Passages Fa l l 2 011 Volume 6 Issue 4

Contents Rev. 7 Every Nation People Language is a quarterly publication of JAARS Inc., which supports appropriate 2 Riding God’s Pacific Wave technologies and services in Pacific Region: In unexpected, exciting transportation, information technology, and language ways, God is calling islanders and media for SIL International, the others to engage in Bible translation Wycliffe Global Alliance, and other partners in the global Bible translation movement. Prepared by Prayer 4 The magazine’s name points Micronesia: Prayer, over decades, to Revelation 7:9–10—the time and place where people results in amazing translation team of every language group will and output one day worship together before the throne of God.

6 Bible Translation Odysseys View this issue online: Solomon Islands: Water trans- www.jaars.org/Rev7fall11 portation challenges don’t dampen translators’ commitment Sr. VP Marketing and Communications David Witmer Could This Be That Boat? 8 Editor Torres Strait Islands: Waterborne Carol Brinneman “training college”—a dream boat to promote newly translated Scriptures Managing Editor Sarah Baer

FEATURES Graphic Designer God as Business Owner 10 Jennifer Burtnett Papua New Guinea: Workshop helps

people combine ministry and business— Cover: Yopno man rejoices for the glory of God and his Word over newly translated Scriptures; dancers celebrate the launch of the Bughotu Putting Scripture to Good Use New Testament, Santa 12 Isabel Island, Solomons, salt Papua New Guinea: team helps the October 2009; public Yopno people dig into and apply their transport ship, Solomons. newly translated Scriptures All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, Thinking—It’s Critical are taken from the New 14 International Version, 1984. Vanuatu: a course helps local translators develop comprehension and analysis skills Contact Us

JAARS PO Box 248 1 Introduction Waxhaw NC 28173- 0248 General 800-890-0628

ents President’s Column 15 Subscription Services

m 888-773-1178

Fax 16 Kids’ Page 704-843-6385 E-mail

epart [email protected]

D Newsworthy 18 WWW.JAARS.ORG 1 South Pacific Passages Carol Brinneman, Editor

With my toes dug into the sand and over 450 do not yet have access to wind whipping my hair, I squint at the Word of God in their language. sun-sparkled waves. Panoramic views Over 90 percent of these remaining of the Pacific Ocean never fail to turn languages have populations of 10,000 my thoughts to the Creator. The depth speakers or less—small communities and power of this wideness beckon on numerous isles and in remote me to cross its waters and discover places in Papua New Guinea. distant, idyllic islands with their The challenge is great. But God myriad peoples. But such exciting is greater. A faith-building report by voyages have only come for me through SIL Pacific Area Director Mark Taber reading books, such as Kon-Tiki, at JAARS in May 2011 provided Hawaii, and this month, Moby Dick. inspiration for this Rev. 7. Mark When I first trained as a Bible has traveled to these far-flung translator, I dreamed of going to destinations and witnessed French-speaking Tahiti. But that how God is working island was not an option. Little did in and through men I realize that years before, in 1797, and women in the first missionaries to the Pacific the Pacific. By Islands were sent to Tahiti by the prayer, dedicated London Missionary Society. And work, insightful such Christian pioneers to the region courses, and typically learned the local languages the use of boats, and did Bible translation. Then local they look forward believers sailed to neighboring islands, to receiving the Truth amid their cargo. Much and engaging later, in 1956, SIL International* more deeply began work in Papua New Guinea. with Scripture Today the work of SIL in the passages in Pacific includes Melanesia, Micro- their own South nesia, Polynesia, and Timor, as well Pacific languages. as Australia’s Indigenous people. Of the 1,330-some Pacific languages,

*JAARS supports SIL through providing resources for technology and transportation projects.

Dreamstime Rev. 7 Fa l l 2011 1 Background: Dreamstime

Early Bible translation work in the Pacific The first Pacific languages to receive translated Scriptures were all located in Polynesia. Today many of these Riding languages are also spoken outside their home area. The last date given is that of the completion of the entire Bible: Hawaiian (Hawaii) 1800–1850 God's Pacific Tahitian (Tahiti) 1838–1913 Fijian (Fiji) 1839–1964 Rarotongan (Cook Islands) 1851–1888 Maori (New Zealand) 1858–1952 Tongan (Tonga) 1862–1966 One of the 1,300 languages in the Pacific will someday complete the list! Would you pray to that end?

