The Questions with Answers Project Proposal for "Questions with Answers" in Chichewa.
Songs for Saplings has been working in Malawi since 2010. Tens of thousands of children in churches and public schools have been taught from Volumes 1 - 4 of "Questions with Answers" by the dedicated volunteer staff lead by Saplings' full-time director, Levi Dannayo.
We want to build on the strength of that program and keep working to provide Volumes 5-6.
Will you help us finish our work in Malawi and help us teach over 100,000 young Malawian's the deep truths of God and Scripture in their heart language so they can go on to serve God and his Church in Malawi and throughout Africa? If so, you can donate here.
OVERVIEW OF THE CHICHEWA PROJECT
Songs for Saplings uses music to equip families, churches, and ministries to be firmly
rooted in a clear, memorable, and joyful understanding of Scripture, and to then use
the music to easily and faithfully proclaim God’s Word and Gospel.
The “Questions with Answers” music series contains 115 songs in six albums and is based on the Westminster Shorter Catechism. It teaches deep theological concepts and accompanying Scripture verses in a way kids (and parents) love.
Songs for Saplings has translated the “Questions with Answers” series into many languages, has already released in Chichewa:
(If you have friends and contacts in Malawi, please share these FREE resources with them now!)
The proposed project will translate, record, produce, and release the remaining 2 albums:
• Vol. 5: Prayer and The Sacraments
• Vol. 6: Christ and His Return
The translation, recording, and production would be coordinated by Songs for Saplings. Once recorded, all these albums would be made available to churches, families, and ministries in Malawi. The music would be made available for free across numerous online platforms and websites as well as to churches and ministries for free distribution.
The wider purpose and result of the Songs for Saplings work is to provide unprecedented and
widely distributable theology and Scripture-learning resources in the world’s most widely-spoken language. These will serve as a foundation for proclaiming, teaching, and guarding the truth of God’s Word as the Christian faith is rapidly growing and maturing in these populations.
The total anticipated budget for completing the final 4 albums of the 6-album project is $20,000.
INTRODUCTION to SONGS FOR SAPLINGS
Songs for Saplings is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is providing music that communicates Scripture and its rich truths in clear, memorable, and enjoyable ways.
Dana Dirksen composed the music. Her initial goal was to help her children understand and memorize Scripture. Over time the projects grew and Dana has completed eight albums in English, including the 6-volume “Questions with Answers” series.
Over the years Songs for Saplings has received many requests for these resources in other languages. The need for these resources around the world is great. There have been few resources like this available in the non-Western world. We want to make these songs available so that people will be able to learn clear, biblical truth simply by listening and singing.
We are now working hard to translate and distribute our music to churches, families, and ministries around the world. This involves translating and recording into strategic languages--work which is done at the request of, and in partnership with, local churches and ministries who are working in these language groups. Our desire is to provide this music at no cost to families, churches, and ministries which they can use for years to come.
NEEDS / OPPORTUNITIES
In Romans 10, Paul tells us “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing the word of Christ.” It is vitally important to hear Scripture’s truths clearly and repeatedly.
An estimated 2/3rds of the world’s population are “oral learners.” These are people that don’t clearly grasp the Gospel when it is shared through writing, but who receive and communicate information best through song, dialogue, or story.
It is estimated that 90% of the world’s Christian workers are attempting to use literate communication styles to present the Gospel. If we want oral learners to clearly hear and believe the Word of Christ we need to deliver it in a way they can hear it.
There are currently over 9 million native speakers of Chichewa in the world. We have multiple ministries already to using our songs in churches, radio, and schools. The music is spread very inexpensively (and free to the listener) through wifi devices and mobile phones.
OBJECTIVES
• Complete the translation, recording, engineering, and release of all six albums by 2020.
• Maintain the highest quality of music, translation, and theology.
• Make music available for free online using platforms and methods that the target audiences are using to consume music.
• Develop organizational partnerships that we resource with this music as a ministry tool.
PROCEDURES
SUMMARY
This is a big project, also, the enemy doesn’t want to see the Gospel spread. Please pray. Pray. Pray.
We believe that making this music available in Chichewa will be a unique and valuable resource to the Church, ministries, and families in Malawi. We hope you will join us to help make this project a reality.