Wycliffe Bible Translators

[wycliffeuk]

Prayer Focus Bulletin 2018-01-21

Language development with health focus: Asia

Praise God for the good start to language development research* for a language in Asia. The facilitator for the project would like to produce a simple grammar and phonology and finish his study of the socolinguistic situation by May. He also plans to begin with literacy materials that focus on medical issues. As they learn to read and study the materials, people will learn how to improve their health. Pray that he find people to work with him on this project. Ask God to help him develop materials that are easy to read, while also communicating health principles.

*Before beginning language development activities, it is helpful to do research on the language structure, vocabulary and use by different groups in the society.

Training translation consultants: Southeast Asia

Pray for the Translation Consultant Development* Workshop, planned for late January and early February. Ask God to give the participants adequate time to prepare ahead of the workshop. Pray for safety as they travel to the training location and later go to remote locations to check Scriptures translated by different translation teams. Pray for the training staff and mentors who will work with these new trainees. Pray that many of these trainees become well-qualified consultants.

*Translation consultants review translated Scripture for completeness, accuracy and naturalness. The training involves two weeks of classroom sessions, followed by three or four sessions during the following two years doing the consulting while being monitored by an experienced consultant.

Preparing Luke: Gabon

Praise God that translation teams are progressing well on the linguistic study needed for eight languages in Gabon. This is to prepare for the translation and checking of the book of Luke over a three year period. The translation teams have assignments to collect some stories in each of these languages before their February workshop. Having good narrative stories will help them as they prepare to translate the narratives about Jesus in Luke. Pray for the staff of the workshop as they prepare e-readers with translation helps for the team members before their time together.

New Testament drafted: Southeast Asia

Praise God that the New Testament for a regional language is completely drafted. Pray for the translation team as they meet with consultants to finish the checks* to approve it for publication. Pray that the team and consultants will work well together as they check parallel passages in different books and review the use of key vocabulary. A liturgy and song book for this language is ready for publication. Ask God for a smooth publication process and that the book can be widely distributed.

*Consultant check: A translation consultant thoroughly goes over the translation with the team, checking for accuracy, clarity and naturalness, and looking for omissions, extraneous thoughts or possible misconceptions.

Almost ready to publish: Asia

Praise God that a New Testament is almost ready for publication in a language of Asia. Ask God to strengthen the team doing the final read-through and revisions. Pray for the study group members who are using the translated Scriptures to grow in their understanding. Ask God to expand the number and membership of these groups, especially in new areas of the language community. Pray for the facilitator for this project, as his time is now divided between translation and an administrative role.

New Testament celebration: Southeast Asia

Pray for the New Testament celebration planned for February 2 for a major regional language. Thank God for the Scripture engagement activities that have preceded this event. Pray for local people with a heart to pray for God to use the Scriptures in the lives of His people. Pray that the celebration committee can find and designate a Scripture engagement coordinator to encourage use of the published and audio New Testament. Ask that God’s Word will strengthen and encourage many believers in this region.

Developing Christ-centered rituals: South Asia

Praise God for the church leaders who are studying rituals in their own community for life-events like birth, death, marriage and house building. They are reviewing what they have found and are working to develop appropriate and meaningful Christian forms of ritual. For example, in their traditional culture when a house is built, people perform specific rituals to keep spirits from bringing a curse on the village. The Christians do not want to worship the spirits, so they are working on rituals which bless the home and show Christ's power over the spirits. Appropriate Christ-centered rituals will relieve the fears of their neighbors. Pray for wisdom for these leaders.

from Prayer Focus Bulletin http://ift.tt/2mVBEcb

[wycliffeuk]

A young boy holds two goats.

You are never too young or too old to follow God’s call.

Beatriz and Marcos were very young when they knew that God was leading them into Bible translation. Beatriz was only 13 years old and Marcos was 16 when they began their training at Horizontes America Latina.

Horizontes is a Brazilian organisation that is training students to serve God cross-culturally. It was founded by David Botelho, who believes that the potential of young people has been untapped by the church. “This is a new generation of missionaries who will revolutionize the world.”

Beatriz and Marcos are now living in Central Asia. They are learning the language and customs of the community they have come to serve.

“There are things I can only express in my own language. So I feel that people should have the same privilege that I have. Someone did it for us, so why not do it for someone else? I don’t picture myself doing anything else. I love it. It’s hard. But it’s good – it’s beautiful,” says Marcos.

They know that this is a lifelong commitment. But they are ready. They’ve been preparing for this very thing for most of their lives already.

Read more about Beatriz and Marcos here. (Available in English only)

Read more about Horizontes America Latina’s training program here.

