Preparing for Printing (Wycliffe Bible Translators)

PAPUA NEW GUINEA – Where in the printing process are the Glefe (Kwomtari) scripture portions?

The Softproof is a digital copy of the printer’s computer layout. Korea sends it back to our Scripture Publication department to check that everything is in the correct order before they start printing the Signature Copy. It was checked and returned to the Printer, in mid-December, letting them know it all looked good.

Now we wait for the Signature Copy, an actual printed copy, minus the cover, to be sent to PNG. They will go through every page again and check that all the pictures look clear and all pages are in the correct order and there are no blurry areas. When that is done, they will email to let Korea know they can start printing!

Please pray for the whole printing process and it’s shipping back to PNG. Some of you have expressed interest in coming to witness God’s faithfulness at the dedication. We’ll let you know as soon as we can when that will take place.

The shell book “How the Jews Lived” has been completed and sent to a literacy consultant. Murray and I will review her comments and make any necessary changes. When this is finished, it will be sent to the printer at Ukarumpa.

Culture Meets Scripture workshop reported 127 certificates, but about 135 people from 3 language groups attended. They expected about 60.

The lessons included a variety of learning styles: Biblical storytelling, questions given to large and small groups, looking at supporting Bible verses, dramas, songwriting of key verses, group discussions, a time of repentance and commitment, group work on a chosen cultural practice to analyze, prayer for one another.

After discussing various cultural practices, they were given the opportunity to share. One of the young girls, in her presentation on exchange marriage, gave the challenge to the whole group that by following this custom, a girl has no rights. No right to finish an education or no choice in who she would want to marry. She challenged them that when they give a daughter in exchange, often the daughter might be given to an unbeliever, a man involved in sorcery, or to an old man who just wants someone to care for him. This is still a very common practice in this area.

Murray & Carol Honsberger

Please pray for them to stand firm on the truths of the Scriptures ... the decisions and commitments they have made to not follow traditional customs, but to look to God and God alone.

The key verse used as a prayer during the workshop was Psalm 25:4-5. A very good passage for us as we enter the New Year. “Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long." (NIV)

Home church: Altona EMMC, Manitoba