Highly Anticipated Resource: Interview with Matthew Elliot about the Africa Study Bible
Matthew Elliot, project director for the Africa Study Bible, speaks with PneumaReview.com about this soon-to-arrive resource that millions of Africans have been praying for.
PneumaReview.com: Where did the idea for the Africa Study Bible originate?
Matthew Elliot: After ten years working in Africa and observing the needs first hand, by 2005 the leadership of Oasis was convinced that there was a great need for Bibles that fit the African context–bringing the power of Scripture to the continent in a new and culturally relevant way. With nearly every full evangelical study Bible having been written from a western perspective, Africans lack a resource that connects with their culture and experience. In our experience this really hinders discipleship. After exploring a number of options with major Bible publishers over the next five years, our board eventually decided in 2010 to embark on a landmark study Bible project that would eventually be named the Africa Study Bible.
PneumaReview.com: How has the church in Africa responded to this project?
Matthew Elliot: In many ways, it has been overwhelming. Many great leaders have volunteered their time, saying “we really need this, how can I help.” Whole denominations and movements of millions of people are waiting for their pastors and leaders to have access to the ASB. It is not uncommon for us to hear, “when is this going to be ready.” I basically never hear from a leader, “great, send me an email when this is ready.” Instead a typical response of a denominational leader is more like, “We need this as soon as possible. Please, will you come to our pastor conference next November to share the news of this amazing resource. And, here are the names of a couple of our professors who can write for you.”
We have also printed copies the Gospel of John and Genesis which have been received with open arms and and enthusiasm. Including the free app of John, about 10,000 people have seen John and the response has been strong. A recent Google Store review from an African reads, “This is the best Bible I ever read. I love it please do the whole Bible like that it is awesome.” Pre-launch, thousands of African followers are gathering at our Facebook pages and are reviewing the ASB content on our online review website, anxiously awaiting its release.
PneumaReview.com: What organizations or denominations have supported it?
Matthew Elliot: Tyndale House Publishers has been a cornerstone development partner, English will launch with the NLT. I don’t want to overstep in declaring all these names are official partners, but they have all helped in at least some way, many by helping with our writer network. These include Wycliffe, Moody, Trans World Radio, The Association for Pentecostal Theological Education in Africa, SIM, Association of Evangelicals in Africa, Willow Creek Church, CRU, UMI, Center for Early African Christianity, ACTS, IFES–to name a few. There are over 50 denominations represented through the contributors of the ASB including Baptist, Pentecostal, Assemblies of God, Anglicans, Presbyterians, and Redeemed Christian Church of God.
PneumaReview.com: When will the African Study Bible be complete?
Matthew Elliot: We anticipate the English completion and launch in African countries by the end of 2016 and a US launch in February 2017 for Black History Month. Our goal is for it to be in French by 2019 and Portuguese by 2020.
PneumaReview.com: Please tell us some of the unique features of the African Study Bible that make it different from other study Bibles?
Matthew Elliot: Nearly every one of the 2500 features have a unique African element built in. They will address concepts such as witchcraft/sorcery, widows and orphans, African roots of Christianity, inter-tribal relations, Christians working in politics and business, polygamy–just to name a few. Since every feature is written by one of our African writers, this study Bible is by definition completely unique.
Major categories of features include African proverbs and stories, touch points, learn notes, full length articles, and maps and charts that express the truth of God’s Word. One specific example comes to mind. Nations in Africa were divided up by Europeans, not necessarily around traditional ethnic and tribal lines. Africans reading the book of Joshua will resonate with the reality of living as 12 tribes within one nation. Out of this connection comes unique application that our writers are able to address and share not just to fellow Africans but also with the world. Connecting the truth of Scripture to life in Africa is what the project is all about. It is God’s Word Through African Eyes.
PneumaReview.com: Who are some of the people who have contributed the study notes for this Bible?
Matthew Elliot: We have over 300 contributors for the Africa Study Bible. To name a few you may know: Priscilla Adoyo, Maake Masango, Muriell McCulley, Christine W.K. Mutua, Emmanuel Ogunyemi, Gideon Para-Mallam, Isaiah Majok Dau, Odaadisa Jacob Ramothudi, Rose Mukansengimana Nyirimana, and the list goes on.
Dr. Craig Keener is also one of our reviewers and will be well known to Pentecostal readers. Craig is a friend and great supporter of the project. His wife, Dr. Médine Moussounga Keener, has written on the topic of refugees for the Africa Study Bible.
PneumaReview.com: In what countries of Africa will the Bible be distributed?
Matthew Elliot: Initially we will be launching the ASB in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa, with other countries in English-speaking Africa to follow in 2017. With writers from about 50 countries, we are trusting God to provide the funding to distribute in every country where we have an author to start.
PneumaReview.com: How will it be distributed in these lands?
Matthew Elliot: Oasis is a publisher. We have been publishing and distributing in Africa for over 20 years, and our staff and board have publishing, retail, and distribution experience that is difficult to match.
Our distribution method was developed through their expertise. It relies on a partnership approach, with Africans taking the lead in both promotion and distribution. Our indigenous distribution partners serve their respective countries through fair and reasonable pricing. As demand for the Africa Study Bible takes root, our distributors will generate revenue, which completes the cycle of project sustainability. This creates a long-term economic platform that can be used to fuel discipleship.
These partnerships and our intentionally designed distribution model will be the major method of distribution for the Africa Study Bible.
PneumaReview.com: How could our readers help you with this project if they wished to be involved in some way?
Matthew Elliot: We launched a Kickstarter campaign starting on April 18th which gives an amazing opportunity to both give to the launch of the Bible in Africa and also get an advance copy of the Africa Study Bible in the US (months before it is available to the public). Go to www.africastudybible.com to learn more. If you can help this campaign go viral by sharing on social media and with your friends, maybe we can see something very special happen to launch the Bible!
We even have a postcard to give out to friends for Kickstarter- we can send you as many copies as you would like. Write to: info@oasisint.net
Also, if you are involved in an African network or church we would love to hear from you.
Go to www.oasisint.net to find out how you can pray, give and share. Seven years of hard work and service have gone into bringing the Africa Study Bible to completion, and with your help it will get into the hands of millions of Africans!
Read The Africa Study Bible: Gospel of John in the GooglePlay Store.
