|
 Bible translation is a process. To some it is an academic and/or theological challenge, translating from Hebrew or Greek to a target language, proofreading the translation, checking the translated work through back translations, making corrections, proofreading the corrected copy, and continuing the process. To others it is a logistic work of researching and analyzing the language, scheduling, making travel arrangements, funding the costs, and maintaining communication. But to all involved at every level, it is a heart-changing process.
wwwYou see, Bibles International’s translation ministry exists because there are people who need to know Jesus Christ as their Savior. Our ministry is a matter of life and death -- the knowledge of Christ’s life and death, and the knowledge necessary to choose our own eternal life or death. The Gospel is good news, and in order to receive it, people need God’s Word in their language so that they can understand the message of hope that is offered to them. It is with the goal of evangelization and church planting that the work of Bible translation is done.
wwwThe heart of Bible translation is best understood in the words of those working on the front lines in evangelization and church planting. Allow us to share with you some excerpts of their recent reports and letters.
wwFernando and Christy Angeles work in a church-planting ministry with the Tenek Indians in Mexico and are translating the New Testament. They write:
1 Thank you again for faithfully praying. The week of special meetings was so precious. We had a lot of people come for the very first time. And the last two services we had 6 come to Christ for salvation and 2 make public decisions of coming back to the Lord. But it’s not over. Every day somebody comes by the house wanting to hear more of our precious Lord and Savior. Our new believers are being like little babes – they’re drinking up the Word like milk. They often come right before our family devotions just to read with us. Antonio (recently saved) was the one who invited all these young people. “And some seed fell on fertile ground bringing forth much fruit.” Praise the Lord for fruit that remains. What a great God we serve.
wwThe Pemón Indians of southeastern Venezuela have been able to see 21 active churches functioning. Through the missionary work of Robert and Patty Nosker, God has raised up leaders among the Pemón who are carrying on the work of the ministry. Robert recently wrote:
1 Patty and I winged our way to Puerto Ordaz where we would be checking
the book of Acts with Pino [the Pemón translator] and our consultant from Bibles International, Ross Hodsdon. Acts is a large book with over 1000 verses in it, and we had to check over 100 verses each day in order to finish. This is a grueling and, I might add, humbling process as each word, thought, and concept is scrupulously pored over and examined. Though Acts is a narrative and considerably easier to translate than, say, Ephesians, let no one think this book is without its translation difficulties. Over all we did very well; but we realized that we are no exception to the rule that there will be some cleanup to do in many verses. We hope to have the necessary changes made and be ready to print the book of Acts for the Pemón church by mid-July.
wwwOne final word is from Timothy Mang. In addition to translation work, Brother Timothy’s work includes the leadership of a Bible school to train pastors and church leaders, conference preaching, and encouraging missionary outreach in the country of Myanmar. He writes:
1 The reason is, there is not a good Bible in Falam Chin. That is a great problem for the Falam Chin people.
wwwThe heart of the work of Bibles International is the salvation of souls and the establishment of local churches. We covet your prayers and support as we seek to do our part in providing a conservative Bible translation for the millions who still wait for the Gospel.
|
Latest News 
