Young Quiché speakers in Guatemala cannot read their Bibles. Why? Mayan Languages Academy in Guatemala recently created a new alphabet for the Quiché language, which means Quiché children and youth are being taught a different alphabet than the outdated one printed in their Bibles.

Manuela Cotiy Suy, a young Quiché speaker said, “Now I cannot read the Bible because there are words that are not understood well. The church and the community would better understand the Word of God if it were in the new alphabet that we have been taught.”

Local Quiché pastors, Bible Society of Guatemala, and American Bible Society are working together to translate a revised version of the entire Bible using the new Quiché alphabet.

The newly translated Quiché Bible will also be used to teach Quiché speakers how to read, as approximately one fifth of the population is illiterate. A Bible-literacy program, hosted by churches and schools, will run simultaneously with this translation project. Over three years, this program will allow 9,000 Quiché speakers to engage with God’s Word in their heart language.

Will you join us in praying for this translation and literacy project that will provide 1.5 million Quiché speakers with fresh access to God’s Word?

Pray for:

• Quiché speakers – Pray that God’s Word will take root in Quiché speakers’ hearts as they receive the newly translated Bible.
• The Quiché translation team – Ask God to guide this team and provide all resources needed to successfully update and revise the Quiché Bible for their people.
• Churches and volunteers – Pray for God’s favor and strength for church leaders and volunteers as they conduct Bible-based literacy programs in their communities.