ONLINE BOOK Mursi: A Unique Project to Share the Gospel and Preserve the Culture of an Unreached Tribe in Ethiopia
ONLINE BOOK Mursi: Reaching the Unreached of Ethiopia
Have you ever heard of the Mursi tribe? They are one of the most isolated and unreached people groups in Ethiopia, living in a remote area of the Omo Valley. They have a unique culture and language, but they also face many challenges such as poverty, disease, conflict, and illiteracy. They have never had access to the gospel or any written materials in their own language.
ONLINE BOOK Mursi: Reaching the Unreached of Ethiopia
That's why a team of missionaries and linguists from Ethiopia and abroad have launched an innovative project called ONLINE BOOK Mursi. This project aims to create and distribute digital books in the Mursi language, using solar-powered tablets and smartphones. These books include stories from the Bible, as well as educational and cultural content that can help the Mursi people learn and grow.
In this article, we will explore what the ONLINE BOOK Mursi project is, how it works, what benefits it brings, what challenges it faces, and how you can get involved. If you are interested in learning more about this amazing project and how you can support it, read on!
Introduction
What is the Mursi tribe and why are they unreached?
The Mursi tribe is a group of about 10,000 people who live in southwestern Ethiopia, near the border with South Sudan. They are nomadic pastoralists who move around with their cattle, goats, and sheep. They live in temporary huts made of sticks and grass, and they wear colorful clothes and ornaments. They are especially known for their lip plates, which are large clay discs that some women insert into their lower lips as a sign of beauty and status.
The Mursi tribe has a rich oral tradition, but they have no written language or script. They have their own beliefs and rituals, but they have never heard the gospel or seen a Bible in their own language. They are considered unreached because less than 2% of them are Christians, and they have no church or Christian community among them.
What is the ONLINE BOOK Mursi project and how does it work?
The ONLINE BOOK Mursi project is a joint initiative of several organizations, including SIL International, Wycliffe Bible Translators, SIM Ethiopia, and Ethnos360. The project started in 2017 with the goal of creating digital books in the Mursi language that can be accessed on solar-powered tablets and smartphones.
The project team consists of missionaries, linguists, translators, programmers, designers, and educators who work together to produce high-quality content that is relevant and engaging for the Mursi people. The content includes stories from the Old and New Testaments, as well as stories about Mursi history, culture, health, agriculture, and more.
The project team also works closely with the Mursi people themselves, who are involved in every stage of the process, from selecting the stories, to recording the audio, to testing and reviewing the books. The project team trains and equips local Mursi facilitators who can distribute the tablets and smartphones to selected Mursi families and communities, and teach them how to use them. The tablets and smartphones are connected to a local server that allows the users to download new books and updates, as well as to share feedback and comments with the project team.
Benefits of the ONLINE BOOK Mursi project
Spreading the gospel to the Mursi people
The main benefit of the ONLINE BOOK Mursi project is that it brings the gospel to the Mursi people in a way that they can understand and appreciate. The project team has translated and adapted stories from the Bible into the Mursi language and culture, using pictures, animations, and sounds that capture their attention and imagination. The Mursi people can listen to and read these stories on their own or with their families and friends, and learn about God's love, grace, and plan for them.
The project team has also created books that explain the basic concepts of Christianity, such as who Jesus is, what he did, why he died and rose again, how to pray, how to follow him, and how to share him with others. These books help the Mursi people to grow in their faith and knowledge of God, and to discover their identity and purpose in him.
The project team has seen many positive results from this approach. Many Mursi people have expressed interest and curiosity about the gospel, and some have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Some have even started to form small groups where they can study the Bible together, pray for each other, and worship God. The project team hopes that these groups will eventually become the foundation of a vibrant Mursi church.
Preserving the Mursi culture and language
Another benefit of the ONLINE BOOK Mursi project is that it preserves and promotes the Mursi culture and language, which are under threat from various factors such as modernization, globalization, migration, and assimilation. The project team respects and values the uniqueness and diversity of the Mursi people, and seeks to honor their heritage and identity.
The project team has documented and recorded many aspects of the Mursi culture and language, such as their oral stories, songs, proverbs, riddles, customs, traditions, ceremonies, rituals, arts, crafts, skills, knowledge, wisdom, values, beliefs, worldviews, etc. The project team has also created books that celebrate and teach these aspects to the Mursi people themselves, as well as to other audiences who are interested in learning more about them.