Wow! Surely God is at work. for guidance, three key directives with us, offering courses in Bible We are also praying for the provision In the world of Bible translation, came to me through this verse: “Give translation to Tongans and other of a pilot and airplane for northern when we plan, work hard, and thanks to the Lord, call on his name; islanders, beginning in August 2012. Australia to distribute Scriptures to achieve goals—ones aligned with make known among the nations We also give thanks to the remote language communities and God’s kingdom purposes—we what he has done” (1 Chron. 16:8). Lord that after decades of planting engage them in using God’s Word. recognize his blessing and help, The gospel first took hold in Hawaii the seed of God’s Word among And we are lifting up before his gifting and strength. Such in the 1820s and spread to other Pacific Indigenous Australians, God is now the Father each Bibleless Pacific experiences often result in a strong islands in the mid-1800s; that region creating a desire within many of people group by name. sense of personal satisfaction, too. has been sending out missionaries now their hearts to know him more fully Our desire is to make known But when God himself shows for over 100 years. As a result we are through his Word. Our challenge among the nations what God has up, accomplishing the unexpected able to work closely with the Church now is to keep up with the growing done—through translating his Word or even miraculous, we experience there, easily obtaining visas. We give enthusiasm of these Christians, who into Pacific languages, and through a completely different kind of thrill. thanks to the Lord for wide-open are requesting our help as they seek to telling others about the amazing When we see him at work beyond ways doors and many opportunities. In be involved in translating more of the ways he is embracing the peoples of we have foreseen or planned, there’s the last couple years, we’ve seen Scriptures into their own languages. the Pacific. Wow. Praise God and a sense of awe and anticipation that a growing interest among Pacific With over 450 language rejoice with us as we ride his Wave. something great is about to happen— Islanders to join the Bible translation communities in the Pacific without Wow! The recognition of his presence movement. For example, Christians in access to God’s Word in their and power leaves us breathless and the Kingdom of Tonga, who have had languages, we are eager to call on —Mark Taber feeling small. We lose all sense of the complete Bible in their language his great name. We are praying for Mark serves as the SIL adequacy to create “the Wave.” We for over a hundred years, recently the provision of boats to expand Pacific Area director just want to hold on and ride it with established the Bible Translation our ministry opportunities in the and is based in Brisbane, Australia. Previously Mark faith-filled anticipation, not knowing Organization of Tonga. And they are islands of the Solomons and the provided leadership for where it will take us but confident seeking to partner with us. Our initial Torres Strait of northern Queensland, SIL’s work in Indonesia. in the One who is taking us there. challenge was to provide pathways Australia. We are asking the Lord Over the past year, serving as through which they could easily and for the resources to make his Word the new SIL Pacific Area director, effectively engage, so we marveled available through non-print media Pacific resources: I feel like I’ve been riding God’s when God stirred the heart of Pacific among the largely oral societies www.thewordislife.net/pacific Pacific Wave. As I sought the Lord Islands University in Guam to partner throughout the Pacific (see page 8). www.facebook.com/pacificbible

2 Rev. 7 Fa l l 2011 Rev. 7 Fa l l 2011 3 Background: Dreamstime

Prepared by

The Kapingamarangi people wanted When the completed New

to translate the Bible into their Testament was dedicated in 2000, The Kapingamarangi own language and had shown their we heard the story of Lohete, which people relish reading commitment by raising US$1,000— gave us a new perspective on the the Scriptures in their quite a sum for a group of less than Kapingans’ accomplishment. Lohete own language. 2,000 people who support themselves was a Kapingamarangi man who had by making handicrafts and copra (dried received a Bible in the Pohnpeian coconut). This Polynesian language language many years before. Pohnpeian Your prayers, too, can help prepare and support Bible Prayercommunity lives on an isolated island is a Micronesian language, completely translation projects. Prayerline, our bimonthly prayer in Pohnpei, one of four states in the different from Kapingamarangi, a calendar, highlights specific prayer needs from JAARS and Federated States of Micronesia. Polynesian language. Nevertheless, our partners worldwide. See the Table of Contents for contact My husband, Nico, and I were Lohete longed to read the Bible, so he information to subscribe or go to www.jaars.org/prayerline. working with a related language in taught himself Pohnpeian and, as he the Solomon Islands when we heard read, he came to know Jesus. Lohete about the Kapingamarangi in 1984. wanted others to know the good news help this small, isolated language group When God sent us to work with Ten years passed before we were free that he had discovered, but he knew who wanted to read God’s Word in the Kapingamarangi people, it often to visit Pohnpei to see if they were that most people would never teach their own language? At the end of each seemed like he had pulled us right into still interested. We found their desire themselves Pohnpeian as he had done. meeting, Steve would ask those present the stream of what he was doing, and undiminished, and one man’s questions So he started praying for someone to pray for the Kapingamarangi people. we were swept on by the momentum kept echoing in our thoughts: “What to help translate the Bible into his These past few years the he himself had created. Who could do we need to do to get you to come? language. We never knew Lohete, and Kapingamarangi people have been measure his perfect preparation, shaped Do we need to pay your plane fare?” his son was already an old man by the reading the Scriptures with new by the prayers of both the Kapingans Finally, in 1996 we moved to time we came to help, but when we understanding. They tell us that for the and others around the world? Pohnpei with our 12-year-old son. heard this story, we knew that God had first time they understand God’s grace, We found a community prepared to sent us in answer to Lohete’s prayers. and it’s changing their lives. But their make Bible translation work a top Others had also prayed for the desire to have the entire Bible remains —Pam Daams priority—and ready to work together Kapingamarangi people. Steve Sheldon, strong. Once the New Testament was Pam and her husband, toward that goal. With the help of the executive director of SIL from 1992 completed, they started work on the Nico, have worked with 20-plus translators and more than to 2000, was gripped by the Kapingans’ Old Testament and are now close to Polynesian groups around 70 Scripture reviewers, the New plea for help. As he traveled around the the Pacific since 1978. their goal. These humble, hard-working The highlight of their years Testament was completed in only world, speaking about the remaining people will soon be one of the 400-plus has been seeing Pacific four years! By then their savings needs for Bible translation, he would language groups worldwide that have Islanders catch the vision fully paid the cost of publication. often close with their story. Who would the entire Bible in their own language. for Bible translation.

