From Kenya to Papua New Guinea

In his cohort training trip to Kenya, Harold ended up being the only American in his cabin on the Madaraka Express. Somehow, his ticket was for cabin 8 while the other ten on his team were in cabin 5. Although the train ride from Nairobi to Mombasa took nearly five hours, he had no time to remain in his thoughts or take in the views of the African savanna. The friendly Kenyans surrounding him kept him busy with conversation about Kenyan politics, world events, and how God’s Word changes lives.

At one point, Patrick, the Kenyan sitting across from him, pointed out a group of homeless people squatting on the edge of the conservation. It was hard to hear Patrick tell about their economic plight. Even here in America, many of us have driven past bridges and parks where homeless people set up tents and shanties. It’s difficult to see people—God’s image bearers—living without something as essential as a home.

Similarly, it’s difficult to see communities without access to the life-changing Word of God. But most Americans don’t realize that there are still more than 250 million bibleless people without the Scriptures in a language they can best understand.

“How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?” Romans 10:14b

Training in Kenya

One village Harold’s team visited in Kenya is a Muslim community without an established church and only portions of the Bible. There are just a few known Christians among them. Two are Bible translators who trained with the team during the workshop. It’s our prayer that their translation will bring more people to Christ.

The bibleless Kenyan village

During the trip, Harold’s cohort learned several strategies that are used when drafting oral translations for non-literate people. They also observed and participated in conversations where mother tongue translators wrestled with how to best translate phrases and ideas into their language so they are clear, accurate, and natural.

Overall, the team saw how Bible translation works at nearly every level—from meeting leaders of the national translation organization, to interacting with local translators and consultants, to visiting a small village and church that will use the translated Bible. Harold found the trip to be encouraging and affirming regarding our call to Bible translation.

Working through Deuteronomy with local translators

Preparing for Papua New Guinea

For several months, we’ve been praying and seeking guidance from our leadership about where to serve. While many of you were waiting in prayer along with us, we believe God was opening specific doors in Papua New Guinea (PNG). With more than 850 languages, PNG is the most linguistically diverse country in the world. The vast majority of its languages don’t have a complete Bible translation, and more than 350 of them don’t even have a translation project started.

Initially, Wycliffe thought we might be placed in Madang along the north coast of PNG, but conversations between our Convergence leaders and local Papuan leaders led them to recognize the strategic value of having us live in Milne Bay province at the southeastern tip of PNG. The current plan is for us to be based in Alotau, the capital of Milne Bay, occasionally traveling to some of the outer islands in the wider area. We will serve alongside local leaders and translators assisting in training, giving exegetical support and feedback, and helping with technology.

Alotau, PNG is 8500 miles from our home in Indiana

June 12–22 we are taking a pre-move trip to Alotau while A’zalea and Andrew remain stateside with family. One of Wycliffe’s leaders will be there to introduce us to people we will be serving with, and some local church leaders have invited us to a celebration on a nearby island. We will also look at housing, explore school options, and make additional plans so we can thrive during our relocation.

Prayer & Praise

Prayer:

• Opportunities to relate and build relationships on our pre-move trip
• Unity of heart and mind with the team in Alotau
• Wisdom as we navigate a major move (We need to be out of our house July 31)

Praise:

• God’s care: He is making our pre-move trip possible.
• God’s provision: Someone from our church is moving into our house in Indiana.
• God’s goodness: Our Andrew made a profession of faith and we see evidence that God is working in his heart.

Thank you for “going with us” through prayer, encouragement, finances, and advocacy. This is something we cannot do alone and wouldn’t want to.

Because many are still waiting, Harold, Justine, A’zalea, & Andrew