Roger has an M.A. in linguistics from UT Arlington. He and his wife Karen worked in the DR Congo from 1980-1996, where they helped translate the entire Bible into Kifuliiru. Roger was involved as a founding member of the Bantu Initiative. He also led a team in developing the Christian Life Skills Bible curriculum for elementary-aged children.
Gaining Language Vitality and Spiritual Vitality Through a Children's Bible Curriculum
Abstract
Primary level children (ages 6-12) are very impressionable, and it’s easy to teach them Christian values. That’s also a great time to promote reading and writing in the mother tongue, so they can become fluent in the Scriptures of their heart-language.
To achieve spiritual and language vitality, a Christian Life Skills Bible curriculum has been designed for both elementary schools and Sunday schools. Design parameters include: Systematic teaching, covering the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Results oriented, with a life-changing “to do” for each lesson. Memorable, with a crafted Bible song for each lesson that helps children remember the Bible teaching for life. Inviting, with captivating pictures, and a beautiful format. Child-centered, with lots of questions and role plays to help children “own” the teaching for themselves. Age-appropriate, helping children give their lives to Jesus, and be healed of traumas. There are many other topics that children are taught, at the appropriate grade levels. Family oriented, with a review at home each week, applying the lesson with parents in the family context. Parent friendly, including Tips For Parenting books that help with bedtime prayers, teaching reasons for rules, etc.
This curriculum was pilot-tested in both Kenya and DR Congo, with positive results. To date, it has been produced in both English and French. Through Bloom computer transfer, it will be possible to enjoy the first three years in a vernacular language.