California Churches Use ASL Stories

Simple Stories  is a collection of 32 stories from the Bible that cover the story “From the Beginning to the New Beginning.” We did an audio/American Sign Language version of the stories several years ago. We crafted this project for a specific ministry partner but allowed the translators to distribute the videos for use in California, where they live. We connected with one of those translators again recently to inquire about translating a new set of stories. As we chatted, she shared that several churches in the Sacramento area now use the ASL video stories in their ministries to the deaf. Here is a sample: https://vimeo.com/658847970

Simple Answers a Camp Counselor Training Resource

In a conversation with one of our supporting pastors, he told us that Camp Arnes in Manitoba has been using the Simple Answers books to train and resource the camp counselors on their staff. Because the book covers a broad range of topics and is written in such a simple and straightforward style, the counselors have found the answers exceptionally helpful when campers ask questions about the Bible or the Christian Worldview.

Simple Truths a Nepali Bible School Training Tool

As part of the report summarizing their trip to India, a supporting pastor told us of a stop in Nepal. The team he was with visited a Bible School in a distant part of the country. While there, they looked at the books the school used to disciple new Christians and train pastors who would plant churches. As they took their tour, they noticed that one of the regularly used books was Simple Truths for the New Believer in Nepali. That book was first translated into Nepali 5 years ago. The books came to Nepal on the heels of the distribution of 150,000 Hindi books in Central and Northern India. We entrusted the books to reliable partners, but we had only anecdotal information about where those books ended up. These “serendipitous spottings” assure us that Clear and Simple Media resources have found their way into appreciative hands.

Canadian Churches Use Resources with Immigrants/Refugees

For the past ten years, we have heard from Canadian churches that they are using Clear and Simple Media books as one tool for reaching new Canadians. Canada’s immigration policies are progressive and creative as they bring immigrants and refugees into the country. These policies have helped many people who have had to leave their homes due to war, famine, disease, or political turmoil. This month, multiple churches requested books to help them do that. With more than 50 languages available, we are pleased to be able to say yes.

Afghanistan Next Generation Partnership

Afghanistan has been in significant turmoil since the withdrawal of the American forces in August of 2021. In response, Shoaib Ebadi helped found Afghanistan Next Generation (ANG) to bring hope to the people of Afghanistan. Clear and Simple Media (CSM) has previously partnered with ANG’s Shoaib Ebadi, who helped to translate and publish the Travel Guide to the Bible into Dari and Pashto. Now CSM and ANG are partnering again to translate the A Simple Word website into Dari. The project involves putting the entire website, including its 15 online courses, into Dari. CSM will be gifting the content of the website and assisting in funding the translation. After the website is translated and field tested, CSM will provide ongoing funding through 2024 to support Dari-speaking Afghan believers who will follow up on all contacts and responses to the Dari website.