Expressing Biblical Truth in One’s Heart Language

     Viña is a nonprofit ministry birthed by the Central American Branch of SIL International. Viña’s mission is to build on the legacy of SIL’s 49 years of Bible translation within Guatemala and Central America. Viña seeks to carry on the vision of providing God’s Word for the minority groups through the use of nationals using high technology to produce Biblical materials appropriate for oral cultures. Viña personnel represent various ethnic groups, representing Mayan, Latin and North American culture. This trans-cultural mix is an important factor in Viña’s effectiveness as a ministry, as it provides a context where the uniqueness of each person’s cultural perspective is honored and valued. The result is an ability to use highly innovative strategies in a culturally appropriate and sensitive way.

     Viña’s vision for seeing the minority indigenous church become truly "indigenous" is something that it cannot accomplish on its own! Partnerships are vital for this to happen. Viña constantly looks for ways in which it can help other organizations accomplish their goals, by recognizing the particular needs of the Mayan church. Viña can only do a small part. Viña also desires to act as a bridge between the Mayan and Latin cultures in Guatemala and even beyond. If more Guatemalans, and especially Mayans, are going to be reached with the Gospel and equipped to "walk in righteousness", if the Mayan church is going to be convinced of it’s own worth before God, embracing relationship with Christ over religious ritual, then many other ministries and individuals will need to share this vision.

      Article writen by John Henderer