Imagine staring at a page of the Bible, unable to comprehend its message.

This is a reality for approximately 40 percent of Ethiopians who are unable to read and write, making God’s Word difficult to access. But thanks to the prayer and support of our partners, thousands of Ethiopians are connecting with God’s promises through audio Bibles.

Bible Society of Ethiopia, in partnership with Faith Comes By Hearing and American Bible Society, are reaching Ethiopians who cannot read. Through listening groups, participants gather together and listen to Scripture using audio Bibles.

Currently there are 400 listening groups attended by 20,000 people on a weekly basis.

God’s Word Rehabilitates Young Women

Two of the Bible listening groups host women previously trapped in prostitution. As young as 14, these women found themselves in a downward spiral of poverty, abuse, and rejection. They had never been to school or learned how to read.

Now, having Audio Scriptures in their own language has been meaningful and encouraging. For some, this is their first encounter with the gospel. They’re finding God’s Word to be the most important part of their rehabilitation—so much so, they want to share God’s love with others.

“In the village, we did not go to school. We did not learn to read and write. I could not read the Bible myself. But when I came here, we began listening to the Word. This has been very good. I pray I can have the opportunity to help the other girls. My desire is that there would be a national effort to free all the other girls trapped in prostitution. We have had the opportunity to have another life, including getting to know about Jesus our redeemer. We do not want to keep this to ourselves. We need to help the other girls too meet their Redeemer.” —Bement, 23 years old.

Praise God that nothing can keep him from transforming lives and drawing people into close relationship with him.

Prayer points:

1. Pray for listening groups around Ethiopia to grow, drawing people from all walks of life into a saving knowledge of Jesus by hearing his Word.
2. Pray for God’s Word to bring about healing and restoration to Ethiopians suffering from a painful past.
3. Pray for the completion of translation projects so Bible Society of Ethiopia can provide more Audio Scriptures in this nation where 80 languages are spoken.