Q’eqchí Scripture recording progresses well

This past week, Carlos and Isidro — Viña Studios’ dynamic duo for dramatic indigenous Scripture recordings — tackled another New Testament recording project, this among the Q’eqchí in Cobán.

The work is intense, requiring long hours, concentration, patience and a sense of humor. Click here to read about Viña’s Scripture recording process and its challenges.

Viña has recorded more than 25 audio New Testaments, but this will be the first time Viña has collaborated with the Catholic church directly on a recording project. In the past, Catholic priests have been some of the best advocates promoting and using the audio Scriptures.

Last week, we received reports of delays and difficulties: The rural village where they set up a temporary studio sits next to a construction project. The masons at work were so noisy the team was only able to record in peace for two to three hours a day.

This morning, however, we received good news: The recording has progressed rapidly in recent days. They have already finished 20 percent of the New Testament. The acceleration is likely due to the Q’eqchís fame for literacy, skill at reading and generally embracing their heart language. Carlos and Isidro are also hard workers, willing to put in long hours to finish their work.

Carlos and Isidro will likely be working in Cobán for another five to seven weeks with only a couple of visits home to see their wives and young children. Cobán is about six or seven hours journey from here by bus. They’re due for a visit home this Saturday, according to Carlos’ wife who we happened to see today in the park with their three boys.

Please pray for the work, for a spirit of unity, grace and understanding among all those collaborating on the project. Also please pray for their safety on the roads.

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Indigenous Geography: National Museum of the American Indian has several nice pages with interesting stories on the Q’eqchís and photos, especially on the family and community. The page on origins is interesting and comes from the Mayan Popul Vuh book, but it’s not unique to the Q’eqchís but the historical myth of origins for all Mayans, I believe.

The photo I added shows Mayans from Alta Verapaz getting ready to hop aboard the back of a pickup — a minibus of sorts.