| Living Words August 2010 |
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Joy Resounds Among the Ambai!by Tamara Price The banner read “Dedication and Distribution of the New Testament – Ambai Language Translation Serui - March 30, 2010”. What a joyous day that was for the Ambais, the Prices and the Silzers! But how did this long-awaited day come about? Pete and Sheryl Silzer started working on Ambai language learning and translation in 1978, but by 1984 they were drafted into Administration and were unable to keep up the work. The Silzers released their data and programme to us (David and Tamara Price) in 1987, and eventually left Indonesia in 1992 – yet God was faithful to the Ambai people, He did not let them go. Go and Keep on Going!by Christine Foris We felt God’s call to mission, specifically Bible Translation, when we were in our early 20’s. Now we are in our mid 60’s and still doing mission as we’re not aware of a good reason to stop. At the time we were considering joining Wycliffe Bible Translators we were also offered leadership roles by two other Christian agencies that would have kept us in NZ, but we felt God’s call to go where people have never heard of God’s love for them nor the promise of an abundant life through Christ.Celebrating Pacific Missions to PNG
Through song, dance and drama, they will communicate their vision for Bible translation in the hundreds of language communities in PNG where there is no Bible in the heart lan If you'd like to learn more about the tour, or arrange for them to visit your church or school, please contact the Wycliffe NZ office. To the Ends of the EarthA book review by Fiona Taylor.  This coffee-table book is a magnificent visual celebration of "where we've been and who we've been there with" - dedicated to those serving with and along-side Wycliffe. It is produced in full colour by Wycliffe Australia with interesting layout and many inspiring photos – some paired with scriptures or inspiring quotes that outline the importance of Bible translation and literacy work; others stand alone, saying more than any words could do.
E100 Bible Reading Challenge One of the key reasons why Christians don’t read the Bible is that they find it difficult to understand (Bible Society NZ research 2009). The E100 Bible Reading Challenge is a flexible resource designed to help people get into reading their Bibles. It features 100 carefully selected readings (50 Old Testament and 50 New Testament) designed to give people a good understanding of the overall Bible story from Genesis to Revelation. The E stands for essential and each of the essential 100 readings ranges from a few verses to a few chapters. Through completing the challenge, participants are encouraged to build a regular habit of spending time with God through Bible reading and prayer.At its heart, E100 is a personal challenge – it isn’t easy, it’s not meant to be. Bible reading is a discipline, something we need to be committed to. While many people plan to complete the challenge in 20 weeks (5 readings per week), it can take as long as you need, and you can start it whenever you like. There are several resources available: The Quick-Start Planner lists the readings and includes a punch-out card; the Companion Book (174-page paperback) includes a reflection for each reading; the Discussion Guide (71-page paperback) has two sets of discussion questions for Home-groups; and “God’s Amazing Plan” is for children and families and includes a sticker-chart. Visit the web site for more information or to sign up: http://www.e100nz.org.nz/ From the Chairman of the BoardWithout Director, Wayne Freeman, presently being on a six month sabbatical, I'm helping to bridge the gap, as it were. In this issue of Living Words we read two remarkable journeys; two families giving of themselves to undetake a calling from the Lord; two families prepared to dedicate significant time in giving the Word of God to others. As I ponder on their respective journeys, it is with the realisation that Bible translation does not happen over night. It is not a simple process and it is not the kind of job that brings fame and fortune in this world. This work requires dedication, endurance, commitent and sacrifice. yet the reward of serving the Lord and doing His work has no comparison. Hearing the call from the Lord is one thing - fulfilling it is an entirely different matter. We live in a world where the now is important, where instantaneous is the required, where longevity in a task is very rarely undertaken. The dedication of people like David and Christine Foris, and David and Tamara Price and their families teach us that the greater things, the greater accomplishments, and the greater rewards in life come onl when we truly commit to what is before us. The Lord of couse is the Great Rewarder, and He is faithful beyond measure.  We have recently joined up with Bartercard – contact the office if you’d like to donate Bartercard points to Wycliffe NZ. Many of you will have heard about the E100 Bible Reading Challenge - a joint initiative we have with Scripture Union and the Bible Society of NZ. We have been amazed at the hundreds of churches and thousands of peple who have signed up and are now using this resource to get into God's Word.On a sad note, this year Jim Cochran, a former Wycliffe NZ Council member (1975 - 1999), and Council Chairman (1981 - 1990), passed away. Jim was very committed to the work of Bible translation and served on the Council with a great sincerity and wisdom with this goal always in mind. He is now receiving his reward in eternity with the Lord. Tom Scollard, chairman, Wycliffe Bible Translators NZ Board. |
A team of six people from the Bible Translation Association (BTA) of Papua New Guinea (PNG) will be arriving in New Zealand towards the end of August for a four week tour. They will be ministering in churches and schools across the country – celebrating how Christians from Polynesia travelled in deep sea canoes to share the gospel with the peoples of PNG.
guage. 
They will report on the exciting events happening in those communities where the Word is being translated – Literacy and Scripture Use activities form a major part of BTA’s ministry. 
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