While doing our presentations we have had
many questions about the importance of the Bible being in the heart language of
every tribe in Papua New Guinea. One question that seems to come up most often is: "If
the people can speak English why do they need the Bible in their own
language?"
Here is an article that we found that addresses this question quite well.
Why Bother?
Is it worth while translating the Bible into the local language when people use the regional language to visit the neighbouring area and where English and the national language are used in school?
"In the Mayoyao area, definitely yes!" says Barbara Hodder, who worked on the New Testament.
People who can 'get by' in another language may not know it well enough to understand the Bible. One Mayoyao woman was surprised when she started reading John's Gospel in her language. "Before, I hadn't the patience to read in English for even one hour because I couldn't understand. But now that I can read the Mayoyao translation, two hours isn't enough! And I cry so much, I have to keep stopping to pray because it convicts me of all the things I haven't done."
Carmen Sabelo, who worked with Barbara, notices the change. "Whenever I read the Mayoyao Scriptures people respond much more positively. People who learned to read in English and the national language find it hard at first to read the Mayoyao and get meaning from it, so we started reading fluency classes. Now in every class people ask when the New Testament is coming!"
A church leader who used to teach in Ilocano, the regional language, noticed a difference when he switched to Mayoyao. "I realised people weren't listening because they didn't understand. Then my wife taught me Mayoyao and I started using it, but I only had an Ilocano Bible. So I prayed that someone would come and translate it into Mayoyao. God is good. He sent someone from the UK who has spent many years doing it. I can see the translation touches people's hearts. Now I am teaching a reading fluency class and I can see how happy people are to read the translation because they don't need a lot of explanation."
People's enthusiasm will soon be fulfilled. After 14 years' work the New Testament has reached the typesetting stage and an official launch is being planned. One pastor who attended reading sessions that were held to encourage feedback from the wider community said, "At first I didn't really like using the Mayoyao translation, especially since my dialect is different from the main one. But in our church services I found that people were much more attentive, so I am going to keep it up!"
That is the goal--not just another New Testament, but people using it and receiving spiritual life and strength from it.
"...do not be foolish, but
understand what the Lord's will is."
Ephesians 5:17
