December 3, 2001
WMU turning attention toward literacy
___BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (BP)--What if your child or grandchild begged to be read a Bible story and you couldn't do it? What if you had to depend on others to read the Bible to you or had to listen to tapes instead of reading it yourself?
___That's the plight of millions of illiterate people in the United States who either cannot read at all or who read on such a low level that they are classified as non-readers.
___Using the words of the beloved hymn "Wonderful Words of Life," Cathy Butler of Fayette, Ala., has written a book by the same name with chapter titles taken from the lines of the hymn. The book on literacy missions was published by Woman's Missionary Union in Birmingham, Ala., supporting the organization's Project HELP: Literacy emphasis.
___Literacy is learning to read, write and speak the English language. Literacy missions is sharing the gospel through meeting the needs of adults who are functional non-readers, people who need to learn to speak English and school-age children who need help with schoolwork.
___WMU's two-year emphasis on literacy missions, which began in October 2000, has a twofold purpose--to give every person the opportunity to learn to read, write or speak English, and to learn the meaning of God's word. The project also seeks to help individuals impacted by computer and health illiteracy.
___Butler recounts the history of literacy missions in the first chapter of her book, featuring the work of John and Lillian Isaacs, who pioneered the ministry in Southern Baptist life. WMU also has produced a video on Lillian Isaacs.
___Ruth, a woman living in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky, provided the impetus for the Isaacs' involvement in literacy missions in 1958. She wanted more than anything to be able to read the Bible.
___John Isaacs was a Bible college teacher, and he and his wife had observed that many young pastors were struggling to help their congregations in Bible study and discipleship. They realized many of those problems stemmed from lack of reading skills.
___The Isaacses began what turned into a lifetime of literacy missions effort. They used the famous "Laubach Way to Reading" skill books and taught hundreds of volunteers their methods for teaching non-readers. Their legacy of literacy is demonstrated through the network of tutors and literacy missions available today in Southern Baptist churches.
___In addition to explaining the different types of literacy missions and offering poignant stories, the book ends with a detailed chapter on how to begin literacy missions in a church or association.
___The book may be purchased by calling (800) 968-7301 or visiting the online bookstore, www.wmustore.com. It also is available through LifeWay Christian Stores.
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