Good News - Kwaio NTs
19 June 2015 | 8 54.173'S:161 04.421'E, Malaita Island
Gina
Good News - Kwaio NTs
They got it! They get it! They have it! Access! Last year there was a celebration for the New Testament completion in the Kwaio language here on Malaita Island in the Solomons. David, the local, man who led the process and assisted by Wycliffe advisor Julie, began the project back in 2003.
Just like in the recorded battle David vs Goliath, God gave him the strength to get the job done. Next on David�'s agenda, complete the Old Testament in Kwaio. Pray for him, please!
The people here really wanted the gospel in their own language and God put it on David�'s heart, along with a few other local men, to get it done. Now they have it in print. There is a solid following of Christ Jesus here and you can see the Holy Spirit working with in the local community leaders to preserve their culture by preserving their language and community.
Like EVERYWHERE, the young adults and youth are being distracted and influenced by the pressures of this world and EVERYTHING that comes with it. YES, even here in remote area of the Solomon Islands.
We are in the midst of a two week support ministry by traveling here and assisting in the delivery of Kwaio New Testaments to coastal villages and into the hands of Pastors and others who desire them. All schools in the Solomon�'s, like Papua New Guinea, teach about Christ. Schools cover English but local language is regarded with high priority for many reasons. It is especially important that local leaders (men and women) have the bible in their Tok Tok (local language), not English, Latin, Greek or some other dialect that does not speak to their hearts.
Just like in the time right after Christ rose to heaven, as promised, at Pentecost it happened and the Spirit of God descended upon the first disciples and Jerusalem where people from every culture were present for the festival. And in that time, when the disciple Peter opened his mouth speaking to the crowd, they heard the testament of Christ and this prophecy foretold by the prophet Joel, each in their own Tok Tok; an amazing documented and true story. See Acts chapter 2 and research the historical aspects of this event during Roman occupation of this great city.
Here before our eyes and hearts, this effort continues and the commission of Christ is being fulfilled: That every nation (people group) hear the Good News and thereafter having the opportunity to choose to believe, He will return.
The trip was challenging in that this area is on the open ocean side of Malaita Island. Heavy trade winds pushing against us made a 3 hour trip into 10 hours. By grace, perseverance and a powerful diesel engine, we made it, participating in community meetings with elders and leaders. After several more visits early next week up the coast (south for us northern hemisphere people), we will complete our time here, heading back to Honiara for refueling and provisioning.
Plenty is happening, more to come. Blessings to you for your support and prayer for this maritime ministry and our family!