Film on Jesus translated into local language

Bolgatanga (Upper East), 30th June 99 - The Great Commission Movement (GCM), a Christian non- governmental organisation (NGO), has launched the Gurune version of the Jesus Film (JF) in Bolgatanga.

The film, which cost 25,000 dollars forms part of its evangelical crusade to win more souls for Christ, is funded by the World Vision International (WVI).

The JF has been translated into 5,000 languages since 1956 and it is estimated that over 400,000 people watch it daily throughout the world.

Mr Emmanuel Obeeku, Northern Regional Co-ordinator of the GCM, giving a brief history of the film, said in 1956 Dr Bill Bright, a Christian evangelist produced the film at historical sites in Egypt.

He said the film was first translated into Twi 17 years ago and now has its Dagbane and Gurune versions for the northern sector.

Mr Eugene Asante, Northern sector co-ordinator of WVI said the translation of the JF into Gurune is in the right direction considering the positive impact it would have on the people. He said, "it is a step in the direction to fulfil Jesus Christ's commission".

He said the translation of the film into Dagbane facilitated the establishment of 29 churches in the Gushiegu-Karaga district in the Northern Region, where there were no churches before. "More churches are needed to match the growing population of Christian converts", he added.