For Lív, in West Africa, April means that hot season has started. It is already 37 degrees Celsius during the afternoons in her house. She is grateful that she can still sleep comfortably at night, since she has a waterbed.
Last rainy season they had more rain than they have had for decades. There is still water in some parts of the rice fields, something she has never experienced in all her twenty years in Africa. The water is a good thing, as animals have enough to drink, there are fish, and people are also using it to make bricks. But there is also fear and superstition connected to it. The updating of the New Testament is going well and Lív is almost done. There are still some decisions that need to be made. After it is all done, it needs to be read to a group of people before it can be sent off for printing. Please pray that the Lord gives wisdom in how everything should be done.
The young translator that has been helping now for several years, is going through 1 and 2 Kings with some villagers, to see how well they comprehend the translation. He has also translated the first book of two about Jewish customs in Bible times. They have gone through the first book, and he has now started to translate the second one.
In February, the translation consultant paid a visit, to check 1 Samuel and the first half of 2 Samuel. Praise the Lord that it all went well, and 1 Samuel has been prepared for printing. The consultant will be back later this month to check the rest of 2 Samuel and Judges. It will probably take a week. Pray that the language helper, that helped last time will be available.
The young translator and his wife have a baby daughter, she has had several seizures this year. They took her to the hospital, and she was given some medicine, and was well for two months. But she recently had a seizure during the night that lasted for around 45 minutes. Pray for Lív’s co-worker who is looking into how they can get further help. They will certainly have to go to the capital to one of the bigger hospitals there. Please pray for wisdom and grace during it all, and that the girl will get the help that she needs quickly. Also pray for the family, and that the father continues resist the pressure to go back to using animistic healing rituals etc.
Lív’s co-workers are back from their home assignment. Together they are looking forward to the Bible teaching staring again. But they are going to miss a dear believer who went to be with the Lord in December. He was always such an encouragement and would always participate in prayer and make encouraging comments. Pray that the Lord would raise up others to take responsibility. Pray that there will be many that will choose to follow the Lord fully.
Thank you so much for your prayers for the team and the work.