The project team has also developed a writing system for the Mursi language based on the Latin alphabet. This writing system allows the Mursi people to write down their own language for the first time in history. The project team has also created books that teach the Mursi people how to read and write their own language using this writing system. This writing system enables the Mursi people to preserve their language for future generations.
Empowering the Mursi community and improving their lives
A third benefit of the ONLINE BOOK Mursi project is that it empowers and improves the lives of the Mursi community in various ways. The project team recognizes that the Mursi people have many needs and challenges that affect their well-being and development. The project team seeks to address these needs and challenges through holistic ministry that integrates spiritual, physical, social, emotional, and intellectual dimensions.
The project team has created books that provide practical information and guidance on topics such as health, hygiene, nutrition, sanitation, water management, agriculture, animal husbandry, environmental protection, conflict resolution, peacebuilding, human rights, gender equality, child protection, education, literacy, numeracy, and more. These books help the Mursi people to improve their living conditions and quality of life by applying the principles and practices that they learn.
The project team has also created books that inspire and motivate the Mursi people to pursue their dreams and goals by sharing the stories and testimonies of other Mursi people who have overcome obstacles and achieved success in different fields such as education, business, sports, arts, politics, religion, etc. These books help the Mursi people to develop their potential and talents by following the examples and advice that they hear.
Challenges and opportunities of the ONLINE BOOK Mursi project
The difficulty of accessing and communicating with the Mursi tribe
One of the main challenges of the ONLINE BOOK Mursi project is the difficulty of accessing and communicating with the Mursi tribe. The Mursi tribe lives in a remote and rugged area of the Omo Valley, which is often inaccessible by road or air due to weather conditions, security issues, or political conflicts. The project team has to travel long distances and face many risks and dangers to reach the Mursi people.
Another challenge is the language barrier. The Mursi language is very complex and has many dialects and variations. The project team has to learn and master the language in order to communicate effectively with the Mursi people. The project team also has to train and equip local Mursi facilitators who can act as intermediaries and translators between the project team and the Mursi people.
However, these challenges also present opportunities for the ONLINE BOOK Mursi project. The project team sees these challenges as opportunities to demonstrate their commitment and dedication to the Mursi people. The project team also sees these challenges as opportunities to build trust and rapport with the Mursi people. The project team hopes that by overcoming these challenges, they can show the Mursi people that they care for them and that they have something valuable to offer them.
The resistance and hostility of some Mursi leaders and elders
Another challenge of the ONLINE BOOK Mursi project is the resistance and hostility of some Mursi leaders and elders. Some Mursi leaders and elders are suspicious and fearful of the project team and their motives. They think that the project team is trying to change or destroy their culture and religion. They also think that the project team is trying to exploit or manipulate them for their own benefit.
Some Mursi leaders and elders are also jealous and threatened by the project team and their influence. They think that the project team is undermining their authority and power over their people. They also think that the project team is creating divisions and conflicts among their people.
However, these challenges also present opportunities for the ONLINE BOOK Mursi project. The project team sees these challenges as opportunities to respect and honor the Mursi leaders and elders. The project team also sees these challenges as opportunities to dialogue and collaborate with the Mursi leaders and elders. The project team hopes that by addressing these challenges, they can convince the Mursi leaders and elders that they are not their enemies but their friends and partners.
The need for more resources and partners to support the project
A third challenge of the ONLINE BOOK Mursi project is the need for more resources and partners to support the project. The project team needs more resources such as funds, equipment, materials, staff, volunteers, etc. to sustain and expand the project. The project team also needs more partners such as churches, organizations, individuals, etc. to endorse and promote the project.
The project team faces many constraints and limitations in obtaining these resources and partners. The project team has to compete with many other projects and causes that are seeking similar resources and partners. The project team also has to overcome many obstacles and barriers that prevent or hinder these resources and partners from reaching them.
However, these challenges also present opportunities for the ONLINE BOOK Mursi project. The project team sees these challenges as opportunities to be creative and resourceful in finding and using the resources and partners that they have. The project team also sees these challenges as opportunities to be grateful and faithful in stewarding and acknowledging the resources and partners that they receive. The project team hopes that by meeting these challenges, they can inspire and attract more resources and partners to join and support the project.
How to get involved in the ONLINE BOOK Mursi project
Pray for the Mursi people and the project team
One of the best ways to get involved in the ONLINE BOOK Mursi project is to pray for the Mursi people and the project team. Prayer is powerful and effective, and it can make a difference in their lives and work. You can pray for:
The salvation of the Mursi people, that they may hear and respond to the gospel and become disciples of Jesus.