4 Rev. 7 Fa l l 2011 Rev. 7 Fa l l 2011 5 Bible translation The Solomons is a nation of islands—96 percent of the country’s physical area is sea—so it’s no surprise that water transport is a major challenge for those involved in Bible translation there. JAARS and Bible Odysseys translation partners in the Solomons are working on ways to make transport and communications safer and better for local and expatriate workers. Maritime services is actively seeking an 80-foot vessel for purchase and eventually will assign a crew to serve in the islands.

Moses Bela lives on Simbo Island— a dot on the vast Pacific, with an GIZO active volcano, several saltwater SIMBO lagoons, and a freshwater lake. He HoniÁra and two other men are translating the New Testament into the Simbo often overloaded. There’s no regular language. These men, and many coastguard in the Solomons, so MaKira other enthusiastic Solomon Islands possible rescue depends on weather translators*, are evidence of God’s conditions and chance observers. Spirit calling men and women today At Gizo, Moses waits for a Islands in western Solomons even in remote points of the Pacific. ship headed to Honiara, a trip of Although there’s no electricity one to three days, depending on Mentor Greg Conwell (left) with available in Simbo, Moses is able to the state of the vessel and weather. Owa translator John Waiwori, work, using his netbook computer Most of these ships—also old and and Simbo translator Moses Bela (lower right) face unique powered by solar panels. He can overcrowded—were built for calm For workshop organizers, John’s challenges in the Solomons. keep in touch with SIL translation waters like rivers or harbors, but in and other translators’ travel trials mentors, too, in Honiara, the can also complicate class schedules, the Solomons they travel over open Dreamstime Background: Solomons’ capital, by mobile phone, seas, which can be glassy smooth requiring multiple catch-up sessions Reading the epic poem The but only if he walks to one end of his or rough and dangerous. They for latecomers, concurrent with the Odyssey, about Greek hero Odysseus island where he can pick up a signal commute between Gizo and Honiara ongoing workshop. The only alternative taking ten years to return to his from a tower on another island. about once a week, so thankfully for John is to hire a canoe for a island home, may provide hours Still, he’s keen to go to Honiara Moses rarely has to wait long. dangerous, five-hour trip over open of leisurely enjoyment. But for as often as possible to learn from and John Waiwori lives on Makira seas to the nearest town and then fly modern-day Bible translators, such collaborate with other translation Island, southeast of Honiara, working to Honiara, which is expensive and, adventures bring danger, frustration, teams. The voyage there, however, on an Old Testament translation into in any case, impossible budget-wise. and lost time. Surely God, who has could almost be called an odyssey. Owa, his language. For John, the trip An experienced translator, John called them, will also make a way. He must first travel 22 miles to the to the capital takes only two days. is now manager for the Owa Old nearest town, Gizo, by “canoe” (an But ships, which tend to follow busy Testament project. And yet he still —Greg Conwell open fiberglass boat around 20 feet needs to come to Honiara regularly routes that promise greater numbers Greg serves as a mentor for long with a small outboard engine). of people and cargo, rarely go near for training and checking his drafts the Solomon Islands Bible The seas between Simbo and Gizo his remote village! If John wants to with mentors and consultants. John, Translation and Literacy are notorious—often with big waves be sure to arrive at a workshop on like Moses, also uses a solar-powered Partnership. and swirling currents—but there’s time, he usually leaves home two netbook computer, but he has no no alternative. These canoes are to four weeks early. As a result, a phone access or hf radio. The only usually old, poorly maintained, and two-week workshop can easily turn way to communicate with him is to *To read more about Solomon Islands translators, see sometimes break down along the way into an absence of six to eight weeks, broadcast a message over his local “Impossible Dream,” p. 10, in the Rev. 7 summer 2011 … or get swamped. And they are which is difficult for his family. radio station and hope he hears it. edition at www.jaars.org/files/rev7summer11.pdf.

