Software Project: Training Administration Program

This is the second in a series of posts describing the software development projects I am involved with. Check out the previous post for more background information.

The mission center that we live in (Ukarumpa) also has a fairly substantial training center. This training center is a joint effort between SIL-PNG and BTA and comes under the name Pacific Institute of Languages, Arts and Translation (PILAT). Many courses are offered here ranging from translation principles, Biblical languages to basic and more advanced computer skills.

A couple years ago PILAT was having trouble organizing the information on who attended each of the workshops and the language that each student was associated with. I developed a simple application to keep track of all of this data and also to provide meaningful reports based on that data.

The application has evolved into a scheduler, emailer and is now beginning to get into the quotation/billing side of things as well! It's exciting to see something that I built being used from day-to-day to keep one of the critical parts of our mission running efficiently. Training is core to our work as we seek to equip our co-workers for the Bible translation work God has called them to.

Software Project: Language Program Management

My main role working with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Papua New Guinea is to manage the Gwahatike Bible Translation and Literacy program. This program involves four language groups and roughly 25-30 Papua New Guinean co-workers. As you can imagine, this part of my job keeps me quite busy. The field organization that we work with requires me to have a part-time role as well unrelated to my primary assignment. For me, this part-time role is as a software developer.

I often don't have the chance to tell about the projects I'm involved in with this part-time role since our presentations are mostly related to the Bible translation work. Occasionally I'm asked questions about this but am unsure of how much people really want to learn about the projects. This is the first of a series of blog posts to fill in some of that information for those interested to know this side of the work.

When I first began working as a language program manager back in 2013 I immediately recognized that there was too much information being thrown at me and I couldn't remember it and/or keep it all straight in my head. With six people communicating key information and making requests to me on a daily basis I needed to have somewhere to put all of that information. I started using spreadsheets. One for income and expenses in the program, one for personnel information, one for equipment tracking and one for workshops. Right away I realized I had to keep receipts for all of the expenses and so I devised a folder structure on my computer where I could store these and (hopefully) find them back when I needed them.

The system worked but it was cumbersome and prone to error. Pretty soon I came to that "there must be a better way" moment. Then I realized I'm a programmer :). I should write a program that brings all of those moving pieces into one place. And so the first version of LPM was started. I continued to grow the application as I discovered new helpful things that I could add.

Around 2016 it attracted some attention from other people working on language programs as well as from some other organizations. Unfortunately I had built the app in such a way that it was specifically useful for how the Gwahatike language program was organized and less useful for alternative ways of organizing the management work for a language project. Through discussions I realized that if I wanted to make this more broadly usable I had to start over. This was the first rewrite.

At this time, this version of the LPM app is being used by several other language programs in Papua New Guinea.

Recently there has been some requests for the LPM app from other branches/countries. Right away I realized that another rewrite was needed in order to allow for other countries to use LPM.

A new version is in production right now which I've renamed 2723. The name comes from Proverbs 27:23 "Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds". This new app supports any culture in the world and also can handle any combination of currencies (and the conversion between them). Another significant change was to store all files/receipts/reports in Google Drive in order to keep the database size down to a manageable size. It also communicates with Google Contacts and Google Mail in order to provide other useful services from within the 2723 app. All of this will be hosted in the cloud so that anyone in the world will be able to use it if they have an internet connection.

This has been a focus project for me during this furlough. As you can imagine, building an app of this size and distribution is a challenge for one person to do on their own. If you are interested in helping with this project I would love to talk. Some of the types of help I'm recruiting for are:

• Tester - once the first version of the 2723 app is available I need people to try to break it
• Graphics Artist - the app requires icons and images to make it look nice
• Website Dev - a simple static website is needed to tell basic information about 2723 and where to download it
• Help Documentation/Videos - some form of quick start help and/or help documentation or videos are needed
• .NET C# Developer - I could potentially provide some smaller self-contained projects for a single developer to work on part-time. The project is up on github.

Gwahatike Survey Trip

Jon had the chance to visit many of the Gwahatike language villages along with part of the language survey team here in PNG recently. It was about one week long and ten villages were visited.

