Graduation Ceremonies!

We are excited to celebrate with three of the translation teams as they have completed workshops recently!

Paratext is the software that is used to do the actual translation work on the computer. It is an extremely powerful tool that significantly speeds up the translation process. Recently the Asaro'o translation team attended a two-week workshop that introduced the basics of using Paratext. Praise the Lord with us for providing this training and working to equip this team to do the translation work more effectively.

Steven, Martin and Freddy after the Paratext graduation ceremony

Members of the Madi and Domung translation teams also just graduated from a six-week workshop designed to teach basic computing, English and critical thinking. This was a stretching time for the team members and we are proud of how far each of them have come. Computers are a reality in Bible translation work and so this training is critical for that reason alone. Using English commentaries and Biblical resources and thinking about (and solving) translation problems using critical thinking techniques is also critical for a strong translation. We are thankful for God's provision in teaching these team members these important skills.

Nigai, Nosingke, Mailong, Nangsi, Noel and Simon after the Initial Skills graduation

The Asaro'o team also recently had a chance to have a dedicated work session in the nearby town of Madang. It was a productive time and a great encouragement to see some new people involved in the work that haven't in the past.

Johnson, Martin, Freddy, Paul, Steven, Hildagard and Martha at the end of the work session in Madang town

Construction Trip

I had the opportunity to go to Umboldi for a few days last weekend. The purpose of the trip was to fix up an existing bathroom in the translation house used by the Bible translators and literacy workers. There were several leaks in the pipes and the shower floor was completely broken. I'm happy to report the bathroom is in good working condition again and there is now a solid shower base installed.

We are very thankful for the help of one of our co-workers here in PNG, Brad. He has more experience than me in plumbing related work and was critical to the success of this trip. We even had some spare time at the end of the trip to look at some small engine repairs (Brad has some experience in this area as well).

The work was a blessing to the translation teams but Brad and I were also blessed as we enjoyed the PNG hospitality. It was a special joy to worship with the Gwahatike people on Sunday morning. Sorry, I forgot to get a picture of the worship service.

Enjoy the pictures!

The bathroom after the demolition stage. Sorry, I forgot to take pics of the finished product. You'll have to trust us that we completed the work.

I was able to fix a couple computer problems during the visit as well.

Brad taking part of an engine apart to find out what part is needed.

Hiking down to catch a boat to Madang.

This was my view during the drive from Madang back home to Ukarumpa. Nafian and Brad are smiling a bit too much. :)

Madi Work Session in Madang

The Madi translation team is just finishing up a two week work session in the nearby town of Madang. It is often very beneficial to the work to take the translation team out of the village context and hold a couple weeks of focused work time. This is one of those focused work sessions where they are working on the back translation of Joshua 1-10. It is exciting to see the Word of God being translated and to see the team members grow into their role as translators.

Mark and Mailong working on the back translation of Madi back to English in preparation for checking by a consultant

Some computer issues came up during this particular work session and so I was able to go down to Madang for the day to resolve the problems. This is outside of my regular routine so it was nice to go to a different place and see first hand some of the translation work we help facilitate.

Asaro'o TTC Graduation

We are excited for the Asaro'o language group! A team from the Asaro'o Bible translation program recently completed a six week translator's training course (TTC). This course has taught them basic translation skills and principles and they are now equipped to continue in the work God has called them to. Praise the Lord with us for allowing this translation program to make it this far.

The Asaro'o translation team accepting their certificates.

Ukarumpa Market

We buy all of our produce at a locally supplied market here on the Ukarumpa center. We are so thankful for the fruits and vegetables that are available to us. It is not uncommon for us to come back with 40+ pounds of produce.

Market produce from one of our trips last week!

Gwahatike Work Session in Madang

We just got back from a two week work session in Madang province with the Gwahatike teams. Praise the Lord for a blessed time! Thank you to all those who prayed for this blessing.

We were able to get lots of Bible translation and literacy work done. All of the teams were able to travel in and have now returned home. We had some sickness that came up but overall the team members stayed healthy. Thank you to The Seed Company for funding this work session.

There was a lot of work that got done but there was also a significant benefit to having all of the teams come together. Through the devotional times, worship, prayer and sharing meals the teams from five different language groups encouraged one another. Many realized for the first time that the work of Bible translation that they are involved in is more than just their team. They are part of a larger (even global) team of Bible translators that are working to make God's Word accessible to everyone in a language they understand best. What a blessing it was to see and be a part of this work!

Gwahatike translation team hard at work

Jon helping Martin with a computer problem

We enjoyed blessed times of worship, devotions and prayer each morning

Part of the Domung team

Domung team. What a joy it is to see the scriptures come to life!

Team leader Noel Diru working through some translation work with the Domung team

Domung team considering how to translate a portion of Mark 3

Madi translation team

Asaro'o translation team

The Gwahatike Cluster Bible translation and literacy program

We ate some of our meals with the whole group

Bonus picture. While Nafian was up in Ukarumpa we had the chance to record the book of 1 John in the Gwahatike language. It is now on the phones and Audi Bibles in the Gwahatike area

"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork."

Psalm 19:1

Travel and First Few Weeks

The first few weeks have been busy. Between unpacking, setting up our new house and jumping into our new role, we've had long days. Thank you to all that have been praying for us in transition. We need the prayer support.

The girls are settling in to their new school and making friends again

We are beginning to ramp up in our role in facilitating the Gwahatike translation programs. We have a work session planned for March 23 - April 7 in Madang so please be praying for the teams as they get ready to travel up and plan for how they are going to use that time. We should have 20+ PNG'n translators for this work session.

Here are a few pictures.

In line somewhere in between Toronto and Port Moresby 

Our first view of our home for the next 2 years, Ukarumpa.

Max got a new swing. He will grow into it. :)

Our yard is full of beautiful flowers. One of the perks of living here.

We were able to welcome Jon and Adie Leedahl back to the country.

The Leedahl and Jagt kids reunited again.

In Ukarumpa and Settling In

We have arrived in Ukarumpa, PNG safely with almost all of our bags (the rest should come up on Monday). It was a long trip with the three kids but we all coped quite well. Suitcases, bags and boxes are scattered all around our house but we are content settling in to our new house and beginning this part of the mission in PNG.

We do not have internet access in our house yet so no pics this time, just a brief informational post (we are borrowing internet right now). We should get internet early next week and can send some pics of our journey then.

Thank you to all who prayed for smooth travels. It was evident several times throughout the trip.

“Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.”
Hebrews 13:15

Back to the Mission Field

Where has the time gone! Today we start our journey back to Papua New Guinea! Please pray for us all to be healthy during the flights. We have had some illness in the last couple of weeks. We also covet your prayers for safety and rest during the 4 flights!

The last 9 months here in Canada have been so great. It was wonderful to catch up with our family, friends and church communities.

We will touch base once we have settled in to our new home in Ukarumpa.