Photo: Marc Ewell | Words: Elaine Bombay

From Wycliffe Global Alliance Inspiring Image, http://ift.tt/2DboIGd

[wycliffeuk]

Prayer Focus Bulletin 2018-01-14

Ivatan New Testament Launched: Philippines

Praise God for the safe delivery of 1,600 reprinted Ivatan New Testaments to Batanes, Philippines in 2017. Launched on December 9, the volume includes portions of Psalms and the book of Proverbs. Over 1,000 Ivatan JESUS Film DVDs have been distributed, with more requested. Pray that the additional DVDs will be available soon. Pray that many Ivatan speakers will read and use these Scripture materials and grow in their knowledge of Him. Ask God to use His Word to touch hearts so that more Ivatan people will become followers of Jesus.

Celebrating the Lugungu New Testament: Uganda

November 17, 2017 marked the launching of the Lugungu New Testament in Uganda. Give praise that the books arrived in time for the celebration. Rejoice in God’s faithfulness to the translation team who finished this work in their lifetime. Pray that people in the church and community will read and use the New Testament. Pray that they will grow stronger in their faith. Ask God to use his Word to transform lives and bring lasting unity among the community. (Adapted from the Wycliffe USA Finish Line. Click here for more information about the Lugungu people.)

Northern East Cree Scriptures: Canada

Give praise that copies of the Northern East Cree New Testament arrived in the community of Whapmagoostui (Great Whale River) on the Hudson Bay in Canada in 2017. This translation began in 2006 and faced unique challenges, including the deaths of two gifted mother-tongue translators. God graciously provided additional translators. Working together, the team and the Canadian Bible Society typeset and published the New Testament. Scripture distribution started during the inauguration of a newly-elected Grand Chief, the leader of all Northern East Cree communities. The adult children of the first Cree translator presented New Testaments to the Grand Chief and other dignitaries. Pray that the New Testament will be widely distributed. Pray that many people will be drawn to the Lord as they read and study the Scriptures. (Adapted from the Wycliffe USA Finish Line.)

Preparing Lezgi Scriptures for publication: Russian Federation

The team of Lezgi translators in the Russian Federation has worked diligently to prepare the New Testament for publication by the Institute for Bible Translation. This is an intense time for each person involved. One critical need is for a second exegetical advisor*. Pray for the current advisor who needs wisdom and endurance for this demanding work. Intercede for the translation consultant** who helps with exegetical checks in addition to her consulting role. Pray that the Lezgi people will soon have access to the New Testament in their language. 

* An exegete is someone who ensures faithfulness of the translation to the biblical text.

**A translation consultant thoroughly goes over the translation with the team, checking for accuracy, clarity and naturalness, and looking for omissions, extraneous thoughts or possible misconceptions.

Typesetting the Waran New Testament: Papua New Guinea

The final consultant check* of the Waran New Testament was completed in late 2017. The translators and a design consultant then began the complex typesetting process. Ask the Lord to fill the team with perseverance, clear minds and wisdom. They will spend many hours examining the text, looking for errors, making corrections and adding page formatting, pictures and footnotes. The translators and the typesetter will review the document multiple times before the final copy is ready for printing. Pray for a trouble-free typesetting and printing process. Pray for effective Scripture engagement activities so that the Waran people of Papua New Guinea will be well-equipped to read and use the New Testament when it arrives. (Adapted from the Wycliffe USA Finish Line.)

*Consultant check: A translation consultant thoroughly goes over the translation with the team, checking for accuracy, clarity and naturalness, and looking for omissions, extraneous thoughts or possible misconceptions.

Fa d’Ambu translation progress: Equatorial Guinea, Spain

Pray for the Fa d’Ambu followers of Jesus who live on Annobón Island in Equatorial Guinea. Give praise that nearly every person on the island who owns a cellphone has downloaded the audiovisual Scripture app of the book of Jonah in Fa d’Ambu. Last year the translation team met all of their goals. They completed the draft translation of the New Testament. The team also published and recorded a Bible-based AIDS educational book. Pray that the Scripture contained in the booklet will be effective in educating people about this topic. Give thanks for the immediate positive response from viewers as the AIDS cellphone app became available to many hundreds of mother-tongue speakers. (Adapted from the Wycliffe USA Finish Line. Click here for more information about the Fa d’Ambu people.)

