Enter the World of Reading

As we are now a part of the Linguistics program, we are taking classes earlier than usual. During the last part of our fourth semester (Spring of 2016) we will officially begin the Linguistic course. Because of this, we are going to be taking those classes ahead of schedule so we don't miss anything. Therefore, we took the Literacy class last month!

Cameron and I worked with a friend and together the three of us made this primer below for the AEIOU language after a one-week class on Literacy class. You've probably never heard of the AEIOU language and that would be because it's a fictional language and we needed something to work with so that we could practice the principles and experience the process for ourselves. It was perhaps my favorite class and so much fun!

Why teach people to read?

The vast majority of the locations in which New Tribes operates are completely oral societies with no written language. Some have asked why we are going to teach the nationals how to read as this involves time and resources in creating the primers and reading materials for them to practice their reading. One reason is to enable them to become well-informed and educated as they learn how to read contracts and handle money. This will protect them from being manipulated and victimized by the outside world. Reading totally changes a society and changes it for the better because, as the world becomes smaller, they will be able to enter in to it already literate.

With that said, the main reason we are going to teach them how to read is so that they can ultimately become mature believers. Without being able to read, the power of God's Word will be limited to what they can remember and will eventually become tainted by what they remembered incorrectly. However, by reading, they will come to rely on the Lord and His infallible and unchanging Word rather than on the missionary and what we say.

We look forward to the day that we can put these skills and principles into practice and watch as people enter the world of reading!

United in Christ,

Caitlin and Cameron

We invite you to prayerfully consider partnering with us through regular monthly support or a special gift, as we prepare and train to go and share the Gospel with those who have never heard. When designating which missionary you are supporting, indicate: Cameron Neace Account #900458