Some of the students of Northeast Christian Academy, Kingwood, TX
USA (MNN) ― What's the common link between a ministry, Bible translation, students and jeans?
Earl Garland, superintendent of Northeast Christian Academy in Kingwood, Texas can tell you. He says this is the third year their student body has targeted WordWinds International for their Denim Dollar Days program. "The students bring a dollar or more, and that gives them the privilege of being out of school uniform. It kind of gives them a relaxed dress day, and in return, they are supporting a mission ministry. We're raising money to fund their (Bible) translation, and we're partnered specifically with the Tembe translation of the Bible."
The Tembe people live in the areas of Brazil called the Alto Rio Guama, in the northeast section of the state of Para. The translation is nearing its final stage. Final verification is 75% complete in the New Testament, and the translation team, made up of Paulo & Quezia Oliveira, is working hard to finish the project so that the Word of God can be placed into the hands of the Tembe. WordWinds International needs about $4000 to see the project completed.
With the excitement building, the school's support is an energizing push. According to Garland, the school heard about the Tembe Project through a former teacher, the mother-in-law of WordWinds International's director Jarrette Allen.
From there, the school invited Allen to speak to the student body and share his vision. His passion caught on. So far, the student body has raised roughly $1500 for the Brazilian translation through their Mission Dollar Denim Days.
Garland says while WordWinds isn't their only mission project, it is part of a longer-term focus. "It's just to get our kids to think bigger than just their local area and themselves. We get the folk in, the kids know about the ministry, and then that gives them a better 'buy-in' to whatever the ministry is doing."
It's just one more way for the children and young people to discover that the world is a much, much bigger place than their backyard. It's about impact for the kingdom. Click here if you want to help support the Tembe project.