Five new Translation projects: Democratic Republic of the Congo

Praise God that in September 2017, five new translation projects were launched in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Pray for the Bali, Bila, Bhele, Mba and Vanuma Bible translation team members. Ask God to protect and guide them as they translate His Word. Recently, they met together to plan their activities for the fiscal year. Pray for faithfulness for each team member as they learn more about their roles and responsibilities. Pray that the people on these teams will encourage one another as they translate the New Testament into their languages. Pray that the local funding initiatives and the external funding from partnerships will be sufficient for expenses each month.

from Prayer Focus Bulletin http://ift.tt/2msIkOE

[wycliffeuk]

Wycliffe Romania staff member Zoltán Barabás discovered that God was calling him to use his Scripture engagement training in his home country. <br />

From the Wycliffe Global Alliance Wycliffe.net - the latest articles

[wycliffeuk]

A Naro woman drinks from a community water source in Botswana, Africa.

Located in southern Africa, Botswana is well-known for its wilderness and wildlife. The landlocked country boasts one of the largest elephant populations in the world, and its safari-based tourism draws many people to its national parks and game reserves. But perhaps Botswana’s most impressive natural feature is the Kalahari Desert.

From vast areas blanketed by red-brown sands to large tracts of grass-covered dunes, the Kalahari Desert covers up to 70 percent of Botswana’s land surface. And though it supports more animals and plants than many other deserts, surface water is scarce. Even its name, Kalahari, is derived from words in a local language that mean “the great thirst” and “a waterless place.”

In Botswana, people drill deep holes to access the groundwater they depend upon. But to satisfy their spiritual thirst, Bible translation is necessary. Only through heart-language Scripture will they be able to drink deeply from the living water of God’s Word.

Anton, a Batswana man, remembers the day that he first heard the Word of God in his own language. “That day, the preacher read a verse from the Bible that I understood,” said Anton. “From there I left the old life and followed the new life.”

Watch a video (in English) that shows how God prepared Anton for the coming of his Word.

View pictures of the Naro community of Botswana, celebrating their New Testament translation in 2012.

Photo: Zeke du Plessis | Words: Jon Bilbro

From Wycliffe Global Alliance Inspiring Image, http://ift.tt/2EoW711

[wycliffeuk]

Prayer Focus Bulletin 2017-12-31

Bibles detained in customs: West Asia

A newly-translated Bible in a language of West Asia was launched in July. Due to active interest in the Scriptures, the initial shipment of books flown in for the launch was sold out. The main shipment of Bibles that came by sea has been held up in customs for many months. Pray for it to be released and that the Bibles will soon arrive in the language area. Pray for continued hunger for the Scriptures in this language community.

Literacy classes in winter: Asia

Each year, people in a language community in a mountainous region of Asia are isolated in their villages by heavy snowfall during the winter months. The literacy team uses this time to distribute new stories, hold reading classes and host an annual reading competition. The competition is so popular that five more villages asked to join this year. One literacy worker presented 30 copies of the translated book of Proverbs to each of the village leaders in one area. The leaders received and appreciated the books. Pray for a literacy worker who travels in the mountains during the winter to distribute literacy materials. Pray for safety, especially when the worker travels through the areas of other cultural groups

Holiday opportunities: Global

The celebration of religious holidays can provide opportunities for language workers to share as well as learn from the people in the language communities where they serve. Eating holiday foods together, talking about the significance of various traditions, and sharing the history of the holiday are ways to start conversations about faith. Pray that translation teams around the world will have opportunities to share their faith during the Christmas holidays. Pray they and the people they serve will grow in understanding and respect as they learn from each other.

JESUS Film testing: South Asia

A single-voice recording of the JESUS Film has been completed in one language of South Asia. Testing is now going on among speakers of various dialects of this language. Please pray that the recording would be widely understood and that those involved in testing would have a definitive answer regarding the use of language. Once testing is complete, actors will be recruited and a multi-voiced recording done of the film. Pray that this process can continue to move forward without obstacles.

Board meeting: Solomon Islands

Pray for the Board of Bible Translation Literacy Partnership Solomon Islands. They plan to come together to discuss and provide direction for the organization. The Director, Pastor Andrew Fanasia needs additional assistance to manage his heavy workload. The lack of finances and key personnel has been a major and ongoing challenge. Ask the Lord to strengthen the Board members so that they can assist Pastor Fanasia in seeking ways to address these challenges. Ask the Lord to help him and his wife to maintain focus and trust on the Lord despite these challenges.

Illustrated Bible for children: Philippines

Pray for the completion of "Bible Comics," an illustrated Bible for children project. Pray that it will be printed and ready for community use during the National Bible Week in the Philippines in January 2018. It will be available in these languages: Kinamayu, Guinaang Kalinga, Gaddang, Ginsalugen Subanen and Tinonanon Manobo. Pray that the hearts of both children and parents will be ready to hear the Gospel and respond in faith.

