Imagine trying to study the Bible in a language that is not your own. It would be tricky for some and impossible for others. That’s why Viviana Cornejo, ministry developer for Hispanic ministry for Christian Reformed Home Missions, recently translated into Spanish a Coffee Break Bible study for Latino women attending a weekly program organized by Crosswinds CRC in North Holland, Mich.
“The desire of Hispanic churches for having Reformed material for small groups is deep. Constantly we keep receiving requests, and we don’t have much to offer,” since much of the small group material is only in English, says Cornejo.
“In our eagerness to serve the church, we decided to do our translations, and we’re starting now with the Discover Your Bible series. . . . The responses were wonderful and encouraged us to keep doing this.”
This latest project sprang from two Crosswinds members starting a Coffee Break Bible study. Although a small portion of the members are Hispanic, the organizers wanted to include them. Unable to pay to have the material translated, they asked Home Missions to help.
Co-coordinators Shirley Vanden Berge and Nance Gezon say they were pleased Home Missions allowed Cornejo to take on the project.
“We are so grateful for the support and services that are provided for us by our denomination,” says Vanden Berge. “We find these materials translated by Viviana to be priceless.”
Emelia Rodriguez, one of the women in the study, says she appreciates the translation because it helps her understand the Bible better. “I go back home and write what I learned in my Bible,” she says.
About the Author
Chris Meehan is a freelance writer and commissioned pastor at Coit Community Church in Grand Rapids, Mich.
