churchrelevance.com

Preschoolers have been using interactive audio books for years. But now a non-profit called Books of Hope has found that leveraging the technology enables them to bypass low literacy levels and provide Africa with valuable health care literature.

 

These interactive, multilingual speaking books are designed to communicate through pictures and both spoken and written words, and early research has indicated that the books significantly improve awareness, comprehension, and retention of the health issues addressed. Perhaps this technology or many similar emerging technologies could be used by missionaries and churches to create resources to better spread the gospel regardless of language or literacy barriers.

Although the above Wikipedia world map shows the areas of low literacy rates being Africa and the Middle East, keep in mind that the United States also has its share of illiteracy and language barriers that could greatly benefit from hearing the gospel through merged communication channels such as an interactive audio book. Consider it a major upgrade to the traditional gospel tract. Emerging technologies are enabling churches to easily reach people who were once inaccessible or difficult to reach. Get in a habit of dreaming how to leverage new technologies to enhance your ministry.

Special thanks to Springwise for highlighting Books of Hope.