Gaddang Project: Philippines

Gaddang is a language spoken in Isabela and Nueva Vizcaya in the Philippines. The translation team just finished the community checking of the books Matthew, Mark and Luke from the New Testament. Pray that the back translations* will be completed in time for consultant checking**. Pray for their consultants, Alfred and Racquel Mijares, as they also take care of other consultancy tasks in other languages. Pray for wisdom, insight and good health for God's kingdom use.

*Back translation: A back-translation is the result of translating drafts of vernacular scripture back into a language that the translation consultant understands and can use to check for omitted or extraneous material, or possible misconceptions.

**Consultant check: A translation consultant thoroughly goes over the translation with the team, checking for accuracy, clarity and naturalness, and looking for omissions, extraneous thoughts or possible misconceptions.

from Prayer Focus Bulletin http://ift.tt/2CtZ4ww

[wycliffeuk]

A Hindu priest poses for a portrait in Kathmandu.

Nepal is famous for its highest mountain, Everest. Did you know this landlocked country is also home to eight of Earth’s tallest mountains, as well as tropical lowlands, and over 6000 rivers?

Let the rivers clap their hands,     let the mountains sing together for joy; let them sing before the Lord,     for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness     and the peoples with equity.

Psalm 98:8-9 (NIV)

Watch a short video call to prayer for Nepal.

Photo: Marc Ewell | Text: Elaine Bombay

From Wycliffe Global Alliance Inspiring Image, http://ift.tt/2yMtjeI

[wycliffeuk]

Prayer Focus Bulletin 2017-12-17

Christmas in Community: Global

Pray for Bible translators around the world who will spend Christmas in the language communities where they work together with the people to translate God’s Word. Pray that God will provide rich opportunities for sharing the love of Jesus and the story of His coming to earth. Ask that some people will hear the Christmas story for the first time. Pray that wherever the Gospel is proclaimed in this season, people will accept it and believe in Jesus. Pray that the gift of eternal life will be received by many people this Christmas.

How many languages?: Gabon

The Ethnologue lists about 40 indigenous languages for the country of Gabon. Many of these have not been studied thoroughly. Some of the languages may be related. At a recent workshop, participants discovered that one language, spoken by only a few people, was very similar to a neighboring language. Pray for the linguists who will study the linguistic and cultural situations of these languages. Ask God to show them how many Bible translations will be needed. Pray that the translators working in three languages will know which dialect will be the best to use for the Bible translations already underway.

Graduation from CILTA: Global (follow-up)

In Lima, Peru, the CILTA students graduated from their intensive year of linguistics and translation study on December 13. Pray for them as they return to their respective countries, communities and churches.  Pray for their pastors and other church and sending agency leaders to come alongside them during this time to assist them in making decisions regarding future service. Ask God to provide for their financial, emotional and spiritual needs.

Annual vision trip: Japan

Wycliffe Japan conducts annual vision trips for Japanese youth. The vision trips highlight Bible translation projects in the Philippines. The next trip is from March 15 to 29, to the Ifugao community in the Philippines. Please pray for the coordinators, Takashi Fukuda and Hiroe Kanetsugu, as they prepare the logistics of the trip and as they process the applications. Pray for the applicants to have hearts that are ready to catch the vision for Bible translation. Pray for safety and protection as the team travels.

Directions for Bible translation: Indonesia

Key leaders in the Bible translation movement of Indonesia will be meeting in mid-January to look at the current situation of Bible translation in Indonesia and to plan for the future. They hope to focus on working together as the body of Christ. Please pray for God's wisdom, direction, unity, peace, and rest for the people attending this meeting. Pray for the leader of this initiative, his wife and their two small children. He is very busy with preparations for the event and needs to travel away from home to the location of this meeting.

The Bible in Suriname Javanese: Suriname

Praise God that the project to adapt the Indonesian Javanese Old and New Testaments into Suriname Javanese is nearing the finish line. Pray for the translation team and reviewers. One reviewer had heart surgery and is recovering. Another has been ill for a year. Both continue to contribute. The consultant checks* of each book were completed this year. The manuscript is with the Korean Bible Society for typesetting. Pray that the format and layout will be easy for people to read and use. Pray for the literacy and Scripture engagement activities in progress. Ask that many more people will be prepared to read the Bible in their heart language.

*Consultant check: A translation consultant thoroughly goes over the translation with the team, checking for accuracy, clarity and naturalness, and looking for omissions, extraneous thoughts or possible misconceptions.