6 Rev. 7 Fa l l 2011 Rev. 7 Fa l l 2011 7 for a long-standing dilemma: how to promote Scripture use amid scores Could of islands. At present it’s difficult to This minister among the islands as the Be That only means of reliable transport is by air. Flying, however, is exceedingly expensive and complicated due to time limits and schedules. Having boat access would enable Scripture- use workers to set their own creative schedules, moving from island to island, considering the felt needs Celebrating the completion of consultant- of each island community. checking for the Yumplatok New Testament Boat? Because the Torres Strait Islanders on June 30, 2011 are translators Simeon are mariners, the arrival of any boat will Harry (left), Moses Mene, Helena Warria, draw interest. But a mobile Scripture- and Gingin Harry. training college docking at their wharf or jetty would be unique. Coming Would you like to aboard to learn and be trained would encourage this team ignite people’s interest and involvement. in their Scripture engagement Spread out on the table before the would be made onboard for leadership And not having to leave home to study work by contributing to this boat Yumplatok translation team lay New training, recording audio Scriptures would be a new, awesome experience. fund? You can, by giving to the Testaments in several languages. Thick and songs, producing Bible study As for the Torres Strait churches, Torres Strait Boat for Scripture and thin; sporting blue, red, or green notes, and meeting other needs to being able to meet their Scripture- Use Advance project at www. covers; gilded or plain edges; and encourage Scripture use—as the use training needs right on their jaars.org/S6111 or by using the enhanced with colored pictures inside, islanders saw fit for Yumplatok (a own islands would, without a doubt, response form in this magazine. or not. After much discussion, the creole language) and other languages make history. In addition, the boat team, who work in the Torres Strait, spoken in the Torres Strait. and its resources would considerably north of Australia, finally decided what As Michael talked about the increase the prestige of the Yumplatok they wanted their own New Testament possibilities, faces lit up. Translator Scriptures and the language itself (including Genesis, Ruth, and Jonah) Simeon Harry declared it an excellent within the Torres Strait Islands. to look like. Then they recorded their idea. The elder members agreed, “It With such a boat, the people preferences for Yumplatok communities will be just like in the old days when of the Torres Strait will know to consider and give feedback. we had a church boat. It was so much for certain that God believes the Later as the men and women on easier to get around for ministry.” Yumplatok Scriptures and language the team realized it was possibly the A young woman commented that are important, giving them assurance last time they would meet together, two years ago someone had told her that they, too, are important to him. their spirited conversation stopped. they believed God had a new plan for May God make a way for the During that lull, Michael Corden, the Torres Strait that included a boat. whole Torres Strait to know him! their advisor from the Australian Could this be that boat? Society for Indigenous Languages As the prospect of obtaining a —Charlotte Corden (AuSIL), asked, “What are we going boat took hold, everyone joined again Charlotte and her to do with the New Testament once in excited conversation. They now husband, Michael, have served as advisors for it’s launched and distributed?” realized that the completed Yumplatok the Yumplatok Scripture The translators looked at him, New Testament would not be the end translation since 1986. speechless. of a project but the beginning of a Michael continued, asking what new plan God has for spreading the they thought about using a boat for gospel. Buoyed up with hope, and also two to three years—to make sure relieved, the team saw how the boat You can understand more Yumplatok than people had the chance to learn how could offer the support they needed. you’d expect! Turn to the Gospel of Mark, to read the Scriptures and apply them Team elder Moses Mene expressed chapter 1, then follow the audio-translation effectively to their lives. Provision his wonder at this possible solution here: www.jaars.org/yumplatok-mark.