The purpose of the trip was to evaluate how much the existing completed Gwahatike New Testament is being used. We also identified the barriers that prevent the people from using the Gwahatike NT. We did this by doing one-on-one interviews as well as facilitating community discussions in each of the villages we visited.

We now have more strategic ways to engage with the Gwahatike community in this area. It was also encouraging to see new initiatives started by the people in the community over the last month related to vernacular scripture use!

Enjoy the pictures!

Jon giving some pointers to the pilot ;)

The team after we landed at the Saidor airstrip

We hiked each day for at least a couple hours exploring this beautiful area of God's creation

One of the community discussions held in Umboldi village

Another community discussion in Mulumyang village. The different papers on the ground give a visual of what the community is discussing and give a good picture of particularly the barriers that exist to using the Gwahatike NT

Group shot including the language survey team and the main local guides

Steering Committee Workshop

We recently helped run a workshop in Madang town. The workshop helped to establish or strengthen local steering committee's to direct the work of language development and Bible translation. It was attended by seven language groups from the Madang and Morobe provinces including the three languages we work in within the Gwahatike Multi-Language Project.

Local ownership is a critical piece of a successful Bible translation project. Often times it is difficult for the translation team to give ownership over to the community. Even if all of the right attitudes are present in the translation team there needs to be some structure brought into the relationship between the translation team and the broader community they are serving. The local steering committee (or local language board) fills this role.

It was a successful workshop with all of the teams leaving with an action plan for how they were going to support Bible translation in their context.

Jon taught some of the modules

Group photo of teachers and students

Ministry Update

You may not have heard many updates about the Gwahatike translation programs on this blog but the teams have been very busy over the past months. It is an exciting time as we look forward to reaching some of the goals that we set more than two years ago! We had set as a goal two years ago to complete and print the gospel of Mark in each of the Domung, Madi and Asaro'o languages. This was an ambitious goal especially when you consider the investment that we put into training of the translation teams members. These next four months are going to be busy as we try to reach this goal before mid-August.

As we continue to work towards these goals we had a work session in Madang town in which all of the teams were able to attend. Myself and one of our colleagues went to Madang for two weeks and we had two teams come at a time to work with each of us. I trained the teams on how to use Paratext more effectively (this is the main program used on the computer to do the translation work). While I worked with one team, the other team worked with this experienced translator who was able to advise them on how to do the translation work and do some adviser level checking of the scriptures.

Madi translation team during Paratext training

Domung team during the Paratext workshop

Group photo with the Madi and Asaro'o translation teams

Asaro'o translation team hard at work

During this work session we also had a new team come from the Gwahatike language area (the original language to have Bible translation done). The Gwahatike New Testament was published in 2000. Since then, the translation work has not continued as the team members focused on helping their neighboring language groups translate the Bible. We are now exploring the possibility of starting new translation work in the Gwahatike language, possibly portions of the Old Testament.

Gwahatike team reviewing a portion of Genesis

"And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.""

Luke 24:5-7

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.

Full Funding, Tickets Booked!

Thank you to all those who have partnered with us in the work of Bible translation in Papua New Guinea. We have reached full funding! Thank you also to all those who have prayed for full funding for our family. We feel blessed and encouraged.

We have booked our flights to leave Canada on February 2nd and arrive in Ukarumpa on February 5th. We are so excited about returning to our work in PNG!

We are so encouraged in the work knowing that so many people have joined, in partnership with our family, to serve Bible translation in PNG.

"Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord;

    let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.

Let us come before him with thanksgiving

    and extol him with music and song."

Psalm 95:1-2

Fundraising Update

The 7 months that we have been in Canada have gone by quickly and January is coming soon! It is still our goal to leave for Papua New Guinea in mid January. 

Thank you to all those who have invited us in to your Bible studies, homes and churches in order to share about our work. We are thankful for all of the partners that have come alongside us to support Bible translation through our family. However, we are still in need of $950 per month. 

If you would like to help us reach full funding and get our family back to PNG by January we would love to hear from you.

We again are humbled by the support we have received and have learned about patience and trusting in God's timing over these past months.

