Audio Bible Now Available in 311 Languages

By Ethan Cole, Christian Post Reporter Thursday, August 14, 2008

The world's leading audio Bible ministry announced Wednesday that it now offers recordings in 311 languages.

Faith Comes By Hearing ministry released 15 more languages for the Audio New Testament recordings, which now makes the Word of God available to an additional 13 million people in their own language.

"God's Word is going forth to the nations, reaching those with the least access - namely those too poor to afford a Bible and those who cannot, will not or choose not to read," said Jerry Jackson, the ministry's president and founder, in a statement.

According to estimates, more than 3 billion people cannot read and therefore do not have access to Scripture.

In Peru, Quechua Huaylas is spoken by about 300,000 people but less than five percent of the people can read their own language.

"There's such a need and a hunger for God's Word in audio," Jackson said, reflecting on the 300 language milestone.

"This milestone is a testimony to the eternal life of God's Word and shows that the Bible continues to be the most sought after book in the world," he said. "It is sobering to be allowed to make His Word in audio available to every person in the world free of charge."

The new languages are Aceh from Indonesia, Alladian from Cote de Ivoire, Bali from Indonesia, Dagara from Burkina Faso, Gude from Nigeria, Gourmanchema from Burkina Faso, Mbundu from Angola, Mofu-Gudur from Cameroon, Ixil de Nebaj from Guatemala, Nias from Indonesia, Pijin from Solomon Islands, Quechua Huaylas Ancash from Peru, Quechua Southern Conchucos from Peru, Ronga (Xhirhonga) from Mozambique, and Woun Meu from Panama.

Faith Comes By Hearing's goal is to record Audio Bibles in 2,000 languages by 2016, reaching 97 percent of the world's population.

"Continue to pray for us and those working around the world. Continue to support this ministry as we take on new languages, new challenges and new technologies," Jackson said.