Developing leadership: Tonga

Praise the Lord for the successful "Boards Moving Forward" training that was conducted on 24-25 November for the board of the Bible Translation Organization Tonga (BTOT). Half of the board members attended. This is a good indication of commitment to the development of the organization. BTOT is seven years old now and is in the process of developing its capacity. There is great potential in encouraging the church both in Tonga and the diaspora to rally behind the ministry to build and strengthen the work. This training has added value to the organization’s development and encouraged the board and the staff to continue to develop the organization.

from Prayer Focus Bulletin http://ift.tt/2BkrkkQ

[wycliffeuk]

[Abridged Article] Kartidaya, a Wycliffe Global Alliance organization in Indonesia, is working to connect the passion of Indonesian followers of Jesus with the more than 700 language communities in their country without the Word of God in their language.

From the Wycliffe Global Alliance Wycliffe.net - the latest articles

[wycliffeuk]

Prayer Focus Bulletin 2017-12-10

Kairos course: Tonga

Praise the Lord for the 26 people who participated in the two Kairos courses in Tonga last month. Their testimonies at the end of the two courses revealed how marvelously God worked in their minds and hearts. They are moving to accept responsibility for fulfilling their role in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). Ask the Lord for courage for them to take the next steps of reaching out to the people groups of the world who still have no viable church where they can hear the Gospel proclaimed.

Literacy training for the Barai: Papua New Guinea

Thirty-five literacy teachers from ten Barai villages attended a “Train the Trainers” workshop in Itokama village, Papua New Guinea in August. The purpose of this workshop was to help participants teach people to read and write their Barai language with fluency and understanding. They enjoyed working together and learning from each other. Ask the Lord to help them as they apply the knowledge and skills learned in their villages. Pray that this will encourage the people to use the Scripture available in the Barai language. The Barai New Testament was launched in 2000. Translation of the Old Testament is in progress.

Weh translation progress: Cameroon

Praise God that sixty percent of the Weh translation of the New Testament is complete. Pray that this progress will inspire the translation team in Cameroon to press on and to overcome any hurdles that they may face. An inter-church committee oversees the Bible translation work. Pray that a new workflow system will help the Weh translation team to achieve the translation goals they set for the New Year. Pray for the growth of the church and for local pastors and church leaders as they use the translated Scriptures that are available. People in the community are raising money to support literacy teachers. Ask God to provide a generous outpouring of funds, for many classes to be formed, and that many people will learn to read and write and read God’s Word. (Click here to read more.)

Translating and reading the Scriptures: Burkina Faso

The Bissa Barka people of Burkina Faso desire to complete the translation of the New Testament in their language by 2020. The Gospels of Mark and Luke are translated. Pray for the distribution of these Scriptures and that God will use them to transform many lives and grow the Bissa Barka church. Many Bissa Barka people rejoice that they can now read and write in their own language. Pray for literacy centers to open in more villages so more people can learn to read and write and read the Scriptures. Ask God to provide the funds needed for the project. Pray for the additional staff and office space needed for the translation team. (Click here to read more.)

Folopa translation progress: Papua New Guinea

Praise the Lord for the new group of people that the Lord brought together to continue Old Testament translation work in the Folopa language in Papua New Guinea. Four years ago the lead translator, Oliver Kasa, passed away. Since then six people, including five pastors, have continued the translation work Oliver began. Praise the Lord for good progress. The team is also involved in producing audio recordings of the New Testament which was launched in 2007. Lift up this team in prayer to the Lord for strength and wisdom in their translation work as well as the other roles they have. 

Consultant checking for Mekeo Old Testament: Papua New Guinea

Give praise to God for the consultant checking* session for the Mekeo translation project in Papua New Guinea during November. The Old Testament books checked included Psalms, Judges, Habakkuk and Obadiah. Two chiefs involved in the checking process started to cry while the translator was reading Psalms 39 in Mekeo. The Word of God spoke deep into their hearts. Consultant Duncan Kasokason stopped the checking session and prayed with them before they continued. Ask the Lord to bless Duncan and these men with physical, spiritual and emotional strength. Duncan has been very busy doing consultant checking for Scripture translations in other languages in recent weeks.

*Consultant check: A translation consultant thoroughly goes over the translation with the team, checking for accuracy, clarity and naturalness, and looking for omissions, extraneous thoughts or possible misconceptions.

Family needs of translators: Papua New Guinea

The wellbeing of the family builds morale and contributes to positive progress in their work. Many Papua New Guinea translators live and work among their own people in remote areas of the country. Many of these places lack basic services. Two children of a translator in the Morobe Province have a need to attend school. They used to walk a long distance to attend the closest school in the area. Two years ago this school was closed. Now they remain home and their parents are wondering and praying how their children would continue their education. Would you pray with this family for this need for their children? They represent many others in similar situations.

from Prayer Focus Bulletin http://ift.tt/2iLYWQj

[wycliffeuk]

Colorful garments are hung to dry in the sunshine and ocean breezes of Honiara, Solomon Islands.