"For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. As the Scriptures say

“People are like grass;

their beauty is like a flower in the field.
The grass withers and the flower fades.

But the word of the Lord remains forever.”"

1 Peter 1:23-25a quoting from Isaiah 40:6-8 NLT

Visas Are Approved!

Our PNG work visa's are approved! We are thankful to the Lord for blessing the renewal process so quickly. At first we were a little worried that we wouldn't make it before the Christmas break but have plenty of time to spare.

Now our only hurdle before returning to PNG in January is our monthly partnership level. Currently we are at 82%. Please pray for new partners to join us and that it would all come together in God's timing.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."

Ephesians 2:8-9

Call to Prayer: Translation Work Time

It is an exciting time for the Gwahatike translation programs. Starting this Thursday some of the teams that are part of the Gwahatike cluster are coming together for a dedicated work time. Often times it is difficult to get the translation work done while living in a remote village. There is no electricity, running water and there are many responsibilities that each of the translation team members have while living in their home village. The teams can get a lot of work done through focused work time at a place near or in town. Coming together as like-minded workers from different language groups can also be a real encouragement for everyone involved.

This Thursday one of these two week work times is starting near the town of Madang. Please pray for the teams as they travel to town for safety on the roads (and boats) as they go. Also pray for the time itself. It will be for two weeks.

 

 

Part of the translation teams that will be attending the upcoming work sessions

"From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."

Ephesians 4:16

Fundraising Blitz!

We have taken care of the major tasks we had for this furlough: Jon took a course at CANIL to prepare for the new assignment. We took care of most of the medical attention our little family needed. We had a beautiful little boy, Max. We planned for, purchased and shipped items to Papua New Guinea that we were in need of for the coming work term. And a week of vacation with family, which we very much enjoyed.

When you combine these things with managing the Gwahatike translation programs for a couple hours per day we have been quite busy. We've tried to raise funds but with the summer holidays here in Canada and our busyness, it hasn't been our main focus. Now it is time to focus on partnership development.

Because the organization we work with in PNG runs in US dollars all of our funds need to be converted from CAD to USD. With the current exchange rate, that is not helpful. So we find ourselves having to raise 25% of our current budget in committed monthly donations before we are able to return to PNG.

We really want to get back to PNG and help the Gwahatike, Madi, Muratayak, Domung and Asaro'o translation teams be successful. Could you help to enable us to return to the field and continue the work we have been called to? We would like to leave for PNG in mid-January to begin another 2 year term in PNG and so are trusting the Lord to provide monthly partnerships in the next month or two so that we can book our flights within a comfortable time frame. We are not allowed to book flights until we are 100% supported.

We would love to be able to share with you about the work we are involved in. Reach out to us with any question you might have. Or if you would be interested in hosting a presentation with your friends or maybe with your Bible study or small group, we would be very interested to hear from you. The best way to initially contact us is by email: jon_jagt@wycliffe.ca

 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4-7

Road Trip

We were recently blessed with a wonderful vacation to Myrtle Beach with Jon’s immediate family. It was so nice to be with his family for a whole week, especially Jon’s younger sister Nikki who we hadn’t seen yet. 

 

 

 

On our way to the Beach we made a couple of stops to break up the drive. One of our stops was to visit with some friends that also work in PNG and are on furlough in Boone, North Carolina. It was really nice to catch up with them. The drive through the mountains was so beautiful. What a majestic creator we serve! 

Another stop was in Waxhaw, North Carolina. We visited the JAARS center there and dropped of our shipment to be sent to PNG and met up with some more friends who we also met in PNG. Click here to learn about how JAARS serves the missions community.

Now that we are back in Burlington, we are ready to focus mainly on raising the remainder of our support in order for us to return to our assignments in PNG. We have about 25% of our monthly budget yet to raise. We would love to connect with anyone who is interested in supporting us both prayerfully and financially. If this is something that God has put on your heart, you can contact us by email or phone. We love sharing how the Lord is working in Papua New Guinea through Bible transation!

“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is

your name in all the earth!”

Psalm 8:9