Nicasio and Valerie Martinez
Can you imagine not being able to read God's Word in your own language? Until now, that has been the reality in Nicasio's first language. The Martinez ministry and prayer is that God's Word be available in Quiatoni Zapotec.
Quiatoni Zapotec is an indigenous language spoken in southern Mexico long before the Spanish arrived. Many of the 13,000 people who speak Quiatoni Zapotec do not understand Spanish well; as a result, many do not understand the Spanish Bible. For this reason, the Martinezes are translating God's Word and promoting literacy in Quiatoni Zapotec. The response to the portions already published and recorded (the Gospel of Mark and Galatians), the four volumes of songs and choruses, and the weekly Bible study in Quiatoni Zapotec has been positive. One lady said, "I used to be afraid to share about Jesus, but since we've been studying through the book of Acts in my language, I have the words now to tell others about Jesus." You can see Jesus speak Quiatoni Zapotec in the Jesus film at https://www.jesusfilm.org/watch/jesus.html/zapotec-san-pedro-quiatoni.html. The projected date for the New Testament to be published is 2027.
Home Church: The Federated Church, Grass Lake, MI