Before joining Wycliffe, we had limited understanding of the actual methods of Bible translation. Our primary focus as support personnel is on our immediate areas of responsibility, and investing in the lives of the PNG people we work alongside. However, every now and then we have an opportunity to ‘get our hands dirty’ as part of the extended translation process.
Elspeth has been able to participate in a ‘checking party’ on several occasions, where the initial hard copy of a new translation has been received from the typesetter, and needs to be closely reviewed before giving approval to print the final bound publications.
Often a dozen or more people from the mission community will come together, and after some basic training, choose one specific aspect of the printed material – quotations, footnotes, parallel passages, general text, page settings, etc.
This month, Elspeth participated in a party where she read the introductory information regarding the Bwaidoka translation, including details of the people group, and a history of the translation work. Stan & Patty Gibson are involved with our Thursday night home group, and commenced the translation work on Goodenough Island, Milne Bay, in 1984. The publication of a New Testament is not the end of their commitment to this ministry, as they are already working on the Old Testament with a team of local translators.
Prayer Points…
- Praise God that earlier published Scripture portions are already impacting the Bwaidoka communities, growing their understanding of God’s will for His people.
- Pray that new co-translators will join the Old Testament translation team, and be prepared for the long term commitment this involves.
- This year there are expected to be another 6 Bible dedications, so pray for all of the logistics.
campbell ramblings 
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