English may be the official language of the Solomon Islands, but less than two percent of people living there speak it. To most of the population, an English Bible contains no meaning, only black and white pages. Still, even translated Scripture can look lifeless to those who don’t yet know how to read their own language.

Alongside Bible translation, literacy education offers people a life-changing skill that not only helps meet their daily needs, but also illuminates Scripture. It opens their eyes to see God’s Word brought to life in full color—a meaningful picture of God’s love and the everlasting hope found in Jesus.

In the Owa language of the Solomon Islands, Bible-based literacy classes helped a student named Dorothy put on a new identity in Christ. “I can read now!” Dorothy said. “When I read my Bible in my own language I understand it, and it really speaks straight into my life. Now I have given my life to God.”

Read Dorothy’s full story.

Photo: Elyse Patten | Words: Jon Bilbro

From Wycliffe Global Alliance Inspiring Image, http://ift.tt/2jHnfij

[wycliffeuk]

Prayer Focus Bulletin 2017-12-03

Savosavo Bible translator: Solomon Islands

On a Christmas visit to her home country, the Solomon Islands, Sister Cesi learned about the need for a Bible translation in Savosavo, the language of her people. She began praying about becoming a Bible translator and requested an assignment in the Solomon Islands. Recently, her superior and the Catholic Archbishop gave their blessing for Sr. Cesi to begin training in Bible translation. She plans to work with the Savosavo people. Praise God for this provision, and pray for Sr. Cesi as she begins this ministry. Pray for the involvement of the Anglican Church and for the formation of a good translation committee.

Bible stories being shared: Southeast Asia

Praise God for a successful visit to a remote language community. The story facilitator played recordings of several stories to a group of three women, and they recognized the names of Adam and Eve. This indicated that people from a neighboring community had shared the stories with the women. This was the desired result of this effort. Pray that people will continue to share the stories with local speakers. Pray for the story facilitator as she has several clerical tasks that will take some time to complete.

"Genesis" video: Philippines

Pray for those working on the "Genesis" video dubbing project and the recording of some audio parts for a large language group. Ask the Lord to direct people become the voice actors. Pray that they will gain spiritual understanding even when they have small spoken parts. Pray for peace and security in the city where the recording is taking place. Pray against Satan’s opposition, and that the team will experience patience, wisdom and joy. Pray that this video will be a bridge to true faith in this language group that generally agrees with the movie content.

Appreciation for Scripture translation: Southeast Asia

Praise God that the consultant check* of the book of Ruth went well in one language community. The participants are eager to have God's Word in their language soon. Translators brought a video about Solomon's temple to one of the speakers of the language. He told some people about the video as they prepared a meal. Later they all watched the video together. It was followed by a question and answer session about the temple and Jesus. The preaching from the checked verses from Ruth brought expressions of appreciation for the translation, and gifts for a fund toward the translation work.

*Consultant check:  A translation consultant thoroughly goes over the translation with the team, checking for accuracy, clarity and naturalness, and looking for omissions, extraneous thoughts or possible misconceptions.

Documenting and recording languages: Global

Pray that Brenda Boerger, SIL Language and Culture Documentation (LCD) Services Coordinator, can build a team of specialists to document languages. The vision is for a team that can deliver language and culture documentation services in local language communities around the world. Their contribution would involve training trainers, training language communities, and providing technical assistance in recording, software, and archiving language material. Ideally two LCD technicians and two LCD specialists are needed for the team. People involved would also need to have a heart for dying languages*, which may not have translation needs. For these, the associated community can benefit from having heritage materials that contribute to identity and well-being.

*Dying languages generally have a small number of older speakers who are not passing the language to the younger generations.

Conference on language assessment and multilingualism: Global

Pray for a combined conference that will bring together people from different parts of the Bible Translation and Language Development movement in May 2018. They will meet this way in order to make the most of funding and to work together towards understanding how to best serve multilingual communities. Pray for those submitting abstracts in December, and for those finalizing the conference schedule. Pray for those interested in being part of the Community of Practice related to multilingual and urbanization issues. 

New orthography consultants: Global

Appropriately developed orthographies (writing systems) are a crucial ingredient in Bible translation so people can read God’s Word more easily. Designing these can be quite a lengthy and complex undertaking. Linguistic, educational, cultural and political factors all need to be considered. Often consultant help is needed. This mix of factors means that a new consultant needs cross-disciplinary skills. Pray that Mike Cahill, Orthography Services Coordinator, can define this new role well. Ask God for consultants to be identified and organized to meet the needs for Orthography Consultants around the world.

from Prayer Focus Bulletin http://ift.tt/2iaod6j

[wycliffeuk]

Prayer Focus Bulletin 2017-11-26

Praise God for new workers: Hong Kong

Thank God for new workers who will serve through Wycliffe Hong Kong. There are also applicants who are considering joining Bible translation movement. Some of them have started to study linguistics and receive cultural training. Some have started work with their team. Please pray for their preparations and transitions to a new stage of life. Ask God to bless them with wisdom and strength as they serve cross-culturally.

