It is easy to take our Bibles for granted in the UK. We have so many translations, resources, sermons, etc., that we don’t always realise how blessed we are.
But for so many in the world, that just isn’t the case. Paul and Ellen Swenson feel very privileged that they have the opportunity to see God’s Word through the eyes of young first-generation Tanguat believers in Papua New Guinea.
As another children’s literacy class wraps up, some of those who have just learned to read have joined the weekly reading practice time with the teens and are reading God’s Word and preparing to help read verses for Sunday school and church.
Many friends are eager to help with translating sections of the Bible.
Paul has been able to comprehension check some chapters of Genesis with some of the new believers from the outreach location.
The new believers in A & M villages have been excited to read the Bible and the lessons. Another literacy class is planned there in the near future, but since the orthography (alphabet, etc) written for their language mirrors the trade language’s so well, some fluent trade language readers have jumped right into reading without a class!
A man who first became a Christian in a neighbouring language group (his wife’s language group) has moved back to A village with his family and is excited to hear the Gospel and sermons now in his heart language. He has been an encouragement to the Bible teachers as he asks good questions and reiterates main points to his relatives. Lord willing, he will be able to help with the ministry as well.
A man from M village, told Paul that he is trying to write a new worship song every week about that week’s sermon, to help people remember each sermon. It’s a very ambitious idea and they are thankful for his desire to remember the teaching on Romans and to reinforce truth through song.
Paul was able to watch the Bible teachers encourage an extended family who have been fighting to think about God’s Word and choose peace.
Praise:
The Bible Teachers continue to do well leading mostly on their own.
Their visas are currently being renewed!
They have had a good, encouraging time among the Tanguat people this summer.
Eight believers were recently baptised!
Prayer:
For wisdom and endurance for the Bible teachers as they shepherd two churches and that God would be preparing their hearts for potential eldership. Paul will be teaching the G church about elders and deacons more specifically this autumn.
For Paul’s health to stay stable. He has made it through one visit to the tribe and another is planned for September.
The Tanguat church will be hosting the Ramu Valley Bible Conference in September. Pray that it will be a great time of fellowship and encouragement from God’s Word. Pray too for the church and village as they will be hosting hundreds of guests from the Kaze, Inapang, and Iski churches.