8 Rev. 7 Fa l l 2011 Rev. 7 Fa l l 2011 9 Participants (photo left) who attended the Business as Mission workshop in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, in April 2011. as Background: mural on png GODBusiness Owner Parliament building

At the close of a Business as Mission During the workshop, my husband, by providing possible employees and Business as Mission marries workshop in Papua New Guinea, I Mike, teammate Scott Herring, and customers. We also talked about corporate and ministry goals, looked across the roomful of smiling I taught godly business principles, the hard reality of wantoks having resulting in for-profit companies faces and asked, “How have you practical financial matters, business and rightful claims on profits or money that aim to glorify God and sensed God moving this week?” ministry plan creation, and more. The for growing the business. Cultural minister to their communities. You Heidi Wakunai quickly raised her diverse group of participants included pressure dictates that people who can support Bible translation by hand. With tears in her eyes she told several bta members, leaders from do not meet the needs or requests of giving to the BAM100 project at how God had spoken to her through local partner churches, experienced wantoks—according to their perceived www.jaars.org/BAM100 or in the the workshop. Years ago she had been business people, and women running ability to give—risk being ostracized. response form in this magazine. involved in full-time Christian ministry small home-based businesses, yet each We discussed several possible ways but had left it to try and secure greater one came with the same goal—to to deal fairly with this cultural financial stability for her family. Now learn how to combine business and practice. Most participants she felt God saying she could do both ministry to the glory of God. embraced a totally new concept through business as mission. “I am One woman said, “I had a bad that we suggested: make God the leaving after this week’s training,” impression about business as a whole, owner of the business. If they truly she said, “with hope and a new but you blessed me, showing me that served as stewards of his ministry, challenge to see what God might do.” when God is involved, the business then wantoks would also respect And she was not the only one! itself can help you minister to those the business and its restrictions. The team and I were overjoyed to you were unable to reach before.” This radical shift in thinking Heidi Wakunai (left in photo left) now trusts see the excitement and hear the And a young man commented, could have a widespread impact— God to lead her in a business-as-mission venture; stories of the 29 participants during “Wow! The lights came on! I really on employees, customers, families, with author Heather Eastwood. Participants this week-long workshop held in wanted to do business to extend the communities, and even the nation. Yolanda Finney (in blue) with bta and Wendy Port Moresby in April 2011. The kingdom of God but didn’t know Elizabeth Thomas from bta Susuke of png Christian Community Services training was a joint effort of the how to start. Thank God, he knew heartily agrees, “God has shown me Commenting on this training Papua New Guinea Bible Translation my heart and sent his servants to that it is possible for me to go into workshop, Mark Taber, SIL Pacific Association (bta), SIL Pacific Area, broaden my understanding of how to business as a ministry, but God has to Area director, said, “I’m excited and the Business as Mission (bam) get started in business as mission.” be the owner; I have to be the steward.” about the Business as Mission team, based at the JAARS Center. One topic everyone wanted to opportunities in the Pacific where Simon Savaiko, bta’s literacy discuss was the impact of their culture —Heather Eastwood our partners like bta can build their coordinator, told the group, “This is on business practices, especially Heather serves as public relations capacity and generate income that one of God’s answers to my prayers the “wantok” system. Family and coordinator for Business as Mission, as can be invested back into the Bible … how to support translators and clan, as well as close friends, are well as a trainer for bam workshops. She translation movement. It’s creative literacy workers in Papua New considered your wantoks (from “one and her husband, Mike, serve primarily in Asia and the Pacific. strategies like these that can lead to Guinea. God opened my eyes to see talk”—someone who speaks your growth and long-term sustainability how we can confidently do business to language). We discussed how this for Pacific Islanders engaged support the work of God in png.” cultural network can help businesses in kingdom ministry with us.”

10 Rev. 7 Fa l l 2011 Rev. 7 Fa l l 2011 11 Pacific Percentages Pu t t i n g Of the 1,300-some languages of the Pacific, 82 percent are located on the islands of Melanesia. Of this 82 percent, Papua New Guinea’s languages Scripture represent 65 percent. to Vanuatu has 9 percent; the Solomons, 5 percent; New Caledonia, 3 percent. Good Has God placed Melanesia’s need for his Use Word on your heart today?