Discovery Trip: Hong Kong

Praise God for Wycliffe Hong Kong's “Southeast Asia Discovery Trip” November 8-15. Praise God for Angel, the Ministry Officer who led the trip. Pray that the staff who worked on the event will continue to work well together. Ask God to keep working in the hearts of the participants for openness in learning about Bible translation and language development work.

Pray for workers: Taiwan

Wycliffe Taiwan requests prayer for new workers who can help to support programs and projects both in the office and field. Pray for God to strengthen the faith of the applicants, current members and future members of Wycliffe Taiwan. Ask God to raise partners in their ministries for prayer and financial support.

Workers' retreat: East Asia

Thank God for a fruitful retreat for those working in East Asia. Praise God for the three new members who recently joined the team. Pray for unity of hearts and minds as the East Asia team continues with with their language work. Pray for spiritual protection and the Holy Spirit's guidance as they work on their next goals.

Relationship with churches: East Asia

Pray for those who are building relationships with churches in East Asia. Three global leaders visited three cities in East Asia in November to establish new partnerships. Pray that God further develops relationships with church leaders. 

Conference planning: Philippines

Please pray for the team working on plans for the Translators Association of the Philippines' Biennial Conference in April 2018. Pray that they meet their current deadlines. Pray for the Lord to grant them love, understanding, wisdom and joy as they work together.

People movement: Bangladesh

Bangladesh has been taking in people who have migrated from surrounding countries. Most of them are women and children who have lost the husbands and fathers in their families. Pray that followers of Jesus will know how God wants them to respond and help. Pray for unity as they pray for, plan and propose partnerships with the government and other organizations.

from Prayer Focus Bulletin http://ift.tt/2A4Bs2F

[wycliffeuk]

Intira Thipachot, with the Thailand Bible Society, is the Deaf on-screen signer for Thai Sign Language Bible translation project. 

Hundreds of sign languages exist around the world, but only one has a complete translation of the New Testament. Many Deaf are unable to use printed Bibles because sign languages are so different from spoken or written languages. To read the Bible, they would need to learn another language.

A small team of Deaf believers in Thailand is translating a set of chronological Bible stories into Thai Sign Language so that the Deaf community in Thailand can access God’s Word.

Pastraporn Sarakong is the leader of the translation team. “[God] has put it on my heart to obey him so that the Deaf are not left in the dark but can come to understand the Good News and come to know God,” she says.

Read more about the Thai Sign Language project.

Photo by Marc Ewell | Text by Elaine Bombay

From Wycliffe Global Alliance Inspiring Image, http://ift.tt/2zPvHWL

[wycliffeuk]

Prayer Focus Bulletin 2017-11-19

God is making things new for LETRA: Chile

The members of LETRA Chile are blessed with a new Board of Directors for the organization, along with new members. Praise God for recent agreements with other organizations and churches. Rejoice with LETRA and their new objectives based on prayer in unity, life in community and work in collaboration. Pray for various projects of LETRA Chile and their development. Especially lift to God their national project of Bible translation in Chilean Sign Language.

Pray for the PAAM team: Panama

Ask God for grace and wisdom for Asociación Panameños Alcanzando al Mundo (PAAM) in its work with local churches and pastors. Pray that PAAM workers will experience more intimate communion with God in their various places of service in the world. Pray that God’s transforming power would also be at work in the PAAM team and in churches in Panama. Ask God to raise up more workers to serve globally. Pray for those working in Bible translation projects in West Africa, that their work in translation and audio recording of Scripture will continue to advance.

Printing a Mixtec New Testament: Mexico

Give thanks that the New Testament in a sensitive Mixtec language is being printed. Pray that God would guide every aspect of the process: for functional printing equipment, a smooth binding process and secure packing and shipping of the New Testaments to the language area in Mexico. Thank the Lord for a successful audio recording of all the books in the New Testament, which is also available for download as an electronic file. Give praise that many people have downloaded it from the Internet. Pray that literacy workshops in communities across the language area will help people gain proficiency in reading their language and the Scriptures.

CILTA students nearing course completion: Peru

CILTA students in Peru ask for prayer for their hearts to remain strong in their trust in God. As the end of the school year and graduation time approaches, pray that they will be guarded from distractions. The course is intense and they want to give it their full attention. They ask for prayer that they will continue to have teachable spirits. Ask God to lead them by His Spirit regarding where they should serve Him in the future with their new knowledge and skills.