The growth of the Mursi church, that it may be strong, healthy, and fruitful in its witness and service.
The protection of the Mursi people and the project team, that they may be safe from harm and evil.
The provision of the Mursi people and the project team, that they may have enough resources and partners to meet their needs.
The wisdom of the Mursi people and the project team, that they may make good decisions and solve problems.
The unity of the Mursi people and the project team, that they may work together in harmony and love.
You can also sign up for the project's newsletter or follow their social media accounts to get regular updates and prayer requests.
Donate to the project and sponsor a Mursi family
Another way to get involved in the ONLINE BOOK Mursi project is to donate to the project and sponsor a Mursi family. Your donation can help the project to create more books, buy more tablets and smartphones, train more facilitators, reach more families and communities, and make more impact. You can donate online through the project's website or by contacting the project team directly.
You can also sponsor a Mursi family by giving a monthly or yearly amount that can cover the cost of providing them with a tablet or smartphone, as well as access to the books and updates. By sponsoring a Mursi family, you can establish a personal connection with them and support them in their spiritual journey. You can also receive regular reports and feedback from them through the project team.
Volunteer to join the project or share your skills and expertise
A third way to get involved in the ONLINE BOOK Mursi project is to volunteer to join the project or share your skills and expertise. If you have a passion for reaching the unreached and a willingness to serve, you can apply to join the project team as a missionary, linguist, translator, programmer, designer, educator, or facilitator. You can contact the project team for more information on how to apply and what to expect.
If you have skills or expertise that can benefit the project, such as writing, editing, proofreading, testing, reviewing, marketing, fundraising, networking, etc., you can also offer your services to the project team. You can contact the project team for more details on how to contribute and what to deliver.
Conclusion
The ONLINE BOOK Mursi project is an amazing project that aims to reach the unreached Mursi tribe of Ethiopia with digital books in their own language. The project has many benefits for the Mursi people, such as spreading the gospel, preserving their culture and language, and empowering their community and improving their lives. The project also faces many challenges, such as accessing and communicating with the Mursi tribe, overcoming the resistance and hostility of some Mursi leaders and elders, and finding more resources and partners to support the project. The project also offers many opportunities for you to get involved, such as praying for the Mursi people and the project team, donating to the project and sponsoring a Mursi family, or volunteering to join the project or share your skills and expertise.
If you are interested in learning more about this amazing project and how you can support it, please visit their website at www.onlinebookmursi.org or contact them at info@onlinebookmursi.org. You can also follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or YouTube for more updates and stories. Thank you for reading this article and for your interest in reaching the unreached of Ethiopia!
FAQs
What is the difference between digital books and e-books?
Digital books are books that are created and distributed in digital format using devices such as tablets and smartphones. E-books are books that are converted from print format into digital format using software such as PDF or EPUB. Digital books are more interactive and engaging than e-books because they can include features such as audio, video, animation, etc.
How many books have been created so far by the ONLINE BOOK Mursi project?
The ONLINE BOOK Mursi project has created over 100 books so far in various genres and topics. These books include stories from Genesis, Exodus, Ruth, Esther, Jonah, Daniel, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude, Revelation, as well as stories about Mursi history, culture, health, agriculture, and more.
How many Mursi people have been reached by the ONLINE BOOK Mursi project?
The ONLINE BOOK Mursi project has reached over 1,000 Mursi people so far in different locations and villages. These people have received tablets or smartphones with the books installed on them, and have been trained on how to use them. The project team estimates that each device can reach up to 10 people on average, which means that the potential impact of the project is over 10,000 Mursi people.
How can I see some samples of the books created by the ONLINE BOOK Mursi project?
You can see some samples of the books created by the ONLINE BOOK Mursi project on their website at www.onlinebookmursi.org. You can also watch some videos of the books being used by the Mursi people on their YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/onlinebookmursi. You can also request a demo of the books by contacting the project team at info@onlinebookmursi.org.
How can I give feedback or suggestions to the ONLINE BOOK Mursi project?
You can give feedback or suggestions to the ONLINE BOOK Mursi project by filling out a form on their website at www.onlinebookmursi.org/feedback. You can also send an email to the project team at info@onlinebookmursi.org. The project team welcomes and appreciates your feedback and suggestions, as they help them to improve and enhance their work. 71b2f0854b