The first Dari Bible now available for Afghanistan
AFGHANISTAN (ANS) -- Despite the fact that Afghanistan has had no visible church for many hundreds of years, there are a growing number of believers in that country.
In the West, pockets of Afghan believers live in Australia, Austria, Canada, England, Germany, Holland, Norway, Switzerland and other countries.
Small groups also exist in at least four or five different areas inside the country itself. Believers need to read the Word of God in their own 'heart language.'
25 years ago the Dari New Testament was published. However, for the Old Testament Afghans had to rely on Iranian publications, which was difficult for many. In 2007, the Dari Psalms was printed and distributed. It is now in its second print.
Now, for the first time ever, the full Dari Bible is being printed.
After about 20 years of work under the supervision of United Bible Societies, the Dari Bible is ready for Afghans to read.
A media release states: "This is a huge milestone for Afghanistan, and especially for believers! The Bible is 1710 pages in length and includes 12 colored maps, a general introduction and introductions for every Book."
Afghan believers say this: "To be able to read the Word of God in my own mother tongue will be very special. Looking at all odds against our country, the first Dari Bible is a new beginning of hope and a future."
"I read first read the New Testament in the Dari language and have used it regularly since because I feel it belongs to me and is for me. The new full Bible in Dari is a great gift and tribute for me and my fellow countrymen. I pray that it will be a lamp of guidance for my people."
To order Dari Bibles, please contact sales@afghanbibles.org.
Available for pdf downloads at www.afghanbibles.org
** Michael Ireland, Chief Correspondent of ANS, is an international British freelance journalist who was formerly a reporter with a London newspaper and has been a frequent contributor to UCB Europe, a British Christian radio station. Michael's involvement with ASSIST News Service is a sponsored ministry department -- Michael Ireland Media Missionary (MIMM) -- of ACT International at: in Christian Testimony (ACT) International.