In Papua New Guinea, after more clicking to express their wonder the Scriptures will be the key for opportunity to start again.” The young than two decades of translation as they learned new things. They solving all our problems. People have man burst into tears upon hearing work, the Yopno New Testament especially responded to teaching to know God. He is the only answer.” this message of hope and forgiveness. (and Psalms) was printed and ready about God’s love and holiness.” Another man told Marjan, “Now The participants returned to their to be placed in the hands of the Another topic that touched their I am sure of my faith in Christ. But I villages, knowing how to dig out people. But SIL translators Wes and hearts was the teaching about families. wonder how people will react. How do truths in God’s Word and apply them LeeAnn Reed wanted the Yopno to They studied 2 Timothy 1:5: “I have I go back to my village and tell them to their lives, as well as armed with learn more about how to study and been reminded of your sincere faith, what I believe?” Marjan showed him this sharp “double-edged sword” to apply its truth to their daily lives. which first lived in your grandmother Scriptures to help him remain strong combat sin, fear, and hopelessness. So the Reeds decided to invite Lois and in your mother Eunice….” in his faith. She assured him, “The one Now when friends and family ask a salt (Scripture Application and This verse taught them the importance who is in you is greater than the one questions about the Lord, they will Leadership Training) team to come of children following the example of who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). be able to open God’s Book and read to their village, Tapmange. Two days their parents’ faith in Christ. They also Each morning during the course, the message of life in the language after the New Testament celebration, studied Ephesians 5:22 and 25, learning participants recounted what God was that speaks to their hearts. a team including Marjan Sikkema how husbands and wives should treat teaching them. One young man said

and three others began teaching each other in the home. God’s Word that previously he had been involved —Karen Weaver basic biblical truths and how to in their own language spoke clearly to in a life of sin, but now he wanted to Karen and her husband, Andy, apply God’s Word to daily life. them and motivated them to change follow Jesus. He pointed to the chart have served in Papua New More than 200 participants for the better, to live for God’s glory. of a heart that showed the evil things Guinea since 2002. Karen cares for their four children, enrolled in the course, many bring- One church leader testified, “Our the devil wants to see entrenched in teaches elementary school part- ing their newly purchased Scriptures. village has attended programs that us: greed, envy, wrath, and more. time, and writes stories about So many people wanted to hear teach us about the dangers of aids “I am turning away from all these what God is doing in png. the lessons that some had to sit and how people need to change their things,” he said. Later a Christian outside, listening intently through lifestyles. Even though a lot of money leader put his arm around him and the building’s thatched walls. has been invested in these programs, said reassuringly, “God still loves Later Marjan reported, “The they haven’t worked. But now having you, and with Christ you have the people sat on the ground inside the building from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each

day for two weeks, their tongues Yopno grandmother reading God’s Word in her own language (above). Over 200 participants (right) packed into the salt course; some had to listen from outside, through the thatched walls.

12 Rev. 7 Fa l l 2011 Rev. 7 Fa l l 2011 13 Seeking God’s Direction Eldon “Butch” Barkman, JAARS President It's Critical

What could math possibly have in Stanley and others saw the link common with Bible translation? between carefully reading and Stanley Ure, a Merei speaker applying Bible texts and principles: and member of the organization just as ignoring facts in a math I’ve never experienced South began to race through Vanuatu Bible Translation, problem will result in a wrong Pacific passages, traveling to my head. What if I figured it out during a recent answer, disregarding Bible passage islands or piloting boats, but I had landed the other Training Your Thinking course. content may well result in a have spent hundreds of hours in a way? It might have This course helped mother- distortion of the truth. How float plane in the Amazon basin punctured the float, tongue translators in the Pacific critical it is to first understand of Peru, mastering the country’s sinking that side nation of Vanuatu read, analyze, the meaning of a Bible text well “map” by its river system. of the aircraft. Any and internalize Scripture, enabling in order to translate it accurately! Before the aircraft touches down slight deviation from my chosen them to serve more effectively Another translator pointed on a river, the pilot must identify path could have proved crucial. on translation teams. Each day, out a further link to preaching its depth and the current’s strength, Mark Taber and others in the using math story problems, short and teaching the Word: “Critical as well as obstacles in the water. Pacific are seeking God’s direction stories, and even pictures, the thinking helps you collect all Making a safe touchdown, for seeing Scriptures translated, participants—from 11 different the information in a particular however, is not the end of the distributed, and used in places translation projects—learned how to passage or verse, think about what’s journey. A river rising after heavy challenged by transportation and carefully take note of every detail in not clear, and find answers— rains is usually full of debris. One other obstacles. We desire to come a story or picture and then arrive at all before you teach it.” must often taxi through floating alongside, helping them “reach satisfying and correct conclusions. Stanley commented, “I think logs to a safe tie-up at a village. port” safely and effectively, trusting Critical thinking skills, which every pastor and church leader I remember one flight where the God for clear guidance. Would are usually second nature for needs to take this course!” situation looked safe from the sky. you prayerfully consider joining literates, are a much-needed link To prepare for a follow- But after landing, suddenly the left us—through your prayers, giving, for most of these 14 mother-tongue up Training Your Thinking float ran into a submerged, water- and even going—for the kingdom speakers on their way to becoming course in 2012, these men and laden log pointing in the direction of God and for those still without better-prepared translators. Such women returned home with I was taxiing. The aircraft rode up his Word in their own language? skills have not been part of their practice material. They desire on the log and then fell off. There formal education where learning is to tell others what God has was no damage, but the “what ifs” often by rote, with little attention done, handling his Word with to comprehension and analysis. accuracy and understanding, After working several problems, using critical thinking skills.