Prayer and praise for AEL: Peru

Alcanzando a toda Etnia en su Lengua (AEL) in Lima, Peru, is a volunteer organization that works to mobilize churches to do Bible translation in the languages that do not yet have God's Word. Pray that the leadership of AEL will be strengthened in the Lord to impart the vision of AEL to a new generation of volunteers who desire to participate. Pray that many churches will invite them to share the vision of AEL and provide the support they need.

CIMA 2018 in eight countries in January: Global

Movida* challenges young Christians to commit to God, grow in Him and discover their gifts for service in the local church and world missions. For more than 25 years, their congress, CIMA, has impacted thousands of young lives. It consists of two important parts: “Discovery,” which includes six days of intensive training, and “Experience,” which provides 10-20 days of mission practice. CIMA 2018 will take place in eight countries** in January using the theme “Solo Witnesses.” Pray for the youth who will participate in these venues of CIMA. Ask God to lead many to dedicate their lives to Him for Bible translation or other ministries.

*The name “Movida” is a combination of two Spanish words, and means "moving lives".

** Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Paraguay, Peru, and Switzerland

The comfort of the Word: Mexico

As members of the UNTI translation team for the Amuzgo de Xochistlahuaca translate the Psalms, they visit speakers of the language and share God´s Word. They call on a woman whose advanced age and illnesses require her to spend much time lying in her bed. She can no longer attend church services. She is happy to hear the Word of God in her language, by means of the visiting translation team. Pray that God will continue to strengthen her and similarly impact all those who are hearing God’s message in this language of Mexico.

from Prayer Focus Bulletin http://ift.tt/2zQPRzq

[wycliffeuk]

Prayer Focus Bulletin 2017-11-12

Worldwide Bible distribution challenge: Asia

Praise God for the publication of a full Bible in a major language of Asia in print, online and through a phone app. People in neighboring countries and elsewhere in the world are asking for printed copies of this Bible. Pray that distribution channels can be established so that anyone anywhere can obtain this book.

Visas: Asia

Obtaining visas in two countries in Asia is becoming more challenging for language personnel. Pray for a solution for a long-term partner organization that is not receiving visa extensions. As a result many workers needed to leave those countries. Pray for wisdom for those who need to answer the complicated questions asked by visa officials who follow up on visa applications. Pray that strategic short-term visits by administrators and member care workers would be possible. Specifically pray that workers with this organization can continue to get visas to live and work in country.

New strategy: Africa

Praise God that language teams recently received permission to enter and live in an African country. Because of lack of visas and residence permits in the past, they spent many years working outside of the country. Pray that the establishment of a translation business will bring language workers into relationship with key speakers of the local language. Pray for God to create an interest and desire for Scripture translation in the hearts of speakers of the local language. Pray that this new strategy will move translation forward in this hard-to-access region.

Translation goals: West Asia

Pray that language workers will make progress in meeting the translation goals in several projects in one country in West Asia. Pray that one team can finish the Old Testament by 2020. Pray that another will complete the final checking and publication of Luke this year. A third team asks prayer for wisdom in deciding on key terms.* One project team needs more time with a consultant in order to continue at a good pace.

*Key terms refers to words in the biblical texts that convey key theological concepts and are repeated throughout the Bible, such as "sin," grace," and "faith." 

Protection for mother-tongue translators: Asia

Pray for the protection of local mother-tongue translators who take huge risks to be involved in Bible translation in some parts of Asia. Pray for courage for local followers of Jesus from other language communities. They need to cross cultural and linguistic boundaries in order to begin translation in a language different from their own. Pray for wisdom for the sponsoring language development organization. They are seeking ways to assist and equip the local workers. Ask God to provide local people who are willing to participate in community testing.

What publishing information to use: West Asia

Some Scripture and Bible stories will soon be ready for publication in several languages of West Asia. Please pray for wisdom for the language teams. They need to decide on appropriate publishing information to put on these printed and digital products. The source and authority of the translation and publication makes a difference in whether or not the local people see the materials as acceptable.

Romani Scripture use: Romania and Bulgaria

Continue to pray for those translating Scripture into different Romani dialects in Romania and Bulgaria. Pray that people will use and learn from the Scriptures already translated. Pray that churches will consider how to use people's mother tongues in their services and teaching. This is complicated because some members of the congregations speak Romani and others speak only the majority language. Often the pastors speak only the majority language.

from Prayer Focus Bulletin http://ift.tt/2mhcSpN

[wycliffeuk]

[Abridged Article] Six language groups in Kalimantan, Indonesia break down barriers to gain access to God’s word.

From the Wycliffe Global Alliance Wycliffe.net - the latest articles