help unlock the meaning of the Bible for younger generations of Slovenians.

Finishing the Task

Life with Jesus is having tremendous impact on the lives of so many Slovenian youth. Each year, Bible Society of Slovenia, publishes and distributes Life with Jesus booklets containing freshly translated parts of the New Testament. And God’s Word is already opening hearts of Slovenian youth in miraculous ways.

“It seems that the verses are specifically meant for me,” says 13-year-old Jernej. “I can find myself in a story, I can feel that Jesus is talking to me. I can understand the Bible.”

But there is one challenge – the full Bible translation is still not finished.

Since 2012, through support of translators, financial partners, and prayers from people like you, 18 of 27 books of the New Testament have been translated and distributed to 50,000 young people. The goal is to complete the remaining books of the New Testament by 2021 so that young believers in Slovenia can continue to read the holy Scriptures.

This Bible translation needs your prayers. Will you pray with us?

Pray for:

  • Youth in Slovenia. Pray that God’s Spirit will speak powerfully to the youth in Slovenia through this new Bible translation.
  • The Translation Team. Ask God to strengthen the team of translators who have dedicated themselves to the ministry of Bible translation. Pray for their health, endurance, and families.
  • Churches. Pray for the Slovenian church to be a beacon of hope to the youth of the nation, pointing them to God’s love.

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Nena Podbury
Nena Podbury

Nena Podbury is a Prayer Mobilization Associate at American Bible Society. Originally from the Bronx, she served in children’s ministry for 12 years doing Sidewalk Sunday School. Nena is married with two children, Noah and Emilia.

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