ZO´NA` KII: The Book of Jonah Translated in the Mann Language

The Liberia Inland Mission developed the Mann Language scripts and other indigenous language scripts aimed at making the ethnic groups in Liberia own the word of God. Thus, the Bible was translated into several local languages in the 1950s.

The New Testament version of the Bible has been translated and widely spread compared to the Old Testament. Beyond that, much has not been done to produce other Christian literature in the indigenous languages as in the English language, for example. Therefore, this book, the Book of Jonah, and other books are being translated into the Mann Language to encourage people to read the Bible, especially in the Mann, to rekindle the dreams of the Liberia Inland Missionaries.

Jonah, as a prophet, knew that no one can run away from God because God is Omnipresent. He is everywhere, and He is All-knowing. He commanded Jonah to go to Nineveh to preach repentance, but he chose to run away from God. With all these acts, God did not abandon him. He miraculously saved him by sending a fish to rescue him and carry him to where he was instructed to go.

Despite the wickedness that existed in Nineveh, God loved the people, and He wanted them to repent of their sins. God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3: 9). This is why He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, who offered His life a ransom for our sins so that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

This Book is being translated into the Mann Language to teach that God had put a plan of salvation for mankind. It is His promise and desire that man should come to repentance.