Precious Cargo Arrives by Debbie K.

I recently returned from Southeast Asia, my suitcase full of gifts for friends and family, my mind full of good memories, and my heart full of praise for all that God has done. I’ve brought back many mementos of the trip—a Chin necklace, a traditional scarf, pictures of new and old friends. But my most treasured souvenir is a slim black book.

A month before the scheduled dedication ceremony, our BI group still waited for word of this book’s arrival. We had heard it was on its way from the printer and we prayed. We had heard of its progress in transit, and we prayed some more. We had heard it was on the truck for its final destination but the truck had broken down on the way, and we prayed yet again.

The NT arrived on a Monday; we saw them first on Wednesday when Paul brought us five copies to our hotel room. “I was so excited, I couldn’t sleep!” he told us, laughing. “I just put it under my pillow and couldn’t sleep!” If we had not been excited about the dedication service before, his enthusiasm would have been too infectious for us not to be then.

The day of the dedication was December 12, 2009, held simultaneously in six different locations in two different countries. Arriving at the seminary that morning, we could feel the excitement as several young men carried in boxes of the precious books. Gradually, the room filled with those invited to attend, while many key men who were involved in the project were seated on the platform. Above the podium hung a sign. As the service began, it was evident that careful thought and preparation had gone into each part. Dr. Samuel*, the back translator, opened the service and introduced all those who participated. After an opening prayer, Dr. Robert* expressed his joy at the completion of this project and Dr. James* prayed for the work of Bible translation.

Although the main translator, Timothy, was not able to be present at the dedication, Rev. Earl* read a letter written by him for the occasion, thanking the many people who had dedicated time and effort to the work, and giving glory to God for its ultimate completion. BI Translation Consultant Ross gave a heartfelt testimony of how the Lord overcame obstacle after obstacle during the course of the translation process and exhorted those present to use this NT to take God’s Word to the lost. Next, honored statesman Dr. Gary* prayed a prayer of dedication over the NT's, committing them to God’s service. He then cut open the package resting on the table in front of the pulpit, and held up a copy for all to see.

Throughout the course of the dedication, there were many beautiful songs sung both in Chin and in English, all with the Word of God as their theme. In addition, Connie spoke of the linguistic complexities involved in producing a NT, and the Chin Literature Forum presented both her and me with the gift of beautiful plaques thanking us for our help with the Writer’s Handbook, which was used in the editing of the NT. Mrs. Louise*, the translator’s wife, also spoke some words of thanks and presented gifts to those involved in the translation work.

After a closing hymn and a benediction, the attendees excitedly swarmed around the sales table to receive a free copy of the NT and to purchase copies for family and friends. We left soon after, the prospect of packing for our trip home looming before us, but full of joy to have taken part in this dedication service and to be bringing home a tangible reminder of why we do this work. May God be glorified through the NT!