—Lyndal Webb Stanley Ure Lyndal and her husband, Ross, In traditional dress, Yopnos met the Kodiak that flew in their translated New Testament and Psalms worked with the Irumu people in August 2010. They worked 15 years to build a runway, primarily in anticipation of this event. in Papua New Guinea for 17 years before moving to Vanuatu in 2003. Lyndal now assists Ross, who is the SIL director for Vanuatu. She also consults in literacy and Scripture use.

Doing the math A man caught 25 small fish and took them to market. He sold 10 and brought the rest home. His wife fried the fish for him, their son, and her—a family of three. How many fish did each person eat?

14 Rev. 7 Fa l l 2011 Rev. 7 Fa l l 2011 15

17 Fa l l 2011 l l Fa 7 Rev. Fa l l 2011 l l Fa 7 Rev. 16

need to travel to visit a foreign language area? language foreign a visit to travel to need

will serve your teaching needs. Download PDFs from the JAARS website at www.jaars.org/kidsactivity. at website JAARS the from PDFs Download needs. teaching your serve will

Rev. 7 Rev. Sunday school teachers and homeschooling parents, we hope the Kids’ Page, based on this issue’s issue’s this on based Page, Kids’ the hope we parents, homeschooling and teachers school Sunday articles, be spoken only 10–20 miles down the road. How far do you you do far How road. the down miles 10–20 only spoken be

miles). For many people there, a neighboring language might might language neighboring a there, people many For miles).

(marvelous) things he has done. has he things (marvelous)

(108 living languages in a land area of only 4,700 square square 4,700 only of area land a in languages living (108

So you and I should tell all the people groups about the very big big very the about groups people the all tell should I and you So

Vanuatu is the most language-dense country in the world world the in country language-dense most the is Vanuatu

So/Then you-&-I should tell to all group(of) people about all (the)big work he has made. has he work (the)big all about people group(of) all to tell should you-&-I So/Then

Na yumi mas tokaut long olgeta lain manmeri long ol bikpela wok em i bin mekim. bin i em wok bikpela ol long manmeri lain olgeta long tokaut mas yumi Na

We call (the) name of God and calling out to him we say thank you to him. to you thank say we him to out calling and God of name (the) call We Answers: 1–E, 2–B, 3–F, 4–J, 5–G, 6–A, 7–I, 8–C, 9–H, 10–D

Bible J. meri 10.

You-&-I call name belonging-to God and call-out to him and saying thank-you to him. to thank-you saying and him to call-out and God belonging-to name call You-&-I

rainy season rainy I. tru yu laikim mi 9. Yumi kolim nem bilong Bikpela na singaut long em na tok tenkyu long em. em. long tenkyu tok na em long singaut na Bikpela bilong nem kolim Yumi

I love you love I H. sip bilong boskru 8.

? h s i l g En e k i l d soun s d wor ny ma How

salt G. ren bilong taim 7.

Guinea. New Papua in use people many language common a

God F. solwara 6.

yellow), in translation (literal Here’s 1 Chronicles 16:8 in Tok Pisin Pisin Tok in 16:8 Chronicles 1

ship E. sol 5.

woman (from Mary) (from woman D. Baibel 4.

C. Got 3. crew

island B. ailan 2.

A. sip 1. sea

ANSWERS:1–B, 2–C, 3–A thei ith w s d wor n i s i P Tok the atch M ons: ati nsl a r t h s i l g En r

small islands small C. Polynesia 3.

from different language groups to communicate. communicate. to groups language different from

black islands black B. Micronesia 2. is a language spoken all over Papua New Guinea. It allows people people allows It Guinea. New Papua over all spoken language a is Tok Pisin Pisin Tok

many islands islands many A. Melanesia Melanesia 1.

ons w ons egi r e s the f o s ame n the atch M s. s. g n i n mea r thei ith surface, a much larger area than Earth’s entire landmass! entire Earth’s than area larger much a surface,

The Pacific Ocean covers about one-third of the Earth’s Earth’s the of one-third about covers Ocean Pacific The island the rest of the sick on the the on sick the of rest the came and were cured.” were and came

nesos in Acts 28:9: “When this had happened, happened, had this “When 28:9: Acts in find can You

nesos “nesia,” comes from the Greek Greek the from comes “nesia,” , which means “island.” “island.” means which ,

Micronesia, and Polynesia. The ending of each name, name, each of ending The Polynesia. and Micronesia,

