Tesfaye Bekema commenting on the introductory training for Bible translation consultants presented by TWFTW in Ethiopia in February 2012.
Tesfaye was one of the Bible translation students in the first intake of TWFTW’s decentralized training of nationals in 1998. He went on to translate the Bible for his own people, and served as National Director of Translations. He is currently on study leave, working on his Master’s degree.
The Word for the World Bible translators first consultant training in Africa took place in Ethiopia in Feb 2012. 17 students attended the training, manily from Ethiopia. Barry Funnell interviewed Reuben Kabwe on his passion to become a consultant.
This Friday, February 17th, is the memorial service for Dalene Breytenbach. She was the liaison officer of The Word for the World.
We mourn her passing, but rejoice in the fact that we know she is with the Lord. At the same time, we celebrate her life, which was a demonstration of the grace and power of God. If we could speak to her now, we would love to say, “Rest well, comrade in the service of the Word!”
Dalene requested the following poem to be read at her funeral. And when I stamped my feet on the grave
the thumping soon became a dance
and I felt the sadness and the joy
well up in my heart
that life and death
are so close
and in that space
sacredness arises
and the tears that ran down my face
released me to the great mystery of it all.
As always, we thank God for his indescribable grace to allow us, including you, the recipients of this report, to play an important role in the ministry of Bible translation, particularly for the sake of those who do not yet have God’s Word in their heart language.
Please pray for the Gamo, Gofa, and Dawro New Testaments now being printed in Korea to be distributed early next year. Also please pray for the Gofa New Testament currently being recorded by Faith Comes by Hearing, and for the Gamo New Testament’s recording.
Let us pray together that it will be true for these dear nations:
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
On those living in the land of the shadow of death
A light has dawned” (Isaiah 9.2)
GOSPEL OF MARK IN ROMANI CD’s DISTRIBUTED IN VILLAGES
Pierre van Vuuren writes:
"Distribution of the The Gospel of Mark in the Eastern Slovak Romani dialect continued over the holidays. Pierre and the Hlinné Roma youth distributed CD’s wrapped in Christmas paper during evangelistic outings to four area villages (those represented by circles on the above map). In addition, copies are being made and distributed by other missionaries and church leaders.
As the translation team continues to meet weekly, please pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance. We are thankful for the volunteer consulting help of a Greek language instructor from the theological seminary in Banská Bystrica.
OPEN DAY
SATURDAY, 28TH JANUARY, 2012
1:00 TO 4:30 PM
West Hendon Baptist Church
Wilberforce Rd, London, NW9 6AX
A light lunch, Tea, and coffee will be served.
Pastor Ian Christensen will speak on Bible translation and the ministry of prayer (30 min).
Dr Barry Funnell will give a presentation on the work of Bible Translation and feedback of his 1,000 mile hand cycle trip. The book “Operation Jonah” written on the kidnapping of their son while they were working in Malawi, will be on sale.
Dr Regine Koroma and Dr. Melanie Underwood will give an insight into the training of Bible Translators.
There will be a time for prayer and also seeing video clips on the translation ministry.
For further details please contact:
Dr Barry Funnell
Tel 07508920602
email: bfun@twftw.org
Jud Jusell and Teri Sheffield of TWFTW USA holding copies of the newly-published New Testaments in Dawro, Gamo and Gofa.
“Happy are those who… find joy in obeying the Word of the Lord, and they study it day and night” (Psalms 1.2)
November 2011 was a joyous month for three nations in Ethiopia. The New Testament was published in the languages of the Dawro, Gamo and Gofa people!
This was a joint project between The Word for the World and The Seed Company. The translators were all members of the Dawro, Gamo and Gofa nations, who were translating into their own language. They were trained in The Word for the World’s training program, and were assisted by consultants from both organizations.
Ruth Naude teaches at a private school (Penryn) in White River, South Africa. She asked the school Chaplain to explain the importance of Bibles in evangelizing to the children. They were all fired up with the adventure and were right behind Barry. They made banners which read: Every person deserves Bibles in their own language. Please see the photos which were taken during their "Civvies Day" last week. They got together R2 500 for Bible Translation.
"All glory belongs to God for what has been achieved through The Word for the World (TWFTW). Many thanks also to our partners, including other organizations, donors, prayer partners, volunteers and churches. It is a great privilege to be part of the work of the Lord, and to work alongside of a large group of people and organizations, each bringing their own unique contribution to the work.
A special word of appreciation to those who are at the core of what TWFTW does, the Bible translators who toil unabated to bring God’s Word to everyone in his or her own language. Seeing their commitment and perseverance are an inspiration to all of us. An interesting fact worth mentioning is that all of our translators are nationals working in their own languages. We praise God for raising up people who have this vision for their own languages, and for the privilege we have to train and assist them."...
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Let us bring God's Word to all people in their heart language
