Epaphras Update
Epaphras, who is one of your number always labor[s] earnestly for you in his prayers,
that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God. Colossians 4:12
May-June 2006
OUT OF AFRICA May 15-25 Carol is in Nairobi, Kenya as the leaders of the Bible translation movement across Africa gather to consider new ways to help translate the Word of God into the 881 languages across the continent that do not yet have a program started. They are considering important topics such as How can African Christians be more fully engaged in Bible Translation? How can translation processes happen faster by working on multiple related (or cluster) languages in tandem? What about the needs among language communities in areas where missionaries are not allowed? How can translation expertise be applied to address the AIDS epidemic that is wiping out an entire generation in Africa? These issues need your prayers, not just as we meet, but in the months ahead for the implementation of resulting new strategies and for ongoing work. Here are some other specific prayer needs in Africa:
RE-STARTS IN CONGO The Ubangi Cluster Project in the Democratic Republic of Congo includes three languages Ngbandi-Ngiri, Mono and Pagabete. Translation was previously suspended due to civil unrest, but has now resumed under the leadership of three trained Congolese pastors. These languages, although linguistic-ally unrelated, are being treated as a "cluster," sharing the same consultants and other support personnel. Praise God for new life in these projects. Pray for wisdom and protection as these translators work in a stressful political environment.
AIDS INFORMATION IS OUT Several language groups in Cameroon recently received written material in their mother tongue for the very first time, thanks to a workshop in March that helped teams produce an AIDS brochure. Workers from the Aghem, Babanki, Bafut, Bakossi, Bum, Lamnso, Kenyang, Mbembe, Meta and Pinyin languages translated the brochure and made an action plan for how they would use them. Pray the brochures will be used effectively in their communities and for God’s healing.
IT'S HERE! -- More than 2,000 people recently gathered to celebrate the arrival of the New Testament in Chad's Kera language. Speakers emphasized that it is not enough to simply have the New Testament “people need to read and believe it. Through this they can know Him and find healing and freedom from evil spirits." Young people carried boxes of New Testaments to the front, singing, "The New Testament is here, it's here!" Several hundred people stayed to watch the JESUS film in French at the end of the day. Pray for the many who said they want to "begin a new friendship with God."
SUMMER TRAVELS Jim has been tapped to do initial research and coordination into the signed languages of Deaf communities across Africa. This is in addition to the work he does in language software development in Dallas. He will go to Kenya and possibly Cameroon soon. Pray for good health and safety.
Find daily Bible translation prayer requests:
http://www.wycliffe.org/prayer/home.htm
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