Thursday, May 8, 2008

Juvenile Scissor Phobia



Jack at left, at 16 months: "No, no! Not the scissors! Not the curls! Torture, torture. Won't someone, anyone, help me? Aargh!"



Jack below, 10 minutes later: "Oh, well, hee hee. I guess I overreacted just a little. Thanks Mama."

Me: "oh no! Oh dear! Where's my baby boy? Who are you? What have I done?"

The Face of Translation




I just thought you might enjoy seeing some of the people who are helping us walk the long road of Bible translation. These four are among many who have helped in our project with building orthographies (alphabets) for 8 language groups here. All are busy people with many other demands on their time, but they were all happy to come and work on their languages so that one day they will see the Scriptures in their own mother tongues.

Can you imagine...
.. not having the Bible in English?

.. praying in your second language because no one told you that you could pray in English?

.. not knowing how to read?

.. never having read anything in English because it was not yet written?

.. not having any Bibles or other books in your house?

.. going to church but worshipping in your second (or third) language?

.. never having understood that Jesus loves and died for you?

Frankly, I can't really imagine these things, but after living here, I know that there are so very many countless Tanzanians (and others around the world) for whom these statements are true.

We are so very grateful to be a part of this awesome task. We're also thankful to have seen all that the Lord has been doing here in Musoma since we arrived. We are encouraged by the great faith and dedication of those who are working alongside of us, like the people whose pictures you see here. And we're thankful that you are a vital part of this ministry through your constant prayer, encouragement and support. We look forward to seeing you soon on the other side of the ocean!