On Thursday September 22, 2016, in the municipality of San Miguel Akatán the department of Huehuetenango in Guatemala, a dedication and celebration of the translation of the Bible into the Akateko language was held. The Akateco language is one of the 24 languages spoken in the country. The Literature Committee of the Baja Verapaz, Maya District of the Church of the Nazarene attended the dedication. This year, together with the Ministry of Education, they are promoting the use of their natural language and Bible reading in the Mayan languages.
The Maya Educational and Cultural Association (AECM) 6 years ago, in order to complete the Bible, began the translation of the Old Testament in several Mayan languages. The translation of the Bible to Akateko is the first project to be completed.
The division of the Achi language (another of the Mayan languages of Guatemala), is promoting the use of language and reading the Bible in this language. There are three choral groups who are visiting churches to raise awareness of this.
“We thank God because now our Maya Akatekas brothers can hear God’s voice through the reading in their native language. We have a couple more years to accomplish the same with the other 8 language groups in Guatemala, in order to be able to present the Word in their mother tongues. ”
Source: Elias Xitumul Hernandez, Director of AECM Achi and member of the Central Church of the Nazarene of San Miguel Chicaj, BV
