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Our Ministry |
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Presenting the first 17 Bible stories in a village-wide meeting |
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Our Ministry |
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We live in Papua, Indonesia, formerly known as Irian Jaya. Our family serves a tribe called the Yetfa, who are 96 miles deep in the heart of the world's second largest rainforest. Our primary ministry is Bible translation, but there are many facets to that. Yetfa ma (the language) is a purely oral language--it has never been written down or depicted by symbols or pictures. History, folklore, even the gospel message is passed in speech alone. Only a small handful can read the national language Indonesian, so the Lord led us to translate the Bible orally--perfect for a pre-literate people. |
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Our first task was to learn and analyze the language. Using only the training we received, we began to listen and parse each sound we heard. Lots of pointing and asking "What is this/that?" and then writing out those sounds phonetically. After building a vocabulary word list, we began to ask for whole sentences and short stories, so we could analyze sentence structure and how to build a thought in Yetfa. While language learning continues and will continue for a long time, the Lord has given us the keys to this language and the analysis is almost complete. Because it has never been written, Yetfa ma has no alphabet or writing system. We are currently testing an alphabet to see how it is accepted among those who can already read. After more testing and any changes, we will make it the official alphabet for Yetfa ma and the written translation process can begin! |
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We currently have 50 chronological oral Bible stories displaying God's salvation story. Starting in Genesis with creation, the story set spans the entire Bible and ends with Jesus' return and our reign with him in heaven. completed with 7 more to go. Each story was carefully crafted, checking each word and phrase for precise meaning and understanding. After testing with native speakers and 2 or 3 consultant checks, the stories were approved, recorded and distributed. It's quite the process, but the outcome is life-changing! Yetfa people throughout the region can hear and grasp God's word in the language they understand. We are currently working on an oral translation of the Gospel of Luke. It goes through the same process--fine-tuning with careful attention to word usage and meaning and then testing each passage with native speakers to check for clarity and understanding. |
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Bible translation is not a quick process. It takes years. The use of computers has greatly accelerated the process, but it's still a long while. Translating God's word is not something that can be rushed. Every word and phrase must be checked for accuracy, precision, and naturalness. It's a serious process, and we beg for your prayers. We do not take it lightly and rely on God to reveal correct word usage and flow and guide us and the translation team as we go. He longs for people to know Him in their heart language, and He goes before us in everything. |
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Alongside the translation process, we will be teaching literacy so the Yetfa people can be ready to receive the written word. Less than 2% now reads the national language. We hope to greatly increase that! That alone is a HUGE task. That is the main reason we are taking an oral approach to translation. No one will be hindered from God's Word simply because he or she cannot yet read. |
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Within the Bible translation process, a number of other things happen as well: |
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Bible translation is our main job here, but caring for the Yetfa people's physical and spiritual needs has become our passion as well. Currently, there is no consistent medical care available in the Yetfa area. Three times a year, a government health team hikes from village to village and provides a two-day clinic, and a couple nurses will stay for a few weeks in the bigger village, but the majority of the time, there is no medical personnel. While we are in the village, we provide basic medical care. We are NOT medical staff, but we can help with first aid and wound care, basic medications and common infections. There is missionary medical staff on call in town, and we can call or email them using our satellite terminal should we need advice or emergency help. |
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This is quite the calling and adventure, and we LOVE it. We often realize how amazing the Lord is in allowing us to do this. And we cannot do this alone. He uses you and countless others around the world to pray and give so this ministry is possible. Thank you for checking us out, reading our updates, and supporting this ministry with your prayers and gifts. We appreciate you so much--more than we can ever express.
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We have an incredible sending church! If you are ever in the Arlington, Texas area on a weekend or Wednesday night, stop by and worship with them. They are a great group of people who love the Lord and serve Him faithfully. To learn more about this ministry and others of the church, contact them at Arlington, TX 76017
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If you are interested in financially supporting the ministry to the Yetfa people, gifts can be sent to |