Answer: Africa, Antarctica, and Europe Rim? Pacific

The South Pacific is divided into three regions: Melanesia, Melanesia, regions: three into divided is Pacific South The not Of the seven continents, which are are which continents, seven the Of the on

The South Pacific South The often affected by earthquakes or even tsunamis. tsunamis. even or earthquakes by affected often

Ocean (the Pacific Rim) is full of volcanoes and is is and volcanoes of full is Rim) Pacific (the Ocean

along the edges of continents touching the Pacific Pacific the touching continents of edges the along

tropical storms do batter Pacific islands. The ocean ocean The islands. Pacific batter do storms tropical

“Peaceful Sea” in Portuguese. However, many many However, Portuguese. in Sea” “Peaceful

Mar Pacifico Mar , meaning meaning , it called he winds pleasant

1522. When he reached the ocean and felt the the felt and ocean the reached he When 1522.

expedition to circumnavigate the world in 1519– in world the circumnavigate to expedition

explorer Ferdinand Magellan on a Spanish Spanish a on Magellan Ferdinand explorer

The Pacific Ocean was named by Portuguese Portuguese by named was Ocean Pacific The The Pacific Ocean Pacific The Background: Dreamstime NEwsworthy

The third Kodiak aircraftobtained by JAARS arrived in Papua New Guinea on October 10, 2011.

At Check-IT-Out, learn how computers Kenyan pastors will receive training support Bible trans- in motorcycle driving and main- lation and how you tenance from land transportation can get involved. staff, in partnership with With Open Attend our “Snow Eyes (www.withopeneyes.net)—an Blast” IT winter conference January investment toward future Bible 3–7, 2012, or our Charlotte CIO translation and Scripture distribution. March 15–17, 2012. Details at www.checkitout.org. Achieving Vision 2025—seeing a Bible translation project started in every language that needs one, by 2025—involves people, hundreds of them, serving worldwide. JAARS is seeking talented, committed Christians to fill the following (volunteer or member) staff positions: Public Relations Director: responsible for developing and maintaining an Missions at the Airport events are awareness and positive image of flying your way soon! Join us and JAARS among all public audiences. learn about how aviation serves Artistic Coordinator: facilitates the Bible translation, and more development and creation of various (www.jaars.org/mata): media products for JAARS depart- Oct. 22–23, Moriarty Airport, ments, providing quality control. Moriarty, NM Content and Research Coordinator: Oct. 29–30, Dallas Executive Airport, ensures consistency and excellence of 5303 Challenger Dr., Dallas, TX JAARS messaging. Regional Partner Relations JAARS has recently received Representatives: contact donors by five vehicles as gifts in kind—three telephone, writing, or visits to create airplanes and two boats. Two of the and encourage financial partnerships. airplanes will be sold with proceeds going to our aviation fleet renewal; Telephone Department Manager: the third will serve Bible translation oversees telephone installations, needs in northern Australia. The internal and external. boats will be used for promotion Please contact human_resources_ and training at the JAARS Center. [email protected].

18 Rev. 7 Fa l l 2011 Thank You for praying, giving, and telling others about JAARS and Bible translation. Please send me (check all that apply): Rev. 7 Quarterly magazine highlighting Bible translation worldwide Partner Express Quarterly publication featuring JAARS giving opportunities Prayerline Bimonthly prayer calendar E-Newsletter Monthly e-mails of JAARS news and stories Please contact me with information about: Working or volunteering in the global Bible translation movement Presenting how technology supports Bible translation to my church or group JAARS global project opportunities Including JAARS in my estate or will, or giving non-cash, appreciated assets Bibleless People’s Prayer Project. I want to pray for a Bibleless people group.

Project ID Project title Amount S 6111 Torres Strait Boat for Scripture Use Advance BAM100 Business as Mission Contribute through Combined Federal Campaign 11739

The Alphabet Makers: $20 (includes postage & handling). Allow 4–6 weeks within continental U.S. x $20

TOTAL

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Gifts are fully tax-deductible. Gifts that exceed a project’s need are applied to a similar project. JAARS is a non-profit organization—in partnership with SIL International, the Wycliffe Global Alliance, and other agencies—that supports the global Bible translation movement in the areas of transportation, information technology, and media in local languages.

800-890-0628 | po Box 248 Waxhaw NC 28173 | www.jaars.org “When we see God at work beyond foreseen or planned, there’s asense of awe and anticipation that something great is about to happen.” —Mark Taber, Pacific SIL Area Director Background: Dreamstime

JAARS Inc. PO Box 248 Waxhaw NC 28173-0248 